The Public Authority for Manpower Kuwait (PAM), commonly associated with the work permit document known as the Shoon, is the government body regulating the private-sector labor market in the State of Kuwait. Responsible for issuing and renewing work permits (Izn Amal), transferring employees between sponsors, managing labor complaints, and protecting worker rights, the Public Authority for Manpower Kuwait plays a central role in every expatriate’s employment journey. This complete 2026 guide explains the work permit system, how to check your Shoon online, the transfer (job change) process, labor complaint procedures, and the Ashal / Sahel digital services.
Public Authority for Manpower Kuwait (PAM) – Key Details
| Authority Name | Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) |
|---|---|
| Sector Regulated | Private-sector employment & work permits |
| Key Document | Work Permit (Izn Amal / Shoon) |
| Core Services | Permit issue/renewal, sponsor transfer, labor complaints |
| Digital Platforms | Ashal App, Sahel App & PAM online portal |
| Labor Complaint Support | Dedicated labor relations departments per governorate |
| Official Website | www.manpower.gov.kw |
About the Public Authority for Manpower Kuwait
The Public Authority for Manpower Kuwait oversees the relationship between private-sector employers and expatriate employees. The work permit it issues, known as the Shoon paper, is a critical document that states your employer, job title (profession), and salary. This information directly affects your eligibility for family visa sponsorship, driving license applications, and various other government services. Understanding how PAM works helps expatriate workers protect their rights and manage job transfers smoothly.
Explore related expat procedures in our Kuwait Government & Embassy Services Directory.
Understanding the Work Permit (Shoon)
The work permit (Izn Amal) is the official authorization allowing an expatriate to work legally for a specific private-sector employer in Kuwait. Key details recorded on the Shoon include:
- Employer / Sponsor Name: The company legally sponsoring your residency.
- Job Title (Profession): Your official designation, which affects family visa and driving license eligibility.
- Salary: The registered monthly salary, which is the figure used for government eligibility thresholds.
- Permit Validity: The start and expiry dates aligned with your residency.
How to Check Your Work Permit (Shoon) Online
- Download the Ashal App (the PAM digital services app) or use the Sahel App.
- Log in using your Civil ID and authentication method.
- Navigate to the work permit / labor information section.
- View your current employer, profession, salary, and permit validity, and download the official Shoon document as a PDF when needed.
The Employee Transfer (Job Change) Process
Expatriate workers in the private sector can transfer from one employer to another under PAM regulations, subject to conditions that change periodically. The general process involves:
- New Employer Offer: Secure a job offer and agreement from the new sponsor.
- Check Transfer Eligibility: Confirm you meet the current transfer rules (which may relate to time spent with the current employer, release/no-objection requirements, and permit type).
- Apply via Digital Services: The new employer initiates the transfer request through PAM’s electronic system.
- Employee Approval: The employee approves the transfer digitally (often via the Sahel or Ashal apps).
- Complete Residency Update: After the work permit transfer, the residency is updated with the Ministry of Interior, and the Civil ID is renewed to reflect the new sponsor.
Because transfer rules and any applicable fees or release conditions change frequently, always verify the current regulations with PAM before resigning from your current job.
Filing a Labor Complaint with PAM
If an employer violates your rights — for example through non-payment of salary, refusal to renew residency, or unfair dismissal — you can file a labor complaint with the Public Authority for Manpower:
- Gather evidence: employment contract, salary records, work permit copy, and any relevant communication.
- Submit a complaint through the PAM online complaint system or visit the labor relations department in your governorate.
- Attend the scheduled mediation session between you and the employer.
- If mediation fails, the case may be referred to the labor court for legal resolution.
Indian workers can also seek parallel support through the Embassy’s welfare wing and the MADAD portal, as explained in our Embassy of India Kuwait guide.
Public Authority for Manpower Kuwait (PAM): Work Permits, Shoon Services & Labour Complaints
The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), Kuwait — الهيئة العامة للقوى العاملة — is the government authority responsible for key aspects of employment and labour administration in Kuwait’s private sector. Commonly referred to as PAM or Shoon (شؤون), it is an important point of contact for employers, employees, expatriate workers, and businesses handling work permits and labour-related procedures.
PAM-related services include work permit applications, employment-related transactions, labour complaints, employer file management, and services for domestic workers. Some services are provided online, while others may require an appointment or a visit to the relevant department.
The official PAM website is manpower.gov.kw, and Kuwait Government Online provides a dedicated Applying for a Work Permit service.
