‘No one above the law’ Kuwait intensifies labor market reform

• First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef Al-Sabah delivered a firm message on enforcing the rule of law, affirming that directives from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishaal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah leave no room for exceptions — with strict action against labor violations, corruption, and exploitation, while ensuring workers’ rights, salary protection, and greater transparency in regulating Kuwait’s labor market.
• Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef announced a plan to introduce residency permits under a “free work” clause, with fees ranging between KD 750 and KD 1,000 per applicant to be paid directly to the state treasury, as part of efforts to combat residency trading. He noted that work on the mechanism is currently underway and is expected to be finalized within two months.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef affirmed that His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Mishaal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, has issued clear directives that the law must be applied equally to everyone, stressing that no individual or entity stands above Kuwait.

Speaking during a meeting with representatives of private sector companies at the Public Authority for Manpower, Al-Yousef emphasized that the government is committed to eliminating negative practices within the labor market and private sector while strengthening transparency and accountability.

He clarified that Kuwait has not imposed a ban on any nationality entering the country, but stressed that employers bear full responsibility for their workers, reports Al-Qabas daily.

Work permits, he said, must be granted through regulated procedures and workers must only be employed for the purposes specified in their permits.

Crackdown on Violations and Labor Exploitation

Al-Yousef stated that the state continues its efforts to combat longstanding corruption and illegal practices, including the misuse of labor licenses.

He cited cases where workers were recruited under agricultural, marine, or chalet licenses but were employed elsewhere in violation of regulations.

As part of enforcement measures, nine non-compliant nurseries were recently shut down after inspections revealed violations of safety requirements, particularly following the tragic death of a child linked to non-compliance with safety procedures.

He also warned citizens against allowing businesses or licenses to be registered under their names for foreign beneficiaries. In one case, a Kuwaiti citizen was imprisoned after receiving KD12,000 monthly in exchange for lending his name, while the actual beneficiary allegedly transferred nearly KD100 million abroad through illegal operations and money laundering.

Stronger Oversight and Integrity Measures

Al-Yousef affirmed that Kuwait will continue regulating the labor market while facilitating procedures for legitimate business owners, stressing that strict legal action will be taken against anyone exploiting regulations or violating the law to safeguard the country’s economic interests.

He directed the Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower to rotate employees in the labor needs assessment department every six months to prevent conflicts of interest and reinforce integrity and transparency in evaluating workforce requirements.

While emphasizing that workforce assessments aim to support businesses and meet their labor needs, he issued a firm warning, saying, any worker found employed outside the approved workplace would face deportation and closure of the related file. Over the past year alone, 39,000 workers were deported as part of enforcement efforts against violations.

Workers’ Salaries a ‘Red Line’

The minister stressed that workers’ wages are a “red line,” underscoring that salaries must be paid on time without delay.

Employers, he said, must personally cover payments if delays occur in order to protect Kuwait’s reputation and prevent labor unrest.

He added that strikes must be avoided, noting that many workers come to Kuwait seeking livelihoods and should not suffer from delayed wages.

Supporting the Private Sector

Al-Yousef reiterated the government’s commitment to simplifying procedures for private sector companies and improving cooperation with business owners.

Reflecting on earlier challenges within the labor sector, he said he had reversed several previous decisions upon assuming office and considers himself a partner to the private sector.

He stressed that it is unreasonable for decisions affecting all companies to be determined by only a small number of individuals.

He also noted that the appointment of Engineer Rabab Al-Osaimi as Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower came following nominations from numerous companies and received praise from the Amir, describing her as an accessible and capable leader.

Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef announced a plan to introduce residency permits under a “free work” clause, with fees ranging between KD 750 and KD 1,000 per applicant to be paid directly to the state treasury, as part of efforts to combat residency trading. He noted that work on the mechanism is currently underway and is expected to be finalized within two months.

He stressed that one of the government’s key priorities at this stage is increasing the employment of Kuwaiti nationals in the private sector, adding that the matter will be discussed at the Cabinet level.

Al-Yousef also indicated that there is no objection to reopening family reunification for children under the age of 18.

He added that while authorities have no objection to employers recruiting the number of workers they require, strict penalties will be imposed in cases of violations, particularly if workers are found to be unregulated or employed by parties other than their registered sponsors.

Concluding, Al-Yousef highlighted the innovative potential of Kuwaiti entrepreneurs, noting that many locally developed ideas are later sold abroad at high value.

He said the meeting aimed to listen directly to business partners, understand their needs, and further streamline procedures to support economic growth.