Kuwait Receives Over 11,600 Expat Worker Visa Transfer Requests Under New Labor Rules

KUWAIT CITY, May 25: The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has received 11,654 transfer requests from expatriate workers seeking to move from restricted sectors to other sectors, according to official figures released as of May 23, 2026.

The authority stressed that employer approval remains a fundamental requirement for all transfer applications, affirming that no labor complaints related to transfers will be accepted as an exception to the rules. Officials said adherence to legal conditions and procedures is necessary to protect the rights of both workers and employers and to maintain stability in the labor market.

According to the figures circulated to local media, the small businesses sector recorded the highest number of transfer requests, accounting for 7,016 applications or 60.2 percent of the total. Authorities said this indicates that nearly six out of every ten transfer requests originated from this sector.

The agricultural sector ranked second with 2,160 transfer requests, representing 18.5 percent of the total. Officials said the movement may reflect workers seeking better income opportunities or greater job stability, as well as changes in labor demand within certain agricultural activities.

The industrial sector registered 1,293 transfer requests, accounting for 11.1 percent of the total. The relatively lower figure compared to small businesses and agriculture may point to more stable employment conditions or stricter regulatory controls within industrial activities.

In the livestock sector, 1,057 transfer requests were submitted, making up 9.1 percent of all applications. Despite the sector’s comparatively limited size, the figures indicate noticeable labor movement, potentially linked to operational challenges faced by traditional industries.

Meanwhile, the fishing sector recorded the lowest number of requests, with only 128 applications or 1.1 percent of the total, largely due to the sector’s smaller workforce.

Sources within the authority revealed that electronic systems have received thousands of applications since the decision came into effect, adding that the number is expected to rise further as requests continue to be processed through the end of June.

The sources emphasized that applications failing to meet the approved conditions — particularly those lacking employer consent — will not be accepted. Officials reiterated that the transfer decision is temporary and strictly tied to compliance with existing labor laws and regulations.

The authority also confirmed that labor complaints related to transfers outside the approved restricted sectors will not be entertained, stressing that the system is based on mutual agreement between employers and workers.

Officials said the continued implementation of the approved legal procedures and deadlines would help prevent arbitrary transfers and labor market imbalances while supporting a healthier and more stable work environment.

“The authority remains committed to issuing decisions that serve the labor market, provide practical solutions to many of its challenges, and improve the work environment by achieving effective stability,” officials said.