PAM Kuwait — Main Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Public Authority for Manpower |
| Common Names | PAM Kuwait, Manpower Kuwait, Shoon Kuwait (شؤون) |
| Arabic Name | الهيئة العامة للقوى العاملة |
| Country | State of Kuwait |
| Main Official Website | www.manpower.gov.kw |
| Online Services Portal | PAM Electronic Services |
| Official Social Media | PAM Kuwait on X |
| Main Office / General Contact | PAM’s official website provides contact and branch information |
| Main Telephone | +965 2205 1426 — listed for a PAM office; confirm the department you need |
| General Enquiry Hotline | 103 — listed on PAM’s official X profile |
| Official Email | Check the contact details published on PAM’s official website; a single general email could not be independently confirmed |
| Main Office Hours | Vary by department and service; confirm before visiting |
| Standard Government Working Days | Sunday to Thursday, subject to the specific branch and service |
| Friday & Saturday | Generally closed for government customer services |
| Work Permit Information | Kuwait Government Online – Applying for a Work Permit |
| Google Maps | Find Public Authority for Manpower offices in Kuwait |
PAM has multiple offices and service locations. Telephone numbers and opening hours may differ between the main administration, governorate labour departments, and specialist service centres. Check the relevant branch before travelling.
What Is Shoon (شؤون) in Kuwait?
Shoon (شؤون) is the commonly used name among expatriates and residents for Kuwait’s labour-affairs services. When someone says, “Go to Shoon,” they often mean visiting PAM or the relevant labour department to handle an employment-related transaction.
Depending on the case, the responsible office may handle:
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Work permits and employer-related employment transactions.
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Labour complaints and disputes involving private-sector employment.
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Employer registration and labour file matters.
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Employment contract and worker-related administrative enquiries.
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Domestic worker matters through the appropriate specialist department.
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Procedures related to work permit cancellation, transfer, or renewal, subject to applicable rules.
Not every transaction is handled at the same counter or branch. Check the official PAM portal or contact the authority to identify the correct department for your case.
PAM Kuwait Services: Work Permits & Labour Matters
| Service | What It Is Used For |
|---|---|
| New Work Permit | Applying for a work permit for an eligible employee through the employer’s authorised process |
| Work Permit Renewal | Handling renewal procedures before the permit expires, subject to eligibility |
| Work Permit Cancellation | Processing a work permit cancellation through the relevant employer or authorised procedure |
| Work Permit Transfer | Enquiries about transferring employment or a work permit, where permitted under Kuwait’s rules |
| Employer File Services | Employer registration, file updates, and related administrative transactions |
| Labour Complaints | Raising employment-related complaints through the appropriate labour relations unit |
| Employment Contract Issues | Seeking guidance about employment terms, contractual matters, and related labour disputes |
| Absence / Absconding Reports | Enquiries about relevant reports and the procedures available to workers or employers |
| Domestic Worker Matters | Enquiries for domestic workers and employers through the relevant specialist department |
| Employer and Worker Enquiries | Guidance on required documents, application status, and the correct service channel |
| Electronic Services | Accessing available PAM transactions through its online portal |
Important: PAM handles work permit and labour-administration matters, but it does not replace every other government authority. Entry visas and residency procedures may involve the Ministry of Interior and other agencies. For example, Kuwait Government Online lists a separate process for a private-sector work-entry visa that requires a PAM-issued work permit.
PAM Kuwait Offices & Shoon Labour Relations Branches
PAM operates different service locations and labour-relations units across Kuwait. For private-sector workers, labour complaints are generally handled by the relevant labour-relations unit according to the employer’s registered file. An Indian Embassy Kuwait labour guide identifies the following governorate locations for private-sector labour complaints. As this guide is older, verify the current branch and address with PAM before visiting.
| Governorate / Area | Location Information | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmadi | South Sabahiya | Labour-relations services and worker complaints |
| Mubarak Al-Kabeer | Ahmadi area, opposite Ahmadi Hospital (as listed in the older guide) | Labour complaints and employment disputes |
| Farwaniya | Abu Fatira area, near Abu Fatira Cooperative Society | Labour-relations services |
| Hawalli | Salmiya, behind Salmiya Fire Station (as listed in the older guide) | Labour complaints and employment enquiries |
| Capital | Sharq area, behind Behbehani Complex (as listed in the older guide) | Labour-relations services |
| Jahra | Jahra area, near Jahra Cooperative Society (as listed in the older guide) | Labour complaints and employment enquiries |
For the latest official information, visit PAM Kuwait or check its official X account. Confirm the correct office for your employer’s file before travelling.
