Kuwait: No change in ban on hiring expats aged 60
No exemptions in prohibiting renewal of residency permits that took effect in January
Cairo: Kuwaiti authorities have ruled out changes to a decree banning renewing residency permits of expatriates who have reached the age of 60, as part of efforts to limit hiring foreign workers.
An official source at the Kuwaiti Public Authority of Manpower has denied reports on social media claiming an amendment to the ban that went into effect in January, Kuwaiti media reported.
“We confirm that this decree has taken effect since January 1, 2021 without any exception or amendment,” the source was quoted as saying Thursday. “All claims are absolutely baseless. Any decision or amendment related to labour market and manpower is issued by the Authority and is published on its official sites,” the source added.
Expat ban
In January, Kuwait began implementing the ban on expatriates aged 60 holding pre-university degrees. More than 70,000 migrant workers are set to leave Kuwait this year due to the ban, according to Kuwaiti media.
Kuwait has recently unveiled measures to minimise hiring foreigners as part of vigorous efforts to redress a demographic balance in the country.
In recent months, there have been increasing calls in Kuwait for curbing foreigners’ employment amid accusations that migrant workers have strained the Gulf country’s infrastructure facilities.