KUWAIT CITY, Dec 28: The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has issued new guidelines requiring the equivalency of engineering qualifications to obtain or renew a work permit in engineering professions. PAM Director Marzouq Al-Otaibi, detailed the mechanisms for recognizing engineering qualifications and registering professions through a circular. The outlined procedures include submitting an initial recognition request for engineering qualifications via PAM’s electronic portals, which is mandatory before applying for a work permit.

Key points in the circular include the following:
Eligibility for Work Permits -- graduates from accredited colleges of Kuwaiti government or private universities specializing in engineering, engineering sciences, or architecture. Individuals who have received equivalency and accreditation for their qualifications from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Higher Education.

Renewals and transfers -- Engineers registered in PAM’s systems as of September 8, 2024, can renew or transfer their work permits, with their profession registered temporarily until qualifications are equated. Engineers entering Kuwait on work permits must secure initial recognition from the relevant committee, allowing temporary registration for two years to finalize qualification equivalency.

Alternative options -- Workers whose qualifications are not initially recognized may transfer to other professions and later apply for engineering permits upon qualification approval. The government sector employees transferring to the private sector must provide an original certificate from the Civil Service Bureau confirming prior registration in an engineering profession.

Special cases -- Family members, business partners, or individuals on business visits transferring to the private sector as engineers require committee approval for temporary registration until qualification equivalency is achieved.

Consequences of non-compliance -- Workers failing to complete the equivalency process within the allowed time frame may be required to register in non-engineering professions.

The circular emphasizes that employers and engineer workers share responsibility for ensuring the equivalency and accreditation of engineering qualifications. The measures aim to standardize the recognition of engineering professionals in Kuwait’s private sector, enhancing compliance and professional integrity.

By Fares Al-Abdan Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff