We update this page whenever a new decision is published. Newest first.
Kuwaitization requirements vary by sector.
| Date | Change | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| 2 June 2026 | Qualification or profession changes allowed when compatible with the actual work, replacing the freeze | Circular 1/2026 |
| May 2026 | Standing midday outdoor work ban, 11:00–16:00, 1 June–31 August | Resolution 3/2026 |
| May 2026 | Early transfer allowed when the employer is at fault | Admin. Decision 680/2026 |
| 1 May–30 Jun 2026 | Temporary transfer window for restricted sectors (closed) | Resolution 2/2026 |
| 2026 | KD 150 fee to convert an eligible visit visa to residency | Decision 1091/2026 |
| 23 Dec 2025 | Standard annual private-sector residency charge KD 20; separate standard health-insurance planning amount KD 100/year. Reduced or exempt categories apply; KD 120 is not a complete fee schedule for every expatriate | Resolution 2249/2025; Health Ministry decision |
| 1 Nov 2025 | Working hours must be registered on PAM's system | Resolution 15/2025 |
| 1 Jul 2025 | Exit permit on Sahel, approved by the employer | Circular 2/2025 |
| 7 May 2025 | Job title and qualification changes suspended | Circular 1/2025 |
| 19 February 2025 | Companies with an inactive licence, a suspended file or no registered address cannot register new files or add workers until they regularise their status | Ministerial Resolution 1/2025 |
| Dec 2024 | 60+ fee cancelled; SME transfer easing (KD 300) | Resolution 12/2024 |
| 3 Nov 2024 | Government-contract workers can move to the private sector (KD 350) | Resolution 8/2024 |
| 20 Oct 2024 | Government → private transfer allowed | Resolution 11/2024 |
| 2021 | Transfer with consent after 1 year | Admin. Decision 375/2021 |
| 2021 | Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment rules | Resolution 177/2021 |
| Jun 2017 | Annual leave after 6 months; 30 working days; no social security deduction from end of service | Law 85/2017 |
| 2017 | Private-sector minimum wage KD 75 | Ministerial Order 14/2017 |
| 2016 | Higher penalties (KD 2,000–10,000); a court may award 1% of delayed entitlements for each month of delay if it finds the employer delayed payment | Law 32/2016; Art. 146 |
| 2015 | Domestic Labour Law | Law 68/2015 |
The 7 May 2025 freeze on job-title and qualification changes under Circular 1/2025 ended on 2 June 2026 under Circular 1/2026. The 7 May row above is a historical record, not the current rule.
On the table (not law yet)
- Raising annual leave to 35 days.
- A minimum wage for Kuwaitis in the private sector.
We will add these only when they are officially published.