Kuwait has now resumed issuing work visas for foreign nationals under temporary contracts, a move that promises opportunities for those seeking short-term employment within the country. The decision, announced by Kuwait's Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), reintroduces work visas for government projects expected to last less than a year, meeting a critical demand for labor in specific sectors.
The reactivation was directed by Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah, who holds several prominent government roles, including First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. In a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, PAM confirmed that the renewed work visas are specifically tailored to support short-term government projects, which require workforce flexibility for effective project execution.
Required Documents for a Work Visa in Kuwait
To apply for a work visa in Kuwait, applicants must prepare the following documentation:
A valid passport with a minimum of six months' remaining validity
A completed visa application from the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs
A passport-sized photograph
An HIV/AIDS test result
A health certificate from a certified doctor confirming good health and absence of contagious diseases
Police clearance indicating no criminal record
Upon submission of these documents, applicants will receive a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC), granting them permission to enter Kuwait. Once in Kuwait, new arrivals are required to obtain a residency visa and apply for a Kuwait Civil ID within 30 days of arrival.
Visa Application Process: Employer Involvement
Employers play a critical role in this visa process. They must send a copy of the work permit to the Kuwaiti embassy in the applicant’s home country. If necessary, the applicant may need to visit the embassy with the permit. In cases where no Kuwaiti embassy is present in the applicant’s country, the employer is responsible for submitting the work permit and NOC to Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior.
Significant Indian Workforce Presence in Kuwait
Indian nationals represent approximately 21% of Kuwait’s population of 4.2 million and account for about 30% of the country’s workforce. Indians work across multiple sectors, including engineering, healthcare, IT, and business. However, a substantial portion of the Indian workforce in Kuwait is engaged in labor-intensive roles, making up nearly 61% of the total Indian expatriate population in the country.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO), in collaboration with the Indian government, has established minimum referral wages (MRW) for Indian workers abroad. For Kuwait, these wages range from $300 to $1,050 per month, depending on job categories, with roles like carpenters, masons, drivers, and pipefitters earning around $300 monthly. Indian states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab, which send many workers to Kuwait, work closely with the government to uphold these wage standards.
Recent Changes in Kuwaiti Visa Policies
Kuwait has made several adjustments to its visa policies in 2024 to improve labor conditions and facilitate mobility for foreign workers. In July, a new policy allowed foreign workers in the domestic sector to transfer to private sector jobs, aiming to make labor mobility more seamless for foreign employees.
Additionally, in June, Kuwait lifted a year-long restriction on entry and work visas for Filipino workers. This change, following improved employment conditions, allowed experienced Filipino workers to rejoin the Kuwaiti workforce after the lifting of this extended ban.
