27/04/2026
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27/04/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, April 27: Only a few days remain until the implementation of Decision No. 2/2026, issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM). The decision allows the transfer of visas for expatriate workers employed in specific sectors, namely small and medium enterprises, industry, agriculture, livestock, and fishing, subject to defined regulations and for a temporary period. Director General of PAM Eng. Rabab Al- Osaimi confirmed that the decision, set to take effect from the beginning of May until the end of June for a period of two months, reflects the state’s commitment to balancing the interests of employers and workers, while maintaining the requirement of the original employer’s approval for any transfer.
Al-Osaimi explained that PAM will not accept labor complaints related to the implementation of the decision, particularly those concerning transfers outside the permitted sectors, as the decision is temporary and subject to obtaining the original employer’s consent.
The existing legal and regulatory controls, requirements, and timeframes will remain in place to safeguard the rights of all parties, prevent violations, and stop any arbitrary transfers that could negatively impact the stability of the labor market. The decision stems from a commitment to continuously regulate the labor market and adopt practical solutions that take into account the interests of all parties and align with current regional circumstances.
Applications to benefit from the decision will be submitted through the “Ashal/Companies” service. Al-Osaimi went on to explain that employers wishing to transfer workers to their accounts will submit applications through the designated service. Procedures will be completed after obtaining approval from the original employers of workers in the sectors covered by the decision.
This decision complements a series of initiatives aimed at improving the business environment and developing the labor market, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef. These initiatives aim to address many labor market challenges comprehensively and implement broad reforms. The decision contributes to maximizing the utilization of the existing workforce in Kuwait, rather than allowing it to remain idle or underutilized. It is expected to significantly benefit the aforementioned labor sectors, particularly the private sector. It is worth noting that the ban on transferring workers from the five sectors mentioned above to other sectors has been in place for many years.
