Authorities plan halt to recruitment of foreign workers under 30

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Kuwaiti authorities have said that in 2018 they will stop issuing new private sector work visas to foreign nationals under 30.

• What does the change mean? The change will halt new recruitment, but will not affect foreign nationals already working in Kuwait, including those who subsequently apply for visa renewals. Kuwait’s Manpower Public Authority announced the decision in November.
• Implementation time frame: Ongoing. The change is planned for 2018, but no implementation date has been announced yet.
• Visas/permits affected: Private sector work visas (i.e., visas provided under article 18 of Kuwait’s immigration regulations).
• Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals under 30 looking to fill jobs in Kuwait.
• Next steps: BAL will continue following developments on this story and will alert clients to any changes, including any announcement of when the change might be implemented.

BAL Analysis: The plan reflects the importance Kuwait is placing on filling high-skilled jobs with local workers when possible. The recruitment ban could significantly limit companies’ access to university graduates and other young workers from outside Kuwait.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Kuwait. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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