Kuwait Work Permit

Job search in Kuwait demands more than the Kuwait work permit and just the obvious Kuwait cover letter and Kuwait CV writing and translation – it requires thorough preparation. You will be confronted with problems that in all probability did not even cross your mind when you become interested in the Kuwait job search.

Do not take too lightly the influence a Kuwait work permit can have on the final result of your adventure! For example, you will experience the unfamiliar immigration rules and practices, strange job application procedures, bizarre job selection trends and weird management culture.

You should be prepared to take Kuwait as it is with all of its difficulties, contradictions and challenges.

Most visits to Kuwait are trouble-free but you should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers like restaurants, hotels, clubs and shopping areas.
In recent years, the Kuwaiti authorities have carried out a number of investigations and operations against terrorist networks.
You should exercise a high level of security awareness and monitor local news broadcasts and consular messages. Ensure that your travel documents and visas are current, valid and secured in a safe place. Carry a photocopy of your travel documents in lieu of the originals. Maintain a low profile, vary times and routes of travel, and exercise caution while driving. Making local contacts quickly and seeking support from other expatriates will greatly increase your comfort and safety.

Passport and Kuwait Work Permit

Passport

All nationals require a passport valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival. Often a sponsor will hold a visitor’s passport. In these cases, a receipt will be issued. This will generally be accepted in place of a passport where a transaction may require one.

Passports bearing Israeli, Egyptian or Jordanian border stamps may cause some problems. The Kuwaiti government bans Israeli nationals from entering the country.

Kuwait Work Permit/Visa

The prospect of earning salaries that are much higher than what foreigners can earn in their own countries is a major temptation for many foreign nationals who come to work in Kuwait.

To work in Kuwait you must have a work visa prior to arriving in-country and a residence visa. Working without the proper authorization may result in immigration penalties including deportation or denial of admission to Kuwait.

Requirements for a Work Visa:

1. Valid Passport with a minimum of six (6) months prior to the expiration date.
2. One completed current visa application form as issued by the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs
3. One passport-size photo.
4. HIV test (AIDS test).
5. Health Certificate: Obtained from the local doctor certifying that the patient is in good health and free from contagious diseases. Lab test results for the following: Hepatitis B & C, Malaria, Filariasis, Syphilis and Chest X-Ray for Tuberculosis
6. Police Clearance of No Criminal Record obtained from Police, which should be dated after the issuance date of the Work Permit. The Police Clearance has to be certified then legalized by the Embassy for a $25.00 Authentication fee. The Authenticated Police Clearance should be presented to the Kuwaiti Authorities for residency purposes.
7. The work permit application including:
   • for Government Contract – a copy of a Letter of Appointment from Kuwait.
   • for Private Sector – a Work Permit issued by the General Department of Immigration Affairs in Kuwait. (If a spouse or family members are accompanying the applicant, a Work permit, No Objection Certificate or Letter of Appointment must indicate that.)
8. Visa fee $75.00 (for U.S. citizens) along with $25.00 for the authentication of the Police Clearance. Cash, money order or company check should pay fees. PERSONAL CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

Please note: Passports sent by mail should include a stamped, self-addressed return envelope.

Contact the Embassy of Kuwait in your home country for further information about the Kuwait work permit

Remuneration

Salaries range from KD 25 per month for cleaners from the Far East to more than KD 3.000 per month for western professionals. At both extremes, the employer usually provides accommodation. However, on average expatriates earn about KD 105 per month with a few benefits.

Some aspects of living in Kuwait are relatively expensive so terms of service besides basic salary are important. The common benefits offered to expatriates include:

• Accommodation: An employer may provide a villa or flat, or give a rent allowance, which may or may not be adequate. Check if it includes utilities like water, power etc.
• Car: Employer may provide a company car. Nevertheless, often a car allowance is given instead. Check that it is adequate to cover the running costs. Some companies provide employees with a loan to buy a car or will act as a guarantor to a finance company.
• School fees: Fees for local schools, which follow foreign curricula, vary. Make sure that school fees paid by an employer are adequate.
• Annual Holidays: Annual leave varies from 28 days every two years to 42 days or more a year.
• Return Air Fares: Make sure that annual return airfares included in an employment contract cover family members.

Unless contractual benefits are adequate, actual savings may not reach expectations.

Income Tax

Personal income tax is not currently applied in Kuwait.

Other Kuwait Work Permit Info

To be successful in your Kuwait job search and get the job you want, you need to prepare a Kuwait cover letter and Kuwait CV which you must email instantly to the prospective employers selected during a job search in Kuwait.

When you receive an invitation to the Kuwait job interview, you may apply for a Kuwait visa. Then prepare yourself for a job interview and take a look at the Kuwait dress code because how you dress is one of the most important attributes in being hired.

Check the job interview dos & don’ts and other job search skills pages. Find out why people are not hired for available jobs.

In addition, on the international info, job search, visa, work permit, cover letter, CV & resume, job interview and dress code pages you will find many useful tips for overseas job seekers.

Good luck with your Kuwait work permit.