PAM launches temporary transfer system to ease recruitment costs, balance labor market
Kuwait moves to restructure workforce as six key sectors open for limited labor transfers as labor market reform gains momentum; Kuwait introduces flexible worker mobility framework
Nasser Al-Mutairi, Deputy Director of the Public Authority for Manpower for Labor Affairs, affirmed that the Authority is continuing efforts to develop and regulate Kuwait’s labor market in line with evolving economic conditions, particularly in response to rising costs of recruiting workers from abroad.
He emphasized that the decision to temporarily allow sector-to-sector worker transfers is a carefully considered measure designed to address these challenges.
In remarks to the “Kuwait Nights” program on Kuwait TV on Monday, Al-Mutairi explained that the decision permits transfers between six key sectors: agriculture, industry, grazing, fishing, government contracts, and small projects.
The measure will take effect from May 1 for a period of two months, as part of a phased approach aimed at increasing labor market flexibility.
He noted that the previous restriction, in place since 2015, was not an outright ban but a regulatory mechanism intended to maintain stability in sectors that depend on specialized skills, particularly agriculture and fisheries.
The new decision, he added, follows directives from First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, based on a comprehensive review of current regional developments and recruitment cost pressures, with the goal of correcting imbalances in certain labor-intensive activities.
Al-Mutairi stressed that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to redistribute manpower more efficiently, improve productivity, and reduce market distortions caused by labor shortages in specific sectors, reports Al-Rai daily.
Ali Al-Dalmani, Director of the Labor Relations Department at the Authority, explained that worker transfers are governed by clear legal procedures based on mutual consent between employer and employee, whether through resignation or end of service. He said the process has been streamlined through automated systems to ensure efficiency and transparency.
He added that the department actively works to resolve labor disputes amicably. In cases where resolution is not possible, the provisions of the labor law are applied—granting workers the right to transfer if the employer is found in violation, while requiring continuation of employment if the worker is at fault.
Meanwhile, Director of Public Relations and Media Mohammed Al-Muzaini highlighted the Authority’s commitment to transparency and accessibility, noting that information is published through official channels in multiple languages to serve a diverse workforce exceeding two million workers in Kuwait.
