The Ministry of Social Affairs has directed all charity associations and foundations to immediately stop collecting donations through their websites and social media links until further notice. This decision was made following directives from the Minister of Social Affairs.

The ministry emphasized that this decision is made in the public interest and aims to regulate the activities of charity associations. The circular also warns that any violations of the directive will result in legal consequences.

This move is likely to affect various charity foundations and associations that rely on online donations. The ministry's action aims to ensure proper oversight and prevent misuse of funds.

As part of its commitment to fostering a positive and supportive work environment, Gulf Bank has introduced a new initiative aimed at improving employee wellbeing and work-life balance. Effective May 1, 2025, the bank will reduce its daily working hours by half an hour.

Mrs. Salma Al-Hajjaj, the General Manager of Human Resources at Gulf Bank, explained that the bank believes in the significant benefits of maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life. This change is designed to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of employees, which in turn, is expected to boost their productivity and performance at work.

It is important to note that this reduction in daily working hours will not affect the bank’s branch operating hours. Customers can expect continued, uninterrupted services with the same level of high-quality customer experience that Gulf Bank is known for.

This initiative reflects Gulf Bank’s broader strategy to invest in the health and happiness of its workforce. By adopting flexible working hours, the bank continues to set a positive example within the corporate sector, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical health in achieving professional success.

Studies have shown that when employees experience a better work-life balance, they are more likely to be productive, motivated, and engaged at work. Gulf Bank’s new policy aims to enhance these factors, contributing to a more efficient and harmonious work environment.

In line with its ongoing efforts to support employees, Gulf Bank may introduce further initiatives designed to enhance employee satisfaction and overall productivity. The focus will remain on ensuring that employees feel valued and supported in their roles.

The Ministry of Interior has issued an urgent warning to all residents and citizens of Kuwait regarding the rise of fraudulent websites claiming to offer traffic fine discounts, as reported by Al-Seyassah daily. These deceptive sites are designed to steal banking information by tricking users into entering sensitive financial details under the guise of legitimate offers.

These scams often mimic official platforms, attempting to appear authentic. The Ministry emphasized that such websites have no affiliation with government portals and advised the public to remain vigilant.

Through the Sahel app, a unified government service platform in Kuwait, users were reminded to only use official government applications for electronic payments, particularly when it comes to paying traffic fines. The Ministry highlighted that using unverified or suspicious links may result in identity theft or financial fraud.

Sahel emphasized that the Ministry urges users to verify the authenticity of all payment links and never input banking details on untrusted or unofficial websites.

To protect yourself against such cyber threats, the Ministry advises:

• Access payment services only via official platforms like Sahel
• Double-check website URLs for any irregularities or spelling errors
• Avoid clicking on promotional messages or ads promising discounted traffic fines
• Report any suspicious websites to the authorities immediately

The Ministry of Social Affairs has urged nursery license holders to register their details through the ministry’s official website or the “My Nursery” app to facilitate better tracking of transactions. This move is in line with the ministry's ongoing efforts to digitize all its services. The registration process will be open until May 13, as reported by the Arabic daily Al Qabas.

The ministry emphasized that it is mandatory for nursery license holders to ensure all relevant data is recorded across their branches according to the prescribed system fields. This ensures that the information submitted is both accurate and up-to-date. Nursery data registration is a crucial step in streamlining the ministry’s services and enhancing operational efficiency.

Once the registration is approved, license cancellation transactions will proceed through the system. Similarly, nursery license renewals will be processed through the system once registration is confirmed. Renewal applications must be submitted at least three months before the license expires to ensure smooth continuation of services.

The Ministry of Social Affairs also announced that the opening of new nurseries is currently suspended until further notice. This suspension will remain in place until all existing nursery licenses are processed and up-to-date, ensuring a comprehensive review of the current licensing system.

Nursery license holders can complete their registration through the ministry’s website or the “My Nursery” app. This digital approach allows for easier management of nursery licenses and provides better transparency for both the authorities and the license holders.

The Ministry of Social Affairs continues to improve its digital infrastructure to better serve nursery establishments. Nursery license holders are encouraged to complete their registration promptly to avoid any disruptions to their licensing processes.

Sharon Samuel, a bright 12th-grade student at United Indian School in Abbasiya, tragically passed away on Tuesday morning in Kuwait. She was rushed to Farwaniya Hospital after feeling unwell but was unfortunately declared dead upon arrival.

