Kuwait Introduces Part-Time Work for Expats in Private Sector

In a significant move aimed at optimizing its expatriate workforce, Kuwait has issued a groundbreaking decision allowing expatriates in the private sector to engage in part-time work, effective January 2024.

This policy shift, announced by the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM), aims to leverage existing talent within the country and address the demographic imbalance favouring expats.

What Does It Mean?

Previously, expats in Kuwait under the kafala system were tied to their sponsors and prohibited from working for additional employers. The new regulation grants them flexible work opportunities through part-time roles, provided they:

• Obtain approval from their original employer
• Secure a dedicated work permit for the part-time job from PAM

The Current Landscape

Kuwait currently operates under stringent employment rules, including the kafala system, which binds expatriate workers to their sponsors. Violating these regulations, such as engaging in unauthorized work, can lead to deportation.

The nation aims to strike a balance between its native population of approximately 1.5 million and the expatriate community, a number that exceeds double the native population.

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Key Provisions

The new part-time work initiative involves a series of measures aimed at reducing the overall number of foreigners in the country.

• Maximum daily hours: Four hours, except for the contracting sector (no limit)
• Goal: Maximize utilization of skilled expats already in Kuwait
• Impact: Reduce reliance on new expat recruitment and rebalance the population (currently, expats constitute over 67% of the 4.5 million residents)

Embracing Remote Work

In a parallel development, the Interior Minister has directed the Public Authority of Manpower to permit employers to allow certain employees to work from home.

This flexibility is applicable to professions where the nature of the work allows for remote engagement. The authority will establish guidelines to govern online work, ensuring a seamless transition to remote employment.

Additional Measures

• Work-from-home initiative: The interior minister is exploring remote work options for suitable professions, further promoting flexibility and talent utilization.
• Constitutional debate: Political groups voiced opposition to proposals for suspending the constitution or parliament to amend it, emphasizing adherence to democratic principles.

Conclusion

Kuwait’s new part-time work policy empowers expats while aiming to address the country’s demographic challenges. This, alongside the work-from-home initiative and commitment to democratic processes, signals a focus on economic progress and citizen well-being.