Rare Specialization Bonus For Kuwaiti, Gulf Teachers Approved

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has officially approved the allocation of a rare specialization allowance for Kuwaiti and Gulf teachers during the 2024/2025 academic year, in response to a critical shortage in several academic disciplines. The decision comes amid the Ministry of Education's ongoing efforts to nationalize the education sector and improve staffing in subjects where non-Kuwaiti teachers dominate.

Allowance Linked to Staffing Shortfalls

According to the CSC, the approval is conditional on a minimum 30% vacancy rate in each subject area. The move aims to encourage local talent to pursue teaching careers in fields facing severe shortages.

Breakdown of Subject-Specific Shortages

Physics

Only 24 Kuwaiti and 29 Gulf nationals out of 470 teachers, accounting for just 11.28%.

French Language

Only 51 Kuwaiti teachers out of 293 total.

Mathematics

Non-Kuwaitis make up 95% of secondary-level teachers and 84% at the intermediate level.

Biology

Out of 348 teachers, only 25% are Kuwaiti or Gulf nationals, while 74.4% are non-Kuwaitis.

Government Strategy to Nationalize the Education Sector

The allowance is part of a broader strategy to increase national participation in education and reduce reliance on expatriates.

Encouraging a Sustainable Teaching Workforce

The rare specialization allowance is a vital step toward building a sustainable teaching workforce with more nationals in science and language fields.

Global Insights

Global bodies like UNESCO and the World Bank emphasize teacher incentives in addressing global teacher shortages.