Employer Transfer and Portability in Kuwait
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Kuwait's kafala system has not been reformed as extensively as the UAE or Qatar — employer transfers still typically require a No Objection Certificate (NOC), but PAM has the authority to override this in certain situations:
- You can apply to transfer to a new employer after completing 1 year with your current sponsor, provided you have a valid offer from the new employer.
- Transfer normally requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer — this is the key difference from the UAE and Qatar, which have largely eliminated the NOC requirement.
- PAM can override the NOC requirement if your employer has violated the labour law: non-payment of wages, physical abuse, or unilateral contract changes.
- If your employment contract has expired or been terminated, you can transfer without an NOC.
- PAM processes the transfer — processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Apply through the PAM office or the MOI online portal.
When does it apply?
- You want to change employers while remaining in Kuwait — you have completed at least one year or your contract has ended.
- Your employer has not paid your salary, abused you, or breached your contract — you can request an immediate transfer without NOC.
- Your employer is refusing to give you a NOC despite your legal entitlement to transfer.
What to Do If Your Employer Is Blocking Your Transfer to a New Job in Kuwait
- Secure a written job offer from your new employer first — PAM requires this before processing a transfer.
- Request the NOC from your current employer — if they refuse and you qualify for transfer, go directly to PAM.
- If your employer is blocking the transfer illegally, file a labour complaint with PAM documenting the abuse or contract violation.
- Ensure your end-of-service indemnity from your previous employer is calculated and settled.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not leave your current job before the transfer is officially approved by PAM — you would be in illegal status during the gap.
- Do not pay your employer for an NOC — the transfer is a legal right, not something you should have to purchase.
- Do not start working for the new employer until PAM confirms the transfer is complete — this protects both you and the new sponsor.
Common Questions
When does it apply — employer transfer and portability?
You want to change employers while remaining in Kuwait — you have completed at least one year or your contract has ended.Your employer has not paid your salary, abused you, or breached your contract — you can request an immediate transfer without NOC.Your employer is refusing to give you a NOC despite your legal entitlement to transfer.
What should I do if my employer in Kuwait is refusing to give me a NOC to change jobs?
Secure a written job offer from your new employer first — PAM requires this before processing a transfer.Request the NOC from your current employer — if they refuse and you qualify for transfer, go directly to PAM.If your employer is blocking the transfer illegally, file a labour complaint with PAM documenting the abuse or contract violation.Ensure your end-of-service indemnity from your previous employer is calculated and settled.
What should you NOT do — employer transfer and portability?
Do not leave your current job before the transfer is officially approved by PAM — you would be in illegal status during the gap.Do not pay your employer for an NOC — the transfer is a legal right, not something you should have to purchase.Do not start working for the new employer until PAM confirms the transfer is complete — this protects both you and the new sponsor.