PAM revokes KSE’s authority to validate expat engineers’
The decision was driven by complaints from companies, employers, and even the affected expat workers regarding the verification process.
• PAM is seeking a more streamlined process for verifying engineering credentials. The Ministry of Higher Education is a potential candidate to take over this responsibility.
• The decision aligns with Kuwait’s Labor Law, which outlines the minister’s authority to regulate the employment of expat workers.
The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) in Kuwait has decided to terminate a memorandum of understanding signed in 2018 with the Kuwait Society of Engineers.
This agreement had previously granted the society the authority to verify the credentials and experience of expat engineers seeking employment in Kuwait. Additionally, the society was responsible for approving the job titles of support staff working in engineering roles.
According to the informed sources, speaking to Al-Rai newspaper, this decision was prompted by numerous complaints from companies, employers, and even the expat workers themselves regarding the verification process. The complaints highlighted the need for a more streamlined and efficient system for assessing engineering qualifications.
While a definitive replacement for the society has not been announced, the Ministry of Higher Education is being considered as a potential candidate. Given its expertise in evaluating educational qualifications, the ministry is well-positioned to oversee the verification of engineering credentials and related technical roles.
This decision is in line with Kuwait’s Private Sector Labor Law No. 10 of 2010, specifically Article 7, paragraph 4, which grants the Minister the authority to regulate the employment of expat workers. This includes defining jobs and professions that require passing professional tests set by the ministry in coordination with relevant authorities.