Employer Transfer and Portability
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions.
Kuwaiti National Law
What is this right?
Kuwait has reformed its sponsorship system to allow workers to transfer between employers under certain conditions:
- You can transfer to a new employer after completing 1 year with your current sponsor if certain conditions are met.
- A transfer does not require your current employer's consent if: you have completed the required service period and have a valid offer from a new employer.
- If your employer has violated labour law (non-payment, abuse), you can request an immediate transfer regardless of time served.
- MSAL must approve the transfer — processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
- Some categories of workers (government contracts, certain professions) may face additional restrictions.
When does it apply?
- You want to change employers while remaining in Kuwait.
- Your employer has not paid your salary, abused you, or breached your contract.
- Your employment contract has expired and you have a new offer.
What should you do?
- Secure a written job offer from your new employer first.
- Submit a transfer application through MSAL with your new employer's sponsorship.
- If your employer is blocking the transfer illegally, file a labour complaint with MSAL.
- Ensure your end-of-service indemnity from your previous employer is settled before or during the transfer.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not leave your current job before the transfer is approved — working without valid sponsorship is illegal.
- Do not pay your employer to release you — the transfer is a legal right, not something you should have to buy.
- Do not start working for the new employer until MSAL has completed the transfer — this protects both you and the new employer.
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