Kuwait Requires Degree Checks For Work Permits

Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), Marzouq Al-Otaibi, has officially approved the implementation of streamlined procedures concerning the issuance, renewal, and amendment of work permits for migrant workers, workers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and Bedoun individuals. These services are now available via the Ashal portal for employers and the Sahel Business app, offering a faster and more efficient user experience.

This move aligns with Kuwait’s efforts to digitize government services, ensuring transparency and efficiency in labor market operations.

Three Key Determinants for Academic Qualifications

According to the circular obtained by Alseyassah/Arab Times, academic qualifications are assessed based on three critical criteria:

• Educational Level: Doctorate, Master’s, Bachelor’s, or Diploma
• Field of Specialization: Examples include Commercial Law, Biochemistry, etc.
• Status of Qualification: Unrecognized, Preliminary Recognition, Administrative Recognition, or Accreditation based on the Ministry of Higher Education’s equivalency standards

The updated manual mandates that employees reviewing work permit applications must verify the compatibility between the field of specialization and the profession listed. The educational level and accreditation status are automatically validated by the system, while academic documents are uploaded only if prompted.

Engineering and Non-Engineering Professions: Different Approval Paths

For engineering professions, the system automatically verifies the necessary approvals. If the required approval is missing, the application is automatically rejected, and a digital note confirms the employee’s approval status. This automated process significantly reduces manual intervention and errors.

In contrast, for non-engineering professions that require pre-approval, employers must upload a copy of the approval as part of their application. This ensures that only qualified individuals are employed in specialized roles across industries.

Work Permit Renewals Simplified

PAM has also automated several work permit renewal services, eliminating the need for uploading academic documents or separate approvals. These include:

• Renewal of permits for migrant workers
• Renewal of permits for GCC nationals
• Renewal of permits for legally resident Bedoun workers

These simplified processes apply only if the renewal is for the same profession, ensuring a seamless continuation of employment without administrative delays.

Boosting Labor Market Transparency and Compliance

These reforms by PAM reflect Kuwait’s broader vision to enhance labor market regulation through digitization, transparency, and streamlined service delivery. By linking educational qualifications directly with job roles, the country aims to ensure that skilled and qualified professionals are placed in appropriate positions—minimizing mismatches and increasing efficiency.