The Public Authority for Manpower has issued a reminder to private sector employers on the regulations that govern the employment of women across Kuwait. Director General Rabab Al-Osaimi stated that all such hiring must adhere to Chapter Four of the Private Sector Labor Law and associated administrative decisions. These rules aim to prevent placement in roles deemed hazardous or inconsistent with public ethics while supporting overall labor market stability. The authority continues to oversee compliance through inspections and complaint resolution mechanisms.
According to the authority’s guidelines, prohibitions detailed in Administrative Decision 552 of 2018 cover a range of industrial and physical activities. PAM assessment found that underground work in mines and quarries along with direct involvement in construction and building tasks fall under the ban. Additional restricted areas include asphalt manufacturing, metal smelting, welding operations and handling of certain chemical substances or animal-derived fertilizers. Employers risk legal penalties for violations as outlined in Labor Law No. 6 of 2010.
PAM figures show that the Kuwaiti labor market integrates hundreds of thousands of women into suitable positions within services, healthcare and administrative fields. The authority has processed more than 27,000 labor complaints this year through digital platforms including the Sahel application. Such oversight helps address work condition issues and permit irregularities while promoting transparent reporting via the Balaghni service.
In an official statement, the authority noted that the employment of women remains governed by general rules approved in the labor law’s fourth chapter. Al-Osaimi added that these measures protect female workers as guaranteed by legislation without targeting specific nationalities. The Public Authority for Manpower emphasized that its decisions serve broader public interest and maintain balance in the workforce.
Recent leadership changes at the authority include the 2025 appointment of Al-Osaimi as its first female director general under an Amiri decree. This development reflects growing participation of Kuwaiti women in shaping labor policies and reforms. The authority has also conducted workshops focused on improving procedures for handling worker disputes and enhancing enforcement of safety standards.
PAM documentation lists further banned activities such as loading and unloading at ports, paint manufacturing and certain rubber production processes for women. These restrictions do not prevent female ownership or administrative roles in related establishments. The authority’s approach combines regulatory enforcement with modernization efforts to support both economic demands and worker protections.
