Working in Kuwait

When working in Kuwait, you’ll have the opportunity to earn in the world’s strongest currency – the Kuwaiti dinar. Plus, Kuwait is a tax haven, meaning you won’t have to pay personal income tax on your earnings.

Kuwait is a small country with a small population, so it has depended on foreign workers to fill important skilled and unskilled jobs. This has made it a popular destination for expats looking for work.

That said, since 2013, Kuwait has started a programme called Kuwaitisation. This programme aims to reduce the number of foreign workers and focus on giving jobs to Kuwaiti nationals.

While there are still opportunities for highly skilled workers, your job might involve training a Kuwaiti worker to eventually take over when you leave. Additionally, some of the generous benefits for expat workers have been reduced.

Job market in Kuwait

Commercial opportunities for skilled workers in Kuwait have centred mainly on the country’s oil wealth. Other opportunities exist in real estate, construction, and engineering. Maintenance, repair, and technician jobs are also available.

When it comes to doing business in Kuwait, jobs in finance sectors, including accounting and auditing, as well as sales, marketing, and PR positions, are commonly available.

Given the demand for international schools, educators from all over the world have found themselves teaching in Kuwait. Doctors and medical professionals can also secure employment in the healthcare sector.

Finding a job in Kuwait

With the expat labour pool expected to decrease substantially, securing employment in Kuwait could be tricky. Still, jobseekers can explore various routes to find work. Those working in Kuwait are likely to have relocated through an intra-company transfer, while others have gone through a recruitment agency or relocation company that offers job-seeking services.

Networking is also a great way to find a job in Kuwait. Creating a profile on an online job platform and connecting with Kuwaiti businesses is a good way to begin. Online job portals, including Bayt.com, Foundit Gulf and GulfTalent, are highly recommended. It also helps to know someone living in Kuwait and build professional relationships through word-of-mouth.

Work permits

To legally work in Kuwait, you must have a work permit. This permit is attached to a formal offer of employment from a Kuwaiti company. The hiring company sponsors and organises the work permit. Foreigners caught working without the proper paperwork face severe penalties, including deportation.

Employment contracts for skilled foreign workers in Kuwait usually include benefits such as a housing allowance, medical aid and annual air tickets home. Unfortunately, lucrative expat contracts are not what they used to be, as the country continues implementing the Kuwaitisation plan.

Useful links

• Bayt.com
• Foundit Gulf
• GulfTalent
• Kuwait Government Online – Applying for a Work Permit

Work culture in Kuwait

Kuwait’s official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood in Kuwaiti business circles. Nevertheless, you’ll be at an advantage if you learn a few key phrases and greetings in Arabic.

Work culture in Kuwait is formal and largely based on Islamic principles. Appearances are important, and business attire should be conservative; women should avoid wearing tight-fitting or revealing clothing. Muslim Kuwaiti associates will pray five times daily; meetings and appointments must be arranged around prayer times, and you should show respect and patience for this custom.

The typical workweek in Kuwait is Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the official weekend in the country. That said, the standard working week for some companies may be 48 hours, but there are proposals to reduce this to 42 hours. Companies usually operate between 8.30am and 6pm, sometimes with an extended lunch break. Office hours are reduced during the holy month of Ramadan.