Kuwait: Stricter Enforcement of Academic Qualification Requirements for Residence Permit Renewals and Employer Transfers

The Public Authority of Manpower now more strictly enforces existing rules regarding academic qualification alignment with job titles for several processes.      

First, Residence Permit renewal approvals will be based on the academic qualification submitted with the initial permit application. The job title will be updated to align with the level of that qualification. If a higher qualification is submitted with the renewal application, it will be rejected unless the original (lower) qualification is authenticated. If a lower qualification than the original (higher) application is submitted and the individual no longer holds the lower qualification, the renewal will be based on the original (higher) qualification. The job title must then be adjusted according to that level, provided it is still relevant to the same professional field.      

Employer Transfers requests will be more strictly assessed based on the academic qualification used for the initial work permit. Previously, this was not strictly enforced in practice. Transfers may be denied if the submitted qualification does not align with the new job title, whereas previously this was not strictly enforced.      

Employers must ensure that job titles on work permits are consistent with the employee’s academic qualifications before initiating renewals or transfer requests. Non-compliance may result in permit rejections, denied transfers, and potential workforce disruptions.