The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) is Kuwait's primary operational body for private-sector labour regulation. Operating under the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MOSAL), PAM handles the day-to-day functions of work-permit issuance, employer file management, worker transfers, and labour complaint resolution for the private sector.
Employer Files
Private-sector employers must maintain a valid employer file with PAM before they can sponsor foreign workers. The employer file records the approved number and categories of positions, nationality quotas, and the employer's compliance status. If an employer has outstanding violations or unpaid obligations, the file may be suspended, which prevents new work-permit applications until the issues are resolved.
Work Permit Applications
New work permits for expatriate employees are applied for through the PAM online portal by the employer. An approved work permit forms the basis for the entry visa and, after arrival, for the Ministry of Interior to stamp the residence permit and for PACI to issue the Civil ID. The chain - PAM work permit, then MOI residence stamp, then PACI Civil ID - must follow this sequence.
Article 18 Transfers: Changing Employers
The rules governing work-permit transfers between private-sector employers are among the most-asked-about aspects of PAM's role:
- Within the first three years of employment, transferring to a new employer generally requires the outgoing employer's written consent.
- After three years of continuous service, a transfer may be possible without consent under certain conditions.
- Workers may petition PAM for a waiver on qualifying grounds, such as non-payment of wages by the employer.
- Fees apply to transfer applications; the current amounts are published on the PAM portal.
Transfer rules and waiver grounds are subject to revision - confirm the current conditions on manpower.gov.kw before initiating a transfer.
Labour Complaints
PAM is the first port of call for private-sector labour disputes in Kuwait. Workers can file complaints about wage theft, contract violations, or mistreatment through the PAM portal or at a PAM service centre. PAM has inspection and enforcement powers, including the ability to intervene with employers, facilitate settlements, and refer unresolved cases to the judiciary. Serious violations such as passport confiscation or trafficking are coordinated with the Ministry of Interior.
Domestic Workers
Domestic workers are governed by a separate legal framework from the main Kuwait Private Sector Labour Law. PAM administers recruitment approvals, work permits, and complaints for domestic workers under this distinct framework, which provides different protections and obligations compared to the standard Labour Law.
PAM and PACI: The Sequence
It is worth understanding how PAM fits into the broader residency process. PAM approves the work permit; the Ministry of Interior (MOI) Jawazat then stamps the residence permit in the passport; and finally, PACI issues the Civil ID. This sequence means that a delay or problem at the PAM stage blocks the entire chain. Workers and employers should monitor PAM application status carefully and respond promptly to any requests for additional documents or corrections.
Work-permit rules, transfer conditions, and fees are amended periodically. Confirm current requirements with PAM's official portal or a licensed labour consultant.