Kuwait has implemented groundbreaking regulations to ensure the professional standards and qualifications of engineers working in the private sector. These new rules, introduced by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), mandate the equivalency of engineering qualifications as a key condition for obtaining or renewing work permits in the field of engineering. This development is expected to standardize practices and enhance the integrity of engineering roles across the nation.
Under the directive of PAM Director Marzouq Al Otaibi, the new guidelines aim to streamline engineering qualifications by requiring both initial recognition and certification through official channels. Applicants seeking engineering roles must first submit a recognition request through PAM’s digital portals before proceeding to apply for a work permit. The qualifications of engineers must either be accredited by Kuwaiti institutions or equated by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Higher Education to be considered valid.
Engineers currently registered in PAM’s system as of September 8, 2024, are allowed to renew or transfer their permits, with a temporary registration status until they complete the full equivalency process. For newly arrived engineers, an initial recognition is necessary, which will grant them a two-year temporary registration to finalize the equivalency procedure. Special cases, such as government employees transitioning into private-sector engineering roles, require certification from the Civil Service Bureau to confirm their previous registration in an engineering capacity.
Family members, business partners, and business visitors entering the engineering field must also secure committee approval for temporary registration. This ensures they can start their roles while working towards fulfilling the equivalency requirements. For engineers whose qualifications are not immediately recognized, the rules allow for a transfer to non-engineering roles until their certification is approved.
Compliance with these regulations is a shared responsibility between engineers and their employers. Failure to meet the equivalency standards within the specified timeline can result in reclassification to non-engineering professions, impacting career opportunities and organizational roles. By enforcing these measures, Kuwait aims to uphold high professional standards and establish a consistent benchmark for engineering qualifications across the private sector.
The new rules mark a significant shift in how engineering professions are regulated in Kuwait, aligning the country’s workforce practices with global standards. This initiative not only enhances professional integrity but also strengthens Kuwait’s position as a hub for skilled engineering talent.
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