Kuwait Studies Cap of 30–40% on One Nationality in Each Company
Kuwait is reviewing a plan to limit any single nationality to 30–40% of a firm's staff, plus residency transfer options for domestic and project workers.
KuwaitIn brief
- Kuwait's First Deputy PM said a proposal to limit any one nationality to 30–40% of a company's workforce is under review.
- Companies above the limit could pay extra fees under the idea being studied.
- Kuwait is also studying letting domestic workers (Article 20) and staff from finished government projects move to private-sector residency (Article 18).
- None of these measures is in force yet.
| Country | Kuwait |
|---|---|
| Organization | Ministry of Interior / Public Authority for Manpower, Kuwait |
| Official source | Arab Times – 1st Deputy PM: Pay workers' salaries ✓ arabtimesonline.com |
Kuwait is weighing a rule that would stop any single nationality from making up more than 30% to 40% of a company's workforce. First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef described the idea at a meeting with business owners on 22 October 2026, saying it is under review.
Under the plan as described, companies that go over the limit would pay extra fees rather than face an outright ban.
Measures under study
| Proposal | What it would mean | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality cap of 30–40% per company | Firms would need a more mixed workforce, or pay more | Under review |
| Domestic workers to private sector (Article 20 to Article 18) | Housemaids, drivers and others could switch to company jobs | Under study |
| Workers from finished government projects to private residency | Staff whose project ended could stay and work for other firms | Under study |
| Workers must work only at their assigned site | Firms breaking this risk having their file closed | Being enforced |
Why Kuwait is looking at this
Kuwait has long tried to change the make-up of its population and labour market, where expatriates far outnumber citizens. The minister linked the wider crackdown to firms that hire workers without paying them, or that register people who never actually work for them. On the same day, officials said about 10,000 company files had been suspended over unpaid wages.
Who could be affected
- Large nationality groups in Kuwait's private sector could find some employers less able to hire more people from their country.
- Workers from smaller communities might see new openings as firms try to balance their staff.
- Domestic workers could gain a legal route into company jobs if the transfer plan is approved.
What it means for job seekers
- Nothing changes yet. Do not trust agents who claim the cap is already law.
- Follow official channels. Watch announcements from PAM and the Ministry of Interior.
- Domestic workers should keep documents in order. A valid residency and clean record will matter if transfers open up.
- Build skills that are hard to replace. Specialist workers are less affected by quota rules.
For current rules, see how Kuwait lets expats correct their registered profession.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kuwait limiting workers by nationality?
A proposal to cap any single nationality at 30–40% of a company's staff is being reviewed. It has not been approved.
Can domestic workers in Kuwait move to private sector jobs?
Kuwait is studying allowing domestic workers on Article 20 residency to transfer to private-sector Article 18 residency. No decision has been announced.
When will the Kuwait nationality cap start?
No date has been set because the plan is still under study.
Apply only through the official source.
Open official notice →TheJobSeek never charges for jobs and is not a recruitment agency. If anyone asks you to pay for a job offer or visa in the name of this article, it is a scam.