Sharon was the beloved daughter of Mr. Gigi Samuel, a private firm employee in Kuwait, and Mrs. Asha, a physiotherapist with the Ministry of Health. The Samuel family hails from the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. Sharon's sister, Ms. Ashly Samuel, is currently pursuing a medical degree.

The school management expressed deep sorrow at Sharon's passing, describing her as a "bright and compassionate young soul, known for her warmth, humility, and dedication." Sharon was well-loved by her classmates, teachers, and everyone in the school community. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness, and her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her.

In a heartfelt condolence message, the United Indian School management stated, “Sharon touched the lives of everyone around her and will be fondly remembered by her classmates, teachers, and the entire school community.” Her untimely death has left a deep void, and the school is in mourning.

Iraq’s President Abdullatif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani have both filed appeals contesting a decision by the Federal Supreme Court that nullified the bilateral Khor Abdullah agreement—a key maritime accord with Kuwait. This agreement, which regulates navigation in the strategic waterway linking the two nations, was struck down by the court in September 2023 as unconstitutional.

President Rashid, according to sources quoted by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), personally requested the appeal and emphasized that the agreement aligns with established international laws and conventions, reinforcing Iraq’s constitutional commitment to the principles of “good neighborliness” and non-interference in neighboring countries' internal affairs.

He further highlighted that restoring the agreement is vital for maintaining regional cooperation, particularly in sensitive maritime zones. His stance reflects Iraq's interest in building trust and sustaining stable diplomatic ties with Kuwait, a Gulf Arab neighbor.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani also submitted an appeal, pointing to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which underscores the sanctity of international agreements and prohibits nations from invoking domestic legal provisions to evade treaty obligations. He argued that the Supreme Court’s verdict directly contradicts Iraq’s constitutional requirement to comply with international norms concerning state relations.

Al-Sudani stressed that the Khor Abdullah accord does not entail border demarcation, a sensitive issue in regional geopolitics, but rather focuses solely on regulating maritime navigation, making it a practical and diplomatic necessity.

In September 2023, Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court annulled the Khor Abdullah agreement, triggering strong reactions from Kuwait, which described the ruling as being based on “historical fallacies.” The court’s decision reignited tensions between the two Gulf nations, although both leaderships are now demonstrating a shared intent to resolve the issue through legal and diplomatic channels.

Kuwait has maintained that the agreement, signed in 2013, is rooted in mutual consent and aimed solely at maritime cooperation. Kuwait also views the court ruling as a step backward in Iraq-Kuwait relations, particularly after years of effort to mend ties post the 1990 Iraqi invasion.

Restoring the Khor Abdullah agreement is seen as crucial not only for Iraq-Kuwait maritime navigation but also for broader Gulf regional stability. The legal and diplomatic efforts by Iraq’s top leadership reflect a desire to uphold international obligations and safeguard bilateral cooperation amid rising geopolitical complexities in the Middle East.

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) has directed all local banks to intensify due diligence by requiring timely Know Your Customer (KYC) updates and implementing close monitoring of customer account activity. This directive is part of Kuwait’s broader plan to fortify anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) frameworks.

Banks must proactively identify and mitigate risks by ensuring all customers have up-to-date information. Non-compliance will result in disciplinary actions, including account freezes.

To ensure widespread awareness, banks have been instructed to notify customers via SMS, app alerts, emails, ATMs, and call centers. Customers will typically receive three reminders at five-day intervals before facing an account freeze.

Increased regulatory oversight means leniency will no longer be afforded to those delaying KYC compliance. Accounts not updated within the set timeline will be frozen. To reactivate a frozen account, the customer must complete the required updates and visit the bank branch in person.

The CBK has classified customers based on risk levels, requiring data updates on the following schedule:

• High-risk: Annually
• Medium-risk: Every two years
• Low-risk: Every three years

Banks typically follow a two-week warning process before freezing accounts, with reminders issued throughout the period.

To motivate customers, the CBK has removed fees associated with the update process. This includes:

• Eliminating the KD 5 branch update fee
• Waiving online update charges
• Canceling the KD 2 monthly deduction from dormant accounts with balances under KD 100

These measures aim to make it easier for customers to comply without financial burden.

