Kuwait has announced new regulations requiring the equivalency of engineering qualifications for obtaining or renewing work permits in engineering professions.
Outlined in a circular by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) Director Marzouq Al Otaibi, the guidelines aim to standardise professional standards and ensure compliance within Kuwait’s private sector.
Key requirements:
Initial Recognition: Applicants must submit a request for recognition of their engineering qualifications through PAM’s electronic portals before applying for a work permit.
Accredited Qualifications: Permits will only be issued to graduates of accredited Kuwaiti institutions in engineering, engineering sciences, or architecture, or to those whose qualifications are certified and equated by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Higher Education.
For existing engineers:
Engineers already registered in PAM’s system as of September 8, 2024, can renew or transfer their permits with their profession temporarily registered until full equivalency is achieved.
For newly arrived engineers:
Initial recognition from a specialised committee is required, granting a temporary two-year registration to complete the equivalency process.
Special cases:
Applicants whose qualifications are not immediately recognised can transfer to non-engineering professions while awaiting approval.
Government employees transitioning to the private sector must provide certification from the Civil Service Bureau confirming prior registration in an engineering role.
Family members, business partners, and business visitors moving into private-sector engineering roles must secure committee approval for temporary registration while completing the equivalency process.
Failure to complete the equivalency process within the specified timeframe may result in reclassification to non-engineering professions. Both employers and engineers are jointly responsible for ensuring compliance.
PAM emphasised that these measures are designed to uphold professional integrity and ensure consistent standards for engineering qualifications in Kuwait’s private sector.
