Kuwait Ends Work Visa Transfers Fee Exemptions
Kuwait Ends Work Visa Transfers Fee Exemptions | Kuwait has recently implemented significant changes to its work visa regulations, impacting both expatriate workers and employers. On June 4, 2025, Ministerial Resolution No. 4 of 2025 was issued, introducing key amendments to the country’s work permit policies.
Key Changes in Work Visa Regulations:
1. Introduction of Additional Work Permit Fees
Under the new resolution, a fee of KD 150 will now be charged for each work permit issued on a case-by-case basis. This move eliminates the previous exemptions that were in place for certain sectors and activities. The sectors affected by this change include:
* Government-owned companies
* Hospitals, clinics, and medical centers licensed by the Ministry of Health
* Private universities, colleges, and schools
* Foreign investors accredited by the Investment Promotion Authority
* Sports clubs and federations
* Public benefit associations, cooperative societies, labor unions, charities, and endowments
* Licensed agricultural plots, including activities such as hunting, livestock pens, sheep and camel grazing
* Commercial and investment properties
* Industrial facilities and small-scale industries
This adjustment aims to standardize labor market practices and enhance regulatory oversight across various sectors.
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2. Abolishment of One-Year Impact Study Requirement:
The resolution also abolishes Article Five of Ministerial Resolution No. 3 of 2024, which required the Public Authority for Manpower’s Board of Directors to conduct a one-year impact study on the implementation of the 2024 decision. This move effectively cancels the need for a formal review and recommendation process previously mandated by the board.
Implications for Employers and Expatriate Workers:
These changes are expected to have several implications:
* Increased Costs for Employers: The introduction of additional fees may lead to higher operational costs for businesses, particularly those in the affected sectors.
* Standardization Across Sectors: By removing exemptions, the new regulations aim to create a more uniform approach to work permit issuance, ensuring consistency across different industries.
* Enhanced Regulatory Oversight: The removal of the impact study requirement streamlines the regulatory process, potentially leading to more timely decision-making.
Employers and expatriate workers should stay informed about these changes to ensure compliance with the new regulations and to understand their rights and responsibilities under the updated work visa policies.
For more detailed information, refer to the official announcement by the Arab Times: [Kuwait Ends Fee Exemptions for Work Visa Transfers]
Kuwait Ends Work Visa Transfers Fee Exemptions in 2025: What Employers and Expats Need to Know
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Kuwait Ends Work Visa Transfers Fee Exemptions | iiQ8 News
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