Kuwaitisation and Employment Quotas
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 a Kuwaitisation policy that requires private-sector employers to hire a minimum percentage of Kuwaiti nationals:
- The government sets sector-specific quotas for Kuwaiti employment in private companies.
- Banks and financial institutions must maintain at least 70% Kuwaiti staff.
- Other sectors have varying quotas — typically between 1% and 30% depending on the industry.
- Companies that meet their Kuwaitisation targets may receive government incentives and priority in public tenders.
- The National Labour Support Programme (known as Al-Daam) provides salary supplements to Kuwaitis working in the private sector.
When does it apply?
- You are a Kuwaiti citizen seeking employment in the private sector — employers in your industry may be required to hire you.
- You are a private-sector employer — you must meet Kuwaitisation ratios for your sector.
- You are a Kuwaiti receiving Al-Daam support — this applies while you are employed in the private sector.
What should you do?
- Kuwaiti job seekers: Register with the Manpower and Government Restructuring Programme (MGRP) to access job placement and support.
- Check if you qualify for Al-Daam salary supplements through MGRP.
- Employers: Verify your sector's current Kuwaitisation ratio requirements through MSAL.
- Report violations — if an employer is not meeting quotas, complaints can be filed with MSAL.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not participate in ghost employment — registering as employed to meet quotas without actually working is a criminal offence.
- Do not assume quotas don't apply to your industry — requirements change regularly.
- Do not miss Al-Daam registration deadlines if you are a Kuwaiti employee in the private sector.
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