Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower has established regulatory requirements governing the transfer of expatriate workers between employers in the private sector, including the conditions that must be satisfied when transferring a work permit from one establishment to another.

Under Administrative Decision No. 842 of 2015, the Authority may permit an employee to work for another employer during a probationary period in cases where a transfer is legally permitted, provided the relevant administrative and employment requirements are satisfied.

The decision specifies several conditions, including approval from the employer under whose file the worker is registered, a probationary period not exceeding 100 days in the new employment contract, and obtaining the required authorisation before commencing work with the new employer.

Another important requirement concerns the receiving establishment’s approved workforce allocation. The new employer must have sufficient authorised capacity to add the worker, meaning that mutual agreement between employers and employees does not automatically guarantee approval of a transfer.

Other provisions within Kuwait’s employment regulatory framework give the Authority powers to approve or reject work permit transfers. In certain circumstances, the Authority may also authorise a transfer without obtaining the employer’s approval, subject to the applicable legal conditions.

The specific requirements depend on the worker’s legal status, permit category, and the regulations applicable to the individual case. Expatriate employees are therefore advised to verify their eligibility directly with the Public Authority for Manpower before changing employers or commencing new employment.

Source: Kuwait Public Authority for Manpower.