Kuwait Eases Rule on Expat Job Transfers Before One Year in Select Cases

The Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) in Kuwait has issued a new decision allowing expatriate workers to change employers before completing one year of service in certain specific circumstances.

Under the standard rule, expat employees are permitted to transfer jobs only after completing one year with their employer and with the employer’s consent.

However, the amended regulation introduces key exceptions aimed at protecting workers’ rights in cases where employers fail to meet legal obligations.

According to the decision published on Sunday, workers may now transfer to a new employer before completing one year if the current employer fails to issue a work permit or complete residency procedures due to delay or unwillingness.

The transfer is also permitted if the employer’s file is suspended by the authorities, preventing the completion of residency-related formalities.

In addition, workers can move to a new employer if salaries are not transferred in accordance with official procedures.

The amendments further allow job transfer in cases where workers obtain a final court ruling in their favour against their employer, or where employers file false absconding complaints intended to harm the worker.

PAM stated that in such disputed cases, it will first conduct an investigation to verify the employer’s violation before approving the transfer and imposing any necessary sanctions.

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