As part of the enhanced KYC process, customers must update key personal information, including:

• Civil ID details
• Nationality and address changes
• Income sources

Banks are authorized to verify all submitted information using original documents and trusted sources to ensure accuracy and compliance.

The CBK’s directive is consistent with international financial standards, reinforcing Kuwait’s commitment to combating financial crimes. Banks must establish customer risk profiles, set clear guidelines, and define reactivation procedures to strengthen compliance.

This policy is part of the national financial strategy that aligns with FATF recommendations on AML/CTF, ensuring that Kuwait remains an active player in the global financial ecosystem.

In a related development, the Central Bank of Kuwait announced the allocation of KD 200 million in its latest bond and tawarruq issuance, offering a 4.125% return over three months. This move supports liquidity management and provides secure investment options within Kuwait’s financial market.

The General Traffic Department, led by Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Bu Hassan, is hosting a groundbreaking traffic awareness exhibition at Grand Avenues. This initiative aims to clear traffic violations and allow violators to have their impounded vehicles released on the spot upon payment of fines and fees. This program marks a significant step forward ahead of the new traffic law amendments scheduled for implementation on April 22, 2025.

Lieutenant Colonel Bu Hassan emphasized that this exhibition is part of a broader effort to educate the public about traffic violations and promote compliance. The recent exhibition at Al-Khiran Mall saw the clearing of around 5,700 violations, leading to the immediate release of approximately 75 vehicles.

Details of the Violations Cleared

The exhibition focused on helping violators settle their fines and regain possession of their impounded vehicles without the usual long delays. It highlights the Traffic Awareness Department's commitment to improving the process and easing the burden on motorists.

Lieutenant Colonel Bu Hassan also introduced new surveillance cameras that are strategically installed along highways with high rates of speeding and accidents. These innovative cameras are battery-powered, enabling them to operate in remote and unlit areas without relying on an external power source. Their portability makes them ideal for rapid deployment on different road sections.

Portable and Efficient Surveillance System

These cameras are expected to enhance the monitoring of traffic and improve safety across highways. Their ease of relocation ensures effective coverage of high-risk areas, contributing to more efficient traffic enforcement and accident prevention.

In addition to traffic enforcement, significant progress has been made in addressing violations of residency and labor laws. Under the directive of Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, the General Department of Residency Affairs Investigations launched a series of extensive security campaigns across multiple governorates between April 6 and April 8. As a result, 419 violators were arrested, further strengthening public safety efforts in Kuwait.

Details of the Arrests

During these security campaigns, law enforcement focused on detaining individuals in violation of residency and labor laws. This proactive approach underlines Kuwait's ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with immigration regulations and maintain public order.

The new initiatives, including the traffic awareness exhibition and advanced surveillance systems, demonstrate Kuwait's commitment to improving road safety and enforcing laws to protect public welfare. As the new traffic law amendments approach, these efforts will likely play a pivotal role in enhancing traffic safety and reducing violations.

Kuwait's Civil Service Council has confirmed that government employees' medical leave for periodic check-ups at public hospitals is not related to their standard four monthly leave days. Each type of leave is governed by its own set of regulations.

According to official sources, if the Ministry of Health's Medical Authority determines that an employee requires regular appointments—whether daily, every other day, or weekly—then the employee’s supervising authority is obligated to grant leave for these visits.

Medical leave can be granted for various treatments, including but not limited to:

• Physiotherapy sessions
• Obstetrics and gynecology appointments
• Dental care
• Other necessary follow-up medical visits

To qualify, employees must submit official documentation from the Ministry of Health, affirming the necessity of these appointments. This documentation must align with legally approved timelines and follow all procedural guidelines.

Direct supervisors are responsible for monitoring the proper use of medical leave. Any misuse or failure to comply with guidelines may result in disciplinary action. However, taking medical leave does not impact the employee’s salary, ensuring that health needs are met without financial penalty.

In addition to medical leave, government employees are entitled to up to four days or 12 hours of regular leave per month. This leave may be used at the beginning, during, or end of the workday. If an employee is unable to sign in or out due to approved leave, they are permitted to record attendance at another appropriate time.

The Sahel app, developed as part of Kuwait’s e-government initiatives, allows employees to apply for up to three days of medical leave per month without visiting a clinic. This digital solution has been praised for streamlining the medical leave process and enhancing accessibility for public sector workers.

