The Public Authority for Manpower has cautioned workers against mixing up complaints related to individual labor disputes with reports of violations that require enforcement action, according to a statement from the authority. This week’s warning seeks to direct individuals to the correct channels so that personal grievances receive proper mediation while legal breaches prompt inspections and penalties. PAM officials noted that many workers inadvertently use the wrong procedure, which can delay resolutions for all parties involved. The authority stressed that accurate classification supports efficient handling across its various digital platforms.
PAM launched the confidential “Report Me” service through the Sahel application in August 2026 to allow citizens and residents to flag labor-related violations electronically. Nadia Al-Hamad, PAM Public Relations and Media Supervisor, said the service was introduced in conjunction with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. She added that all submitted information remains strictly confidential with identities protected, while specialized teams review, verify and act under the supervision of PAM Director General Engineer Rabab Al-Osaimi. Users select violation types, provide descriptions and may attach photographs to assist rapid response by inspection teams.
The service covers areas within PAM’s jurisdiction including domestic worker recruitment offices, undocumented workers, unlicensed companies and breaches such as employing staff during the prohibited midday period from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. According to PAM Database Department Head Zainab Makki, clear and accurate details help teams locate sites, confirm reports and expedite follow-up. A separate complaints pathway exists for disputes over contracts, wages or end-of-service benefits that typically involve direct employer-worker resolutions or referral to labor relations officials.
PAM figures show the authority conducted 92,462 inspection visits in the first seven months of the year, detecting 20,219 violations at private-sector establishments across Kuwait’s governorates. The same data places the number of labor complaints handled at 27,365 during that period, a volume that underscores the need for clear distinctions between personal claims and regulatory breaches. Public Authority for Civil Information statistics place Kuwait’s expatriate population at roughly 3.3 million, forming the bulk of the private-sector workforce and amplifying demand for accessible, correctly targeted grievance mechanisms.
Under Private Sector Labor Law No. 6 of 2010, violations can result in fines ranging from KD 100 to KD 200 per worker, file suspensions that halt recruitment and residency procedures, or further legal measures. PAM has referred multiple employers for investigation this year following reports of unpaid overtime, illegal gatherings or failure to meet safety standards, according to authority statements. The distinction between complaint and report pathways ensures disputes move toward mediation or litigation while confirmed violations face direct regulatory consequences.
Recent PAM initiatives include digitizing additional labor services to reduce counter visits and expanding options through the unified Sahel platform. A PwC Middle East assessment of GCC digital transformation efforts noted Kuwait’s residency and labor reforms among active workstreams in the bloc, citing reduced processing times as a key metric. Officials continue to monitor usage of the new reporting tools to refine guidance for both workers and employers on proper filing procedures.
