What is Kuwaitization?

Kuwaitization gives Kuwaiti nationals more job opportunities and reduces reliance on foreign workers. This policy aims to create a skilled local workforce and boost economic stability by prioritizing hiring local citizens. It’s not just about jobs, though; it's about developing homegrown talent and ensuring long-term growth for the country.

What is Kuwaitization? 

Kuwaitization is a government policy designed to boost employment for Kuwaiti nationals by prioritizing their placement in the workforce over expatriates. This initiative aims to reduce the country's reliance on foreign labor and enhance local job opportunities. Implemented across various sectors, Kuwaitization mandates that companies meet specific quotas for employing Kuwaiti citizens. The policy underscores the government’s commitment to economic sustainability and national development by fostering a more self-reliant labor market.

Current Expat Population in Kuwait: 

1.4 million

Top 3 Expat Nationalities Operating in Kuwait: 

• Indians: Over 863,000 Indians form the largest expat community, contributing significantly to various economic sectors.
• Egyptians: With more than 666,000 members, Egyptians are the second-largest group in Kuwait.
• Filipinos: Around 241,000 Filipinos, many in domestic roles, play an essential role in the service sector3.

Sector-Specific Targets for Kuwaitization in Private Sector  

• The Kuwaiti government aims to increase the Kuwaitization rate in the private sector. Rather than imposing quotas, they collaborate with businesses to identify challenges and opportunities.
• Sectors like banking and industries actively discuss ways to absorb more national labor. Challenges include operational slowdowns and the technical nature of industrial jobs.
• Kuwaitization aims to strike a balance between the expatriate workforce and national employment.

Read more: Talent Leaders in Spotlight

History of Kuwaitization

Here's a quick timeline:

• Pre-Oil Boom: Historically, Kuwait relied heavily on foreign labor for various sectors.
• 1930s: The discovery of oil in 1938 brought rapid economic growth and a surge in foreign workers.
• Post-Independence (1961): With newfound wealth, the government focused on infrastructure development, increasing the demand for foreign labor.
• Late 20th Century: Concerns arose about the high expat population's impact on the social fabric and the underemployment of Kuwaiti citizens, particularly in the public sector.
• Early 21st Century: The government initiated policies to encourage Kuwaitization, including quotas in public sector jobs and financial incentives for hiring Kuwaitis.
• In recent years, the focus has intensified with ambitious goals to increase Kuwaiti participation in the private sector. This has sparked debate about balancing national employment goals with economic needs.

Updates in the Kuwaitzation Policy in 2024

On October 2, 2023, the National Committee for the Organization of the Demographic Structure in Kuwait endorsed new policies aimed at increasing the employment of Kuwaiti citizens in both public and private sectors.

Formed under Prime Ministerial Resolution No. 392 on May 15, 2023, the committee is tasked with curbing the expatriate population in Kuwait and setting restrictions on the influx of foreign workers. It comprises representatives from multiple government bodies, including the Ministries of Interior, Health, Foreign Affairs, Commerce, and Labor.

[fs-toc-omit]New Policies Impacting the Public Sector

The committee has introduced a new employment contract tailored specifically for Kuwaiti citizens to streamline their hiring process within Kuwaiti government agencies.

Moreover, the committee is partnering with the Ministry of Finance to implement a strategy to decrease the number of expatriates employed under government contracts, particularly in security and cleaning services.

[fs-toc-omit]New Policies Impacting the Private Sector

Beyond boosting Kuwaiti employment in the public sector, the committee has rolled out initiatives to encourage more young Kuwaitis to join the private sector workforce. One significant measure includes restricting expatriates from establishing new private enterprises. Furthermore, private companies collaborating with the Kuwaiti government will receive special incentives to hire more Kuwaiti nationals while reducing their reliance on expatriate workers.

The committee is also discussing with the Ministry of Labor to develop specialized training programs for Kuwaiti citizens, equipping them with the skills needed to increase their presence in the private sector and replace expatriates in these roles.

Read more: What is Omanisation? 

What is the Penalty for Non-compliance to Kuwaitization? 

While there isn't a clear-cut penalty system for non-compliance with Kuwaitization, there are indirect repercussions for companies that don't meet Kuwaiti employment targets. Here's what we know:

• Difficulties with Government Services: Companies that fall short of Kuwaitization goals might face delays or restrictions when applying for government permits, licenses, or clearances.
• Public Scrutiny and Reputation: The Kuwaiti government and media outlets can highlight companies with low Kuwaiti hiring rates, potentially impacting their public image and customer base.
• Challenges in Obtaining Work Visas: Companies that struggle to meet Kuwaitization quotas might encounter difficulties when sponsoring work visas for foreign employees.
• Limited Access to Government Incentives: Companies prioritizing Kuwaiti employment may be eligible for government incentives, such as tax breaks or subsidies, which wouldn't be available to non-compliant businesses.

While there aren't direct fines, non-compliance with Kuwaitization can make doing business in Kuwait harder and costlier.

What is the Goal of Kuwaitization? 

The Kuwaitization policy aims to boost Kuwaiti citizen participation in the workforce, especially in the private sector, by reducing reliance on foreign labor, increasing employment opportunities for Kuwaitis, and enhancing social cohesion. It seeks to address underemployment among citizens, contribute to a diversified and resilient national economy, and promote a more robust national identity, ultimately striving for a more sustainable and self-sufficient Kuwaiti economy.

Read more: The UAE Labor Market Key Facts and Figures

How to Overcome the Challenges of Kuwaitization? 

Here’s how companies can overcome the challenges of Kuwaitization: 

1. Skill Development: Reform education to align with market needs and offer continuous learning programs.

2. Private Sector Incentives: Provide financial incentives and foster partnerships between businesses and educational institutions.

3. Improving Work Conditions: Ensure competitive salaries and promote work-life balance in the private sector.

4. Job Matching Services: Develop job portals and provide career counseling to match job seekers with opportunities better.

5. Government Support: Enforce policies, monitor compliance, and run public awareness campaigns about the benefits of Kuwaitization.

As businesses adapt to new dynamics, sourcing skilled Kuwaiti talent is key to thriving. Unlock the potential of top Kuwaiti professionals with Iris by Qureos. Boost your workforce and seamlessly meet Kuwaitization targets. Start today!