How to Apply for a Work Permit in Kuwait
Kuwait’s work permit process usually involves the employer or an authorised representative completing the relevant application through PAM’s procedures. The exact requirements depend on the transaction and the worker’s circumstances.
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Confirm the employer’s requirements. Ask the employer or authorised representative which work permit application or transaction is required.
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Prepare the required documents. These may include passport details, employer information, and supporting documents requested for the specific application.
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Submit through the authorised channel. Use the relevant PAM electronic service or follow the instructions for an in-person transaction.
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Follow up on the application. The employer or authorised representative should check the transaction status and respond to any requests for additional documents.
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Complete the related immigration procedures. A work permit and an entry visa or residency permit are not the same document. Complete any additional procedures required by the Ministry of Interior.
Official service links:
Kuwait Government Online describes the work permit as a PAM service and lists a separate process for the private-sector work-entry visa.
How to File a Labour Complaint Through PAM (Shoon)
Workers who have a problem with an employer can contact PAM to confirm the appropriate complaint procedure. Depending on the circumstances, a complaint may relate to unpaid wages, employment contract issues, termination, or another private-sector labour matter.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Identify the issue | Keep a clear record of the problem, dates, and relevant communications |
| 2. Gather documents | Prepare your Civil ID, passport details if requested, employment contract, wage records, and other relevant evidence |
| 3. Contact PAM | Ask which labour-relations unit handles your employer’s file and what documents are required |
| 4. Register the complaint | Follow the official process specified by PAM |
| 5. Keep the reference details | Retain any complaint number, appointment confirmation, or documents provided |
| 6. Attend follow-up appointments | Respond to requests for additional information and follow the instructions from the relevant department |
Important: The documents and procedure depend on the type of complaint. Confirm the current requirements with PAM rather than relying only on general checklists.
PAM Kuwait Contact & Location
| Contact Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Authority | Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) |
| Arabic Name | الهيئة العامة للقوى العاملة |
| Main Official Website | manpower.gov.kw |
| Electronic Services | PAM Electronic Portal |
| Official Social Media | PAM Kuwait on X |
| General Enquiry Number | 103, listed on PAM’s official X profile |
| Main Administration Location | Al-Riggae, Block 2, Street 106, Kuwait, as listed on PAM’s official X profile |
| Branch Information | Confirm the correct governorate office and service counter through PAM |
| Work Permit Service | Kuwait Government Online |
| Google Maps | Find PAM Kuwait offices |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is PAM in Kuwait?
PAM stands for the Public Authority for Manpower. It handles key employment administration and labour-related services, including private-sector work permits and labour complaints.
2. Is PAM the same as Shoon?
“Shoon” (شؤون) is a common term used by residents and expatriates when referring to labour-affairs services. People often use it to mean PAM or the relevant labour department.
3. Can expatriates file labour complaints with PAM?
Private-sector expatriate workers can contact PAM to ask about registering employment-related complaints. The relevant office and procedure depend on the employer’s file and the nature of the complaint.
4. Can I renew my work permit online?
Some PAM transactions are available electronically. Check the official PAM portal or ask your employer which online service applies to your case.
5. Does PAM issue Kuwait residency permits?
PAM handles work-permit and labour-administration matters. Residency and immigration procedures involve the Ministry of Interior and may require separate steps.
6. What number should I call for PAM enquiries?
PAM’s official X profile lists 103 as a contact number. Confirm the appropriate department and any updated contact details through the official PAM website.
7. Where can I find the nearest PAM branch?
Use the PAM website and confirm the correct branch for your service. The nearest office may not be the office responsible for your employer’s labour file.
Final note: Before visiting PAM or Shoon, confirm the branch, opening hours, required documents, and whether your transaction can be completed online. Official procedures and service availability can change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the focus keyword for this guide?
The recommended focus keyword is Public Authority for Manpower Kuwait.
2. What is the Shoon paper in Kuwait?
The Shoon is the common name for the work permit (Izn Amal) issued by the Public Authority for Manpower. It states your employer, job title, and salary, and is required for many government services.
3. How can I check my salary and profession registered with the government?
You can check your registered salary, profession, and employer through the Ashal App or Sahel App under the labor/work permit section.
4. Can I change my job in Kuwait without my current employer’s permission?
Transfer rules, including any release or no-objection requirements, change periodically. Verify the current PAM transfer regulations before making any decision.
Work permit rules, transfer conditions, and labor regulations are governed by the Public Authority for Manpower and change frequently. Verify current requirements on manpower.gov.kw before acting.
