The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), Kuwait, has announced new rules for work permits, suspending changes to the academic qualifications or job titles of expatriates with work permits or those transferred to the private sector—especially if the changes involve a higher degree that doesn't match the original job requirements.

Introducing the new rules, PAM Kuwait shared on platform X.com: “Regarding the suspension of modification of academic qualification or profession for expatriates holding work permits or transferred to work in the private sector. As part of the efforts to regulate the labor market and ensure specialisation and job justice, the Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior issued Ministerial Circular No. (1) for the year 2025.”

تعميم وزاري رقم (1) لسنة 2025 بشأن وقف تعديل المؤهل العلمي أو المهنة للمستقدمين بتصاريح عمل أو المحولين للعمل بالقطاع الأهلي#الهيئة_العامة_للقوى_العاملة#manpower_kuwait pic.twitter.com/VT7DgghzNJ

— الهيئة العامة للقوى العاملة (@manpowerkwt) May 7, 2025

It further added that, “In line with the regulatory procedures for certified academic qualifications and professions at the Public Authority of Manpower, the modification of academic qualifications or professions for expatriates holding work permits or transferred to work in the private sector is suspended.”

“This applies to cases where the modification requires a higher academic level that is not aligned with the nature of the profession for which the work permit was originally issued, or that is required for transfers from other sectors.”

“The Authority is assigned the task of developing the unified Kuwaiti guide for job descriptions and professional classification. This circular shall come into force from the date of issuance, and relevant authorities shall be informed and act accordingly.”

The authority strictly emphasised that all workers requiring security screening must first obtain its approval before proceeding with security clearance from the Ministry of Interior, Kuwait.

PAM also explained that, in addition to regulating the labour market, the circular is intended to align academic specialisations with evolving job roles and requirements, and to promote equal and improved job opportunities for the nation's talent.

Meanwhile, some internal sources told the media that the authority will keep accepting work permit applications for doctors, engineers, and government contract workers from Egypt, along with a few exceptional cases.

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The Manpower Authority is rapidly spearheading efforts to improve the labour market, align academic output with evolving industry needs, and advance Kuwaitization, aiming to boost workforce participation and create better job opportunities for local talent.

Most recently it posted: "As part of the joint cooperation between the Public Authority for Manpower and the Ministry of Electricity and Water, the mechanism for implementing the Kuwaitization provisions on government contracts was explained, in the presence of project managers. It is worth noting that the ministry is the largest government entity after the oil sector in terms of the number of contracts and tenders.