Kuwait cancels fees and health insurance mandate for expats over 60

• The Public Authority for Manpower said the normal fees for issuing work permits will be sufficient without additional burdens and explained that the duration of labor transfer within the SME sector has been reduced from three years to one year.

The Public Authority for Manpower has announced the cancellation of the previous decision requiring expatriate workers over the age of 60 to pay additional fees and submit a health insurance policy, according to Al Jaridanewspaper.

The authority said in a press statement, “According to the new decision, the normal fees for issuing work permits will be sufficient without additional burdens.” The authority explained that the duration of labor transfer within the small and medium enterprises sector has been reduced from three years to one year, enhancing the speed of labor movement. It also allows the transfer of labor between sectors with the approval of the registered employer, and permits the transfer of labor from one small project to another small or medium-sized project.

The authority added, “The ban on transferring labor outside the registered lists has been lifted, allowing employers to bring in labor from abroad or transfer it more freely, which contributes to enhancing the flexibility of the local market.”

The authority stressed that these amendments are part of its efforts to update labor market policies in Kuwait and provide a flexible, safe environment that supports the country’s aspirations toward achieving sustainable development.