Want to Change From Project Visa to Private Sector in Kuwait? This Is What You Need to Know

30/10/2025

Want to Change From Project Visa to Private Sector in Kuwait? This Is What You Need to Know

Many expatriates working on government project visas in Kuwait want to move to private companies once their project ends. Thanks to new rules introduced by Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) in late 2024, this transfer is now possible—but only if certain documents, such as the project completion certificate, are properly submitted. Knowing the correct process and timing can help workers avoid rejection or the need to leave the country.

Question:

Dear Arab Times, I came to Kuwait with the company government. Project Visa No. 18 in 2018. The project was completed in 2024. I was not able to get the project completion letter on time. At that time, I had an offer in another company (Govt Project) so I transferred my visa. I missed the option of transferring my Govt Project visa to a Private Sector visa as per the new rule from Nov 03, 2024.

I even requested my present company to transfer my visa (Govt. Project visa to Private sector) to the main file of the company, but my application was rejected.

I need to wait till the completion of my existing project for transfer (Govt project to private sector) to the company's main file. Is there any other option available for the same without exiting the country? Kindly provide me with the correct information concerning the relevant laws and regulations. I sincerely hope for your kind assistance and positive response.

Answer:

Yes — you can still pursue options without immediately exiting Kuwait, but success will depend on paperwork (proof the project actually ended), PAM/Residence Affairs decisions, and your current sponsor’s cooperation.

In November 2024, Kuwait implemented new rules under Ministerial Resolution No. 27/2024, allowing expatriates working under government project visas to transfer to private sector sponsors once their project officially ended, provided they could submit the completion certificate and meet all regulatory requirements.

According to Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower, workers on project-based Article 18 visas may only transfer to another employer under certain conditions:

1. The project must be officially completed and a completion certificate issued by the relevant government body. Or the project/contract was terminated

2. A letter from the government entity responsible for the contract or project must be provided to the PAM confirming that the contract has ended and the workers are no longer required. The current sponsor’s consent is usually needed unless PAM determines there are legal or humanitarian grounds for exception.

3. At least one year must have passed since the worker was hired under the contract

4. The Employer with whom the worker is registered must approve the transfer

5. An additional fee of 350 KD must be paid for the transfer

6. Transfers within government projects are generally permitted, but cross-category transfers (from government project to private sector) require specific approval.

To regularize his status, the following steps are advised:

Obtain an official project completion letter from the contracting authority or main contractor confirming the end of employment under the government project.
Submit a formal transfer request through the current sponsor or new private employer to PAM, attaching all supporting documents.
If rejected, file a written complaint to PAM’s Labor Relations Department or the Residency Affairs (Jawazat) section, citing the November 2024 regulations.

Legal consultants emphasize that many expatriates are unaware of the new transfer provisions that came into effect in November 2024. Workers on long-term government projects are encouraged to maintain copies of contracts, completion letters, and correspondence to facilitate future transfers.

While the case highlights bureaucratic challenges faced by expatriates in Kuwait’s project sector, it also underlines the importance of timely documentation and awareness of evolving labor laws. With proper coordination between sponsors, government authorities, and PAM, such transfers can often be resolved without requiring workers to leave the country.

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