Kuwait: Work Permit Rules Revised, Application Fees Increased, Changed Employer Transfer Rules
June 14, 2024
Kuwait has implemented several revisions to its work permit system. First, work permits no longer distinguish between local or foreign workers. Second, the standard government processing fee for a work permit for foreign workers is now KWD 325, up from KWD 175. Some foreign companies may be exempt from the increased fees, but it is understood that they will only be notified of their exemption at the time of fee payment. Third, foreign workers who change employers within three years of being granted their work permit must now pay an early transfer fee of KWD 300. Previously, employer transfers were typically not allowed in the first six months of employment; while any transfer within six to 12 months was subject to an early transfer fee of KWD 300; and any transfer after 12 months was allowed without any fee. These amendments grant employers greater flexibility in work permit allocation, while conversely increasing permit costs and introducing a distinct transfer fee framework for foreign employees, potentially affecting employer budgets and altering the job mobility landscape.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.
Blog post
Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.
Blog post
Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.
Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.
Video
In this video, we share an overview of Fragomen's posted worker compliance solutions.
Blog post
Partner Jo Antoons and Managers Sara Fekete and Andreia Florina Ghimis explore how digitalization is reshaping European compliance programs and share how organizations can prepare with Fragomen’s support.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik examines how the UK’s industrial strategy and immigration reforms will reshape talent access and create new opportunities for HR and mobility teams.
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding discusses recent changes requiring most H-1B visa holders and certain dependents to complete in-person interviews abroad for visa renewals.
Podcast
Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi are joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Program Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries, to explore Canada’s EMPP.
Blog post
Director Johannes Kgotso Tiba explains the legal process and key considerations for individuals seeking to regain South African citizenship after renunciation or loss.
Blog post
Partner Kenneth Lau discusses the development and implications of Vietnam's updated work permit regulations.
Media mentions
Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.
Blog post
Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.
Blog post
Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.
Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.
Video
In this video, we share an overview of Fragomen's posted worker compliance solutions.
Blog post
Partner Jo Antoons and Managers Sara Fekete and Andreia Florina Ghimis explore how digitalization is reshaping European compliance programs and share how organizations can prepare with Fragomen’s support.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik examines how the UK’s industrial strategy and immigration reforms will reshape talent access and create new opportunities for HR and mobility teams.
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding discusses recent changes requiring most H-1B visa holders and certain dependents to complete in-person interviews abroad for visa renewals.
Podcast
Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi are joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Program Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries, to explore Canada’s EMPP.
Blog post
Director Johannes Kgotso Tiba explains the legal process and key considerations for individuals seeking to regain South African citizenship after renunciation or loss.
Blog post
Partner Kenneth Lau discusses the development and implications of Vietnam's updated work permit regulations.