Starting April 13, major road closures will be implemented on King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Road (Fahaheel Expressway) as part of ongoing road development and maintenance efforts.

Two lanes on the Fahaheel Expressway, heading from Kuwait City toward Fahaheel, near the Sabah Al-Salem area, will be closed from April 13 until April 23.

Exit Closure from Sabah Al-Salem

During this period, the exit from Sabah Al-Salem to the Fahaheel Expressway will also be closed to traffic.

Additionally, the road parallel to the Seventh Ring Road, located opposite Abdullah AlMubarak, will be closed for the duration of the works, along with the area’s exit leading to the Seventh Ring Road.

Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes during this period to avoid disruptions.

Gold is a precious metal that has been prized for centuries. When buying gold jewelry, it's essential to ensure you're getting authentic, high-quality pieces. One of the most important indicators of gold's authenticity is its hallmark, which reflects the purity of the metal.

The hallmark is typically found on the inner part of the jewelry and certifies the karat of the gold. Avoid purchasing any gold item without a proper stamp, as it might not guarantee quality or purity.

• 24k Gold: Purest form, usually used for investment.
• 22k Gold: Popular for jewelry, especially in Middle Eastern and South Asian markets.
• 18k Gold: Durable and commonly used in stylish pieces.

DK Jewellers has been a trusted name in Kuwait since 1987. Here's what they shared with Arab Times about gold buying trends:

Which nationalities buy the most gold?

Customers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Nepal, Egypt, and other Arab nations. Indians top the list.

What karat do they prefer?

South Asians mostly prefer 22k gold, while Filipinos often opt for 18k.

Is gold safer in Kuwait?

Yes. Kuwait's Ministry of Commerce and Industry strictly regulates gold quality and stamping, ensuring high reliability compared to other countries.

Authentication Process

All pieces are tested and stamped by the Ministry before being sold, confirming the karat and quality.

Is buying gold online safe?

Yes and No. While online buying is convenient, most prefer in-store purchases for assurance and inspection.

Why is gold cheaper in Kuwait?

Kuwait offers the lowest gold prices in the GCC due to the absence of VAT and minimal import duties. This makes Kuwait a cost-effective destination for gold purchases.

Conclusion: Always buy stamped gold, understand karat levels, and choose trusted jewelers like DK Jewellers for secure purchases in Kuwait.

Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan has confirmed that intensive road maintenance in Mangaf is progressing as part of Kuwait’s strategic plan for radical highway and internal road improvements. The repair works are first focusing on the most heavily deteriorated areas before extending to locations with lesser damage. Ministry teams are directly supervising the implementation to ensure quality and compliance with international standards.

A committee has been formed to evaluate and select qualified engineers. These professionals will oversee the works and guarantee adherence to international specifications. Dr. Al-Mashaan emphasized the importance of infrastructure investment in enhancing economic development and quality of life, while supporting sustainable urban growth.

Engineer Abdullah Al-Kandari, Supervisor of Contract No. 15 for Ahmadi’s first zone, stated that ministry teams are now in Mangaf Block 3 to monitor ongoing maintenance. Tasks include:

• Laying an 8 cm layer of Type 1 asphalt
• Cleaning the sewage system in Dhaher
• Major maintenance on Roads No. 250 and 240
• Asphalt laying in Egaila Block 1

Engineer Mohammed Al-Buraiki confirmed completion of infrastructure repair and cleaning in Egaila, Fahad Al-Ahmad, and Mangaf. Asphalt work is complete in Egaila Blocks 3 and 4 and on Jaber Al-Ali Main Road No. 102. Major road work will soon begin in Mangaf Block 4 and Fahad Al-Ahmad Block 1.

These maintenance efforts contribute to Kuwait’s vision for smart cities and sustainable infrastructure. They improve road safety, reduce future costs, and enhance urban mobility.

Colonel Fahd Al-Essa, Director of the Traffic Awareness Department at the General Traffic Department, announced the launch of Kuwait’s new driving test vehicle system across all six governorates. This move aims to modernize the Education Sector’s infrastructure and enhance the driver licensing experience. The contract was awarded to Super Service Company.

The new vehicles are equipped with advanced technologies, including:

• Multi-angle surveillance cameras
• Wireless microphone communication
• Real-time monitoring capabilities

These improvements ensure safer, more accurate testing and reduce the burden on examiners.

