KUWAIT CITY, March 3: The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has opened wide the door for residency transfer (visa transfer), allowing the transfer among the sectors of industry, agriculture, herding, fishing, cooperative unions and societies, and the free trade zone until further notice subject to the approval of the employer.

This decision was issued by the Director General of PAM Ahmad Al-Mousa. The article No. 2 of the decision allows the transfer of residency of expatriates working in the government agencies and public institutions, and those holding family visas to work in the private sector until further notice.

As for article No. 3 of the decision, the transfer of locally employed workers in all sectors will be permitted with the consent of the employer and without the condition of the years served, which was previously determined by the expiry of a year from the date of issuance of the work permit.

Al-Mousa said this decision was taken in response to the needs of the labor market during the current period, and will be implemented until further notice in light of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, informed sources from PAM said, “The decision excludes workers of small and medium enterprises and those registered on government contracts. A new decision is on the way, which will allow the workers of small and medium enterprises to transfer within the sector, such that transfer will be from one small project to another similar project after a year of the issuance of the work permit. In the past it was not allowed to transfer from one small project to another until after three years”.

By Fares Al-Abdan Al-Seyassah Staff