The Kuwaiti Ministry of Education has started a staff reduction program in government schools. This is the first phase of its workforce rationalization policy.
- 7,019 expatriate teachers got termination notices
- Notices sent via the Sahel application
- Total teaching staff stands at 91,761
- Demographics include 70.6% Kuwaiti, 10.1% Khaliji and Bedoon, and 19.3% expatriate teachers
- Ministry found a surplus of 33,268 teachers
The first phase of dismissals includes 1,551 men and 5,468 women. Women make up 78% of the affected teachers.
This move will save around 42 million dinars annually, which is about 11.4 million dollars. The surplus is highest in primary physical education and Islamic education. Selection is based on seniority.
Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabai said the process will happen gradually to avoid school disruptions.
Expatriate teachers will still be hired where there is a shortage of qualified Kuwaiti candidates. Contracts end under clause Band 4 Muqarrar.
All legal rights and service benefits will be preserved. Future hiring will match actual school needs. Affected people should check the Sahel application for updates and legal entitlements. News reported between September 7 and September 8, 2026.
