New regulations aim to boost national workforce in gov’t contracts

This news has been read 2527 times!

KUWAIT CITY, May 5: In a significant move aimed at bolstering the national workforce, the Public Authority for Manpower, represented by the National Manpower Affairs Sector, is gearing up to implement new regulations for employing nationals in government contracts. These regulations, outlined in Cabinet Resolution No. 1179 of 2023, are slated to come into effect this month, according to sources within the authority.

The implementation of these regulations is expected to have a transformative impact on the private sector, as they align with directives from the political leadership and the Council of Ministers to prioritize the employment of citizens in this vital sector. The regulations aim not only to attract more nationals to work in the private sector but also to provide them with job security and stability, making the sector more appealing to prospective employees.

Key provisions of the regulations focus on incentivizing young nationals to join the private sector by enhancing job security, creating more job opportunities, and facilitating the acquisition of scientific experience and technical skills. Additionally, these regulations are part of a broader initiative to increase the proportion of national workers across various sectors.

One of the primary objectives of these regulations is to curb the influx of unskilled and unqualified workers into the labor market while ensuring compliance and reducing violations. Initial steps will be taken to implement the regulations, with plans to expand their scope to encompass contracts across all entities, thereby further promoting nationalization efforts.

The Committee approved the draft regulation for the Kuwaitization of government contracts for Adjusting the Demographics and Labor Market Development last October. The regulations empower the Kuwaitization Unit to determine the proportions of national labor for each government contract based on its nature and available positions. The Unit will also oversee the recruitment process and announce job vacancies, with provisions for accommodating applicants with disabilities.

Under the regulations, relevant authorities must promptly provide contractors with the data of accepted candidates, who must complete the recruitment procedures within 30 days of notification or the start of the government contract, whichever comes first.

As these regulations come into effect, they mark a significant step towards enhancing national workforce participation and fostering economic growth in Kuwait.

This news has been read 2527 times!