Kuwait’s Commerce Ministry Halts Expat Hiring to Boost National Employment

Kuwait Takes Bold Step: Halt on Expat Hiring Across Government Jobs

In a landmark decision, Kuwait's Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced the immediate cessation of hiring expatriates across all government sectors. This bold move is part of a broader national strategy aimed at reducing foreign employment in public offices while creating more job opportunities for Kuwaiti nationals.

The Decision Unveiled

Announced on Thursday by Minister Khalifa Al-Ajeel, the decision affects not only new appointments but also extends to all existing expatriate employees within authorities linked to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The directive seeks to prioritize local talent in public service roles, yet makes an exception for expatriates whose mothers are Kuwaiti.

Challenges with Replacement

Kuwait’s initiative to bolster national employment by replacing expatriates has encountered hurdles, particularly regarding the availability of highly-skilled Kuwaitis to fill these positions. Government statistics reveal that approximately 120,000 expatriates currently occupy public sector jobs, which make up about 23% of total government employment across ministries and independent bodies.

Significantly, more than half of these expatriate workers are employed in the critical sectors of health and education, areas where replacement poses substantial challenges. In response to this challenge, the Civil Service Commission recently mandated that the contracts of non-specialized expatriates will not be renewed post-March 31, with exemptions made only for highly-skilled professionals or those possessing rare expertise.

Impacts on Expat Community

This policy shift could potentially affect tens of thousands of foreign workers employed in government roles. Meanwhile, other governmental decisions are also impacting the expatriate community in Kuwait. On Thursday, the Ministry of Justice issued a directive to treat foreign wives of Kuwaitis—those who had their citizenship revoked—as Kuwaiti citizens, aligning with Cabinet decisions aimed at rectifying past errors in nationality grants.

Additional Updates

In an unrelated update, the Interior Ministry has announced the prohibition of water guns and balloons during national celebrations, reinforcing safety measures for public festivities.

This series of policy changes reflects Kuwait's ongoing commitment to reshaping its workforce composition, ensuring a stronger emphasis on national employment while addressing social justice concerns related to nationality laws. As these policies unfold, they are set to significantly reshape the socio-economic landscape in Kuwait.