Kuwait introduces automated system to verify academic qualifications for work permits

Dubai: In a bid to strengthen oversight and prevent the use of fraudulent academic certificates, Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower has launched an automated system to verify academic qualifications for expatriate, GCC, and bidoon (people without proper documents) workers applying for work permits through the Ashal portal or Sahel Business app.

This new measure comes after the discovery of fraudulent academic documents submitted by applicants and aims to maintain the integrity of Kuwait’s labour market.

According to a circular issued by Marzouq Al Otaibi, Acting Director General of the Authority, the system will ensure academic credentials and corresponding professions are verified before any work permit is issued.

The verification process covers three key areas: academic degree, field of specialization, and the accreditation status of the qualification based on Ministry of Higher Education standards.

This initiative is part of Kuwait's ongoing efforts to regulate its labor market and ensure that only qualified individuals are granted work permits.