Private sector gains momentum, sees nearly 60 pc surge in 2025 among Kuwaitis

Data released by the Public Authority for Manpower revealed a significant rise in citizens’ interest in private-sector employment during 2025, with national job applications increasing by 59.8 percent.

The number of applications submitted by Kuwaiti citizens seeking work in the private sector reached approximately 7,418 in 2025, compared to 4,642 applications in 2024 — an increase of 2,776 applications year-on-year.

According to the authority’s statistics, a total of 21,667 citizens registered as job seekers last year. Of these, 7,418 applicants — representing 34.2 percent — expressed a preference for employment in the private sector, while 14,249 applicants continued to favor government jobs, reports Al-Rai daily.

Early indicators for 2026 suggest a continued shift in employment preferences. Between the beginning of the year and February 18, 2,752 citizens registered as job seekers, with 52.8 percent indicating a desire to work in the private sector.

The data also showed that the number of citizens registered as unemployed for more than six months — who are not receiving pensions and are not enrolled in educational institutions — reached 31,344 as of February 18, marking an increase of 2,344 cases compared to mid-November figures.

In terms of educational qualifications, university graduates waiting for employment opportunities totaled 17,839 citizens, including 593 holders of postgraduate degrees.

Diploma holders accounted for 6,491 job seekers, while 3,592 held secondary school certificates across various categories. The figures also included 2,596 holders of intermediate certificates, 81 vocational qualification holders, and 482 individuals with qualifications below the intermediate level.