KUWAIT CITY, March 8: The Public Authority for Manpower has recently introduced new provisions to make it easier for expats aged 60 or above, without university degrees, to obtain work permits. This includes allowing them to transfer to the private sector in case their employment relationship with the government sector ends, or they wish to move due to family or other types of residency circumstances. This change is expected to benefit around 8,000 residents.

According to Aseel Al-Mazyad, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department at the authority, amendments have been made to some of the rules and procedures for granting work permits to residents over 60 years old, reports Al Qabas. The new provisions now allow those expats who hold residency in some government and other sectors to transfer to the private sector, including individuals working in the government, public sector and institutions, dependent/family visas, investors or foreign partners in commercial or industrial activities, and expats under the rule of Article 24 of the executive regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law.

Al-Mazyad assured that the authority will continue to enforce its existing decisions, including the prohibition of transferring expatriate workers from certain sectors, such as prohibition of transferring domestic workers to the private sector.

According to Aseel Al-Mazyed, the Board of Directors of the Authority has approved that workers mentioned earlier can renew or transfer their work permit under the conditions stated in Article 37 before the amendment, with the same previous requirements, which include:

• An annual additional fee of 250 dinars for a work permit

• Possession of an irrevocable comprehensive health insurance policy

• With the exception of the same categories that were previously excluded from the drawing, they are the husbands and children of Kuwaiti women, wives of Kuwaitis, and Palestinians who hold documents.