26/08/2024
Share:
26/08/2024
Share:
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 26: The Public Authority for Manpower is once again under scrutiny for its management of Kuwait’s labor market. Over 30,000 domestic workers have taken advantage of a new transfer decision, with expectations that this number may reach 40,000 before the deadline of September 12. Bassam Al-Shammari, an expert in domestic labor affairs, highlighted that the surge in transfer requests underscores persistent imbalances within the labor market.
This situation reflects longstanding issues with the regulatory framework that has restricted worker recruitment, leading to economic sector disruptions and significant workforce shortages. The transfer decision, issued by Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, allows domestic workers to move to the private sector under specific conditions. The high volume of workers seeking this transfer demonstrates a critical need for labor in the private sector and exposes flaws in the Public Authority for Manpower’s procedures.
Al-Shammari noted several positives of the decision, including addressing the severe labor shortage and reducing disputes among domestic workers, which in turn alleviates pressure on expatriate workers’ shelters. He also advocated for extending the transfer period or making it permanent to better address the labor market’s needs and support Kuwait’s vision of becoming a global financial and commercial hub.
However, the transfer of such a large number of workers risks exacerbating existing shortages in the domestic sector. Al-Shammari has called on government agencies to expedite agreements with labor-exporting countries to mitigate potential negative impacts on the market and ensure a steady supply of workers. The decision, effective from July 14 to September 12, allows workers to transfer with the employer’s consent after one year of service, subject to a fee.
