Kuwait Limits Work Permits for Expats Over 60 Without Degrees
Kuwait has introduced strict new measures regarding the employment of older expatriates. The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has begun enforcing instructions to limit work permit renewals for expatriate workers aged 60 and above who do not hold a university degree.
Under these new guidelines, affected workers will only be granted one-year renewals. Official notifications indicate that once this one-year term concludes, individuals must finalize their residency status and prepare to depart the country, unless the directives are rescinded.
A Strategy for Labour Market Regulation
The implementation of these restrictions, as reported by the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Qabas, is being rolled out across labour offices throughout the nation. This move is part of a wider government strategy aimed at:
- Regulating the country's population composition.
- Addressing the presence of irregular labour.
- Promoting the localization of administrative and supervisory roles within the private sector.
Who is Affected?
Official labour market data highlights the significant scale of this policy. Approximately 83,562 residents in Kuwait fall into the category of being aged 60 or older without a university degree. The educational breakdown of this group includes:
- 15,847 illiterate individuals.
- 24,000 who can read and write.
- 10,000 with primary certificates.
- 16,000 with intermediate certificates.
- 16,000 with secondary certificates.
This shift is expected to have a profound impact on long-term expatriate communities, particularly those from India, Pakistan, and other South Asian nations, creating uncertainty regarding employment stability, family residency, and long-term financial planning.
Shift from High Fees to Definitive Departure
This directive marks a significant change in how the government handles this demographic. In December 2024, a previous policy that imposed additional fees of up to KD 900 (including insurance) for similar renewals was revoked. Rather than relying on high fees, the current approach focuses on a definitive end to employment following the one-year grace period.
Advice for Affected Workers
Authorities and officials are advising workers caught in this transition to take the following steps:
- Verify their current residency and work status directly with their employers.
- Consult with the Public Authority for Manpower for clarity.
- Utilize the remaining year to settle all financial obligations and plan for their eventual departure from the country.