Testers now have access to fully equipped waiting rooms with modern amenities, eliminating the need to wait in harsh weather conditions as was the case previously.

Driving schools can only provide training at their own premises and are no longer allowed to operate near testing centers. This helps streamline the process and reduce congestion.

Only vehicles with special permits for people with disabilities are allowed in the testing areas. All other private access is restricted. Official test fees have been defined for all vehicle categories in coordination with the General Traffic Department.

This initiative reflects Kuwait’s commitment to improving road safety, testing transparency, and examiner welfare while delivering a modern and comfortable experience for all test applicants.

In a significant move to enhance Kuwait’s road network and ease congestion, the Traffic Affairs Sector has announced the full reopening of Hussein Bin Ali Al-Rumi Road (Fourth Ring Road). This stretch extends from the entrance at King Fahd Road overpass in the direction of Salmiya, and became accessible to motorists starting dawn on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

The reopening of this key artery is expected to drastically improve traffic flow between Kuwait City and Salmiya, particularly during peak hours. Commuters traveling from western parts of Kuwait, such as Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Farwaniya, will now enjoy a faster, smoother route to Salmiya, which houses popular commercial and residential hubs.

The move aligns with broader efforts to upgrade road infrastructure and support ongoing urban development projects.

This reopening follows a series of successful infrastructure upgrades across Kuwait, including the recent developments on the Fifth Ring Road and improvements near the Sabah Al-Salem University City. The Ministry of Public Works and the Public Authority for Roads and Transportation (PART) have worked closely with the Ministry of Interior to ensure timely completion and safety of reopened roads.

The Ministry of Interior emphasized that traffic police will continue to monitor this newly reopened section to ensure safe driving practices and avoid any congestion or misuse of the road. Smart traffic systems and surveillance will also be employed to detect violations and manage flow during rush hours.

Motorists are urged to follow traffic rules, avoid speeding, and remain aware of lane markings and signboards which may have been updated following the reopening.

The complete opening of the Fourth Ring Road segment reflects Kuwait’s long-term transportation strategy aimed at:

• Enhancing road capacity
• Minimizing travel times
• Supporting economic activity through better connectivity

It aligns with Kuwait’s Vision 2035, which focuses on infrastructure development and smarter urban planning.

With the Fourth Ring Road now fully operational towards Salmiya, daily commuters, businesses, and logistics services can all benefit from this development. Authorities remain committed to making Kuwait’s roadways safer and more efficient through consistent upgrades and public announcements.

As part of the preparations for the upcoming new traffic law in Kuwait, the General Traffic Department is organizing a week-long awareness campaign starting next Sunday. The initiative is in conjunction with Unified Gulf Traffic Week and will include a wide range of events designed to educate the public on traffic safety and violations.

The campaign will kick off with a comprehensive traffic awareness exhibition at The Avenues Mall. This exhibition will feature interactive sessions, safety demonstrations, and informative booths to engage visitors on the importance of following traffic laws.

• Lectures and seminars on traffic safety
• Field visits to various government institutions related to road and traffic management

The Traffic Awareness Department will also be hosting a mini awareness exhibition at Al Khiran Mall on Thursday and Friday evenings. A unique feature of this event will be the opportunity for individuals to clear serious traffic violations.

Kuwait's participation in the Unified Gulf Traffic Week demonstrates its commitment to promoting regional traffic safety standards. The annual event brings together GCC countries to reduce accidents and raise awareness of responsible driving.

Authorities are encouraging residents and visitors to participate in the upcoming events to better understand the changes under the new law. The exhibitions at The Avenues and Al Khiran Malls aim to foster dialogue and provide useful information to the public.

As Kuwait's waste crisis worsens, environmental activists are urging immediate intervention to address the escalating environmental challenge. The country’s per capita production of organic waste has reached a staggering 1.4 kilograms per day, placing it among the highest globally, surpassing many countries in the Middle East and Europe.

Experts have long considered waste a major issue in Kuwait, affecting solid, liquid, and gaseous forms. The lack of effective management presents serious environmental and health risks, alongside economic consequences. Environmental advocates stress the necessity for sustainable and radical waste management policies.

Jenan Behzad, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society, stated that the problem is worsened by high consumption rates and poor recycling practices. She recommends converting waste into electrical energy and developing policies that encourage recycling and waste sorting at the source.

