KUWAIT CITY, July 27: Kuwaiti authorities arrested 44 laborers during a surprise inspection at a major construction site, in a sweeping crackdown on illegal workers amid efforts to regulate the country’s labor market.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), in coordination with the Joint Tripartite Committee, launched the unannounced raid at the Al-Naeem Housing Project under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.

The campaign uncovered a range of labor violations, including workers found employed by companies other than their sponsors, laborers working in professions not listed on their permits, and individuals residing in Kuwait illegally.

Among the violations:

The arrested laborers were reportedly working under the names of Arab Contractors and First Group, without possessing the required permits and engaging in unauthorized job roles.

In an official statement, PAM emphasized that the inspection is part of a broader campaign to enforce Kuwait’s labor laws and create a safer, more organized work environment for all stakeholders. The authority affirmed that inspections will continue with full force and violators will face strict legal action.

“These measures are being implemented in collaboration with relevant agencies to deter violations and maintain the integrity of Kuwait’s labor market,” the statement read.