Transfer rules changed several times in 2024–2026. Here's where they stand now.
The two main routes
- After 1 year, with the current employer's approval (Administrative Decision 375/2021).
- After 3 years, without approval. Notice still applies. A fixed-term contract must be completed.
Special cases
| Case | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Government sector → private | Allowed | Resolution 11/2024 (from 20 Oct 2024) |
| Government contract → private | Contract ended, government letter, 1 year served, employer approval, KD 350 fee | Resolution 8/2024 (from 3 Nov 2024) |
| SME worker | Same sector after 1 year with approval. To the same owner's other SME with no wait, for KD 300 | Resolution 12/2024 |
| Aged 60+ without a degree | Standard fees only (the KD 250 fee was cancelled) | Resolution 12/2024 |
| Restricted sectors | Window was 1 May–30 June 2026 only | Resolution 2/2026 (closed) |
| Early transfer (under 1 year) | PAM can approve if the employer was negligent, the employer's file is blocked, a false absence report was filed, Art. 48 was breached, or there is a closure or bankruptcy | Decision 680/2026 |
Step by step (employer receiving a transfer)
- Check that your PAM file is active and free of violations.
- Check that your Kuwaitization ratio allows new permits.
- Confirm the worker's route: 1 year with approval, 3 years, or an exception.
- The current employer approves on Asahel, if needed.
- Submit the transfer on Asahel and pay the fees shown.
- Update residency (KD 20 a year) and health insurance (KD 100 a year).
- Add the worker to your working-hours schedule on PAM (Resolution 15/2025).
Watch-outs
- Exit permits. Until the transfer is complete, the old employer approves any travel (Circular 2/2025).
- Job title and qualification changes are suspended for many workers (Circular 1/2025). Hire for the title already on the permit.
- Absence reports. A false report can now free the worker to transfer and mark the employer as "defaulting" (Decision 680/2026).
- Fees. Trust only the amount shown on Asahel or Sahel.