Solid Waste and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Behzad revealed that solid waste contributes 2.4% of Kuwait’s greenhouse gas emissions. She emphasized the use of separate bins for plastics, paper, metals, and food waste at homes and businesses to enhance recycling efficiency.

According to a study by the Kuwait Environment Protection Society, food waste significantly increases during Ramadan and festive seasons. Across the Gulf, food waste accounts for nearly 50% of total waste. Activists urge for turning food waste into biofuel and methane to power industries, following models in Sweden and Germany.

Kuwait relies on three major landfills: Jahra, the Seventh Southern Ring Road, and Mina Abdullah. Yet, high plastic consumption, especially from restaurants and cooperatives, contributes to 80% of floating marine debris, harming marine ecosystems.

Although Kuwait’s Environmental Protection Law imposes fines up to 500 dinars for illegal dumping, studies show 58% of residents are unaware of these regulations. Behzad recommends stricter enforcement and mandatory waste sorting laws for institutions and households.

Engineer Alaa Hassan, CEO of IPSCO, called waste a “time bomb,” citing the accumulation of 8 to 10 million discarded tires annually. She emphasized recycling tires into industrial raw materials and involving the private sector in waste solutions to benefit Kuwait’s economy.

Environmental activist Barak Ramadan Al-Hindal stressed the need for a cultural transformation, advocating for waste sorting across homes, schools, offices, and hospitals. He highlighted the economic and job creation potential of recycling industries, encouraging the replication of successful global practices in Kuwait.

With mounting waste, increasing greenhouse emissions, and environmental degradation, activists insist that Kuwait must act now. Recycling, environmental education, private sector partnerships, and legislative enforcement can pave the way for a sustainable and eco-friendly future.

In a striking case of administrative negligence, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education unknowingly paid KD 105,331 in salaries over 19 years to an expatriate Arabic language teacher who had resigned in 2004 and left the country by mid-2005.

The teacher, appointed on August 24, 2004, was meant to join the 2004/2005 academic year. However, she was absent starting from September 4, 2005, and records show she exited Kuwait on June 14, 2005. Despite her absence, her status remained active in the Ministry’s system, allowing salary transfers until May 24, 2024.

The school principal had alerted the Personnel Affairs Department and the Elementary School Supervisor multiple times, yet her name remained in the system. The case came to light only after the fingerprint attendance system was implemented on February 11, 2024.

An investigation confirmed the error, resulting in the suspension of salary and official termination. The entire amount was untouched in the bank account, showing no criminal intent. The Central Bank of Kuwait recovered the funds and returned them to the Ministry.

The case has prompted calls for better oversight and real-time system updates within the education sector. The Ministry pledged enhanced monitoring and frequent audits moving forward.

According to the circular obtained by Alseyassah/Arab Times, academic qualifications are assessed based on three critical criteria:

• Educational Level: Doctorate, Master’s, Bachelor’s, or Diploma
• Field of Specialization: Examples include Commercial Law, Biochemistry, etc.
• Status of Qualification: Unrecognized, Preliminary Recognition, Administrative Recognition, or Accreditation based on the Ministry of Higher Education’s equivalency standards

The updated manual mandates that employees reviewing work permit applications must verify the compatibility between the field of specialization and the profession listed. The educational level and accreditation status are automatically validated by the system, while academic documents are uploaded only if prompted.

For engineering professions, the system automatically verifies the necessary approvals. If the required approval is missing, the application is automatically rejected, and a digital note confirms the employee’s approval status. This automated process significantly reduces manual intervention and errors.

In contrast, for non-engineering professions that require pre-approval, employers must upload a copy of the approval as part of their application. This ensures that only qualified individuals are employed in specialized roles across industries.

PAM has also automated several work permit renewal services, eliminating the need for uploading academic documents or separate approvals. These include:

• Renewal of permits for migrant workers
• Renewal of permits for GCC nationals
• Renewal of permits for legally resident Bedoun workers

These simplified processes apply only if the renewal is for the same profession, ensuring a seamless continuation of employment without administrative delays.

Boosting Labor Market Transparency and Compliance

These reforms by PAM reflect Kuwait’s broader vision to enhance labor market regulation through digitization, transparency, and streamlined service delivery. By linking educational qualifications directly with job roles, the country aims to ensure that skilled and qualified professionals are placed in appropriate positions—minimizing mismatches and increasing efficiency.