As the June 30 deadline approaches, the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has reminded employers to utilize the available window for transferring visas of workers from restricted sectors. The facility, which opened on May 1, 2026 under directives from First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, permits such moves with the approval of the current employer, according to Arab Times. PAM issued the reminder this week to prevent any last-minute rush and ensure smooth processing before the opportunity ends.
The administrative decision applies to small and medium-sized enterprises along with the industrial, agricultural, fishing and livestock sectors. These fields were previously restricted in terms of allowing workers to transfer outside their category even though they could recruit from abroad. The authority’s circular stresses that no transfer can take place without explicit consent from the original sponsor, a condition designed to maintain order in the labor market.
Public Authority for Civil Information data places Kuwait’s expatriate population at more than 3.3 million, the majority of whom are employed in the private sector under various sponsorship arrangements. PAM has introduced several reforms over the years, including shortening the minimum service period required for transfers in select cases as per earlier administrative decisions. A flat fee of KD 150 applies to eligible permit transfers, according to the latest regulatory framework published by the authority.
Employers have been advised to review their current workforce files and submit transfer requests through PAM’s online portals well in advance of the cutoff. The two-month window was established to strike a balance between labor market flexibility and stability during prevailing economic conditions. PAM officials have indicated that applications must meet all specified criteria to be approved during this period.
This latest reminder forms part of the authority’s regular communications to update businesses on labor policies and avoid compliance issues. Similar temporary transfer windows have been implemented in past years to respond to sector-specific demands. Companies operating in the affected industries should consult PAM guidelines for detailed procedures and required documentation.
The policy does not alter the underlying sponsorship system but offers a time-bound exception for eligible workers and employers. Ongoing digitalization efforts by PAM have made it easier for businesses to handle such transactions without repeated office visits. As the deadline draws closer, the authority expects increased submissions from those who have delayed their decisions.
