Kuwait Lets Expat Workers Correct Their Registered Qualification and Profession

Many expat workers in Kuwait have a job title or qualification on their work permit that does not match the work they actually do. Kuwait's Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) now allows these records to be corrected.

The change comes from Ministerial Circular No. 1 of 2026, issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, who chairs PAM. It took effect on 2 June 2026.

What is allowed

Expat workers can request to amend:

• their registered educational qualification, and/or
• their registered profession (job title)

so that both match the job they really perform.

Conditions

• The qualification, the profession and the actual work must be compatible with each other.
• Requests must follow PAM's approved procedures.

Details such as fees, required documents and how to submit a request were not set out in the announcement. Check PAM's official channels or ask your employer.

Why this matters

Kuwait has been checking more closely whether workers' registered professions match their jobs. A mismatch can cause problems when renewing a residence permit, transferring to a new employer or proving your experience later.

The circular also continues work on a Kuwaiti Unified Guide for Professional Description and Classification, aimed at standardising job titles across the labour market.

What to do

1. Check the profession and qualification on your current work permit.
2. If they do not match your real job, speak to your employer's HR or PRO about applying through PAM.
3. Keep your original certificates ready, as attested degrees are usually needed for qualification changes.