Sheikh Talal Al Khaled Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of Kuwait, has approved a new law that opens the door for private sector expats to work part-time in Kuwait, as This is a progressive development.
The ministerial decision, effective January 2024, empowers private sector employees to take on additional part-time roles, subject to official approval from their original employer.
Conditions and Limits on Part-Time Employment
The approval comes with certain conditions, emphasizing that the expatriate employee can work a maximum of four hours per day in their part-time capacity. It is imperative for the expatriate to secure an official part-time work permit from the Public Authority for Manpower. Notably, the contracting sector in Kuwait is exempt from the four-hour maximum rule, allowing flexibility without predefined limits.
Addressing demographic imbalances
With more than two-thirds of Kuwait's population consisting of expatriates, the new legislation aims to address demographic imbalances within the country. The intent is to streamline the workforce by enabling employers to leverage the skills and expertise of expatriates already present in the country, reducing the necessity for additional international recruitment.
Remote Work Directive
Sheikh Talal Al Khaled has ordered the Public Authority for Manpower to make remote work easier as part of the part-time job program. Employees are authorized to operate remotely under this directive when it is not required for them to be physically present at an office or workplace. Although embracing flexibility is important, it is still necessary to have authority rules and company consent before starting remote work.
Utilizing the Existing Talent Pool
The overarching goal of these initiatives is to optimize the utilization of the existing expatriate talent pool, fostering a more efficient and flexible workforce. By accommodating part-time employment and remote work, Kuwait aims to enhance its economic productivity while providing expatriates with additional opportunities for professional growth.
As these changes unfold, Kuwait anticipates a positive impact on its labor market dynamics, promoting inclusivity and adaptability in the evolving landscape of work.