13/05/2025
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13/05/2025
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In light of evolving labor market needs, Kuwait had updated regulations regarding part-time employment for expatriate workers in Feb 2024. Employees under Article 18 (private sector) are permitted to take up part-time jobs with another employer, provided they obtain written approval from their current sponsor and download a valid part-time work permit through the Sahel app. These permits are time-bound and subject to official fees, with working hours typically limited to four hr/per day. Conversely, employees under Article 17 (public sector) are not allowed to engage in additional employment without formal permission from their government employer. These measures aim to ensure lawful labor practices while offering flexibility within Kuwait’s workforce framework.
Article 17 – Public Sector Employees
This covers government employees.
- Employees under Article 17 cannot legally take up part-time jobs in the private sector or elsewhere without explicit permission from their government employer.
- Violating this can lead to disciplinary action or cancellation of residency status.
Part-Time Work for Article 18 Employees (Private Sector)
As of Feb 2024, the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) introduced regulations allowing private sector employees to engage in part-time work with another employer under the following conditions:
- Employer Approval: The employee must obtain written consent from their current (primary) employer.
- Work Permit: A part-time work permit must be secured through the Sahel platform.
- Working Hours: The part-time job is limited to a maximum of four hours per day, except in the contracting sector, which may have different provisions.
- Permit Fees: Fees for the part-time work permit are as follows:
- KD 5 for one month
- KD 10 for three months
- KD 20 for six months
- KD 30 for one year
Steps to Obtain a Part-Time Work Permit in Kuwait
1. Get Written Approval from Your Primary Employer
Your current sponsor (kafeel) must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or written approval allowing you to work part-time elsewhere.
This is a mandatory requirement.
2. Second Employer Applies for the Part-Time Work Permit
The employer offering the part-time job must apply for PAM. ( through Ashal App)
The second employer needs to have:
- A valid business license.
- A position is available under their quota system (i.e., they must have legal room to hire another expat).
- A valid reason for hiring part-time (e.g. short-term projects, peak periods, etc.).
3. Submit Documents to the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM)
The second employer needs to submit the following:
Required Documents:
- Copy of your passport and civil ID
- Copy of your residency (Visa 18)
- Copy of your current work permit
- Copy of your original work contract
- NOC/approval letter from your current sponsor
- Part-time job offer letter from the second employer
- Company’s commercial license (for the second employer)
- Any additional documentation requested by PAM
Consequences for the Employee (Worker without Permit):
- Immediate Arrest
- You can be detained on the spot by Residency Affairs or Manpower Authority officers during a field inspection or raid.
- Deportation (In most cases, violators are deported without the right to return for a set number of years (often 5 years or more).)
- Residency Cancellation
- Your Iqama (residency permit) under Article 18 can be canceled immediately.
- Blacklist Status
- You may be blacklisted from re-entering Kuwait or other GCC countries.
Consequences for the Employer (Who Hired You Part-Time):
- Fines
- Employers hiring someone without a proper part-time permit can be fined KD 1,000 or more per violation, depending on the case.
- Business License Suspension
- Their commercial license can be suspended or revoked.
- Legal Action (They may face criminal charges under labor law violations, especially if the violation involves repeat offenses or abuse.)
To Stay Safe:
- Always ensure you have a valid part-time permit issued through the Sahel app.
- Keep a copy (digital or print) of your work permit with you while working.
- Ensure your main sponsor/employer is aware and has approved it.
For more Legal topics, visit our Legal Clinic, or email us your queries to [email protected] (Kindly note, please do not send us repeated queries)
