Kuwait Launches Automated Academic Verification for Work Permit Process

In a bold move towards protecting the integrity of its labor market, Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has introduced an automated academic qualification verification system. The system is applicable to expatriates, GCC nationals and bidoon (stateless people) seeking work permits.

The system is implemented on two large platforms:

• Ashal Portal
• Sahel Business App

As per Marzouq Al Otaibi, Acting Director General of PAM this step is taken to remove fraudulent applications and provide employment only to qualified people in Kuwait.

Criteria for Verification

Educational Level- The highest degree received

Field of Choice- Relevance of degree to position applied

For Accreditation- Verification of issuing body is legitimate and recognized (As per Ministry of Higher Education)

Objective of the System

Detects fraud through filtering fake academic credentials.

Ensures quality hires, by matching skills to job description.

Contributes to national development by offering a skilled labor pool.

Special Conditions

Engineering Positions- Auto-verification, there is no need for manual approval.

Non-engineering Positions- Approvals are to be submitted by employers first.

Renewals- No need to re-submit qualifications for another profession for existing foreign GCC workers and legal residents.

This serves as evidence of Kuwait’s commitment to modernizing its workforce governance to ensure that its employees have verified and relevant qualifications in order to contribute to the country’s economic development and stability.