Kuwait Times, Monday, Jul 04, 2022 | Zul Hijjah 5, 1443
PAM mulls 3-month iqama for some expats to find new jobs
Kuwait:
The Public Authority of Manpower is mulling a plan to grant
temporary three-month residency permits to workers of insolvent companies so
they can find new sponsors. PAM is preparing a new platform (application) to
register workers employed at companies facing liquidation or closure due to the
repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic or other financial reasons, which
means their employees will have difficulty transferring their residencies.
Official sources at PAM said the authority has completed coordination with the
interior ministry on launching the new application to register employees of
troubled companies that are unable to find other jobs for their workers or send
them back home due to bankruptcy. Among the conditions to register workers is
that they should have any criminal or administrative issues.
Sources said those who meet the conditions will be given a temporary three-month
residency permit to find a new sponsor, adding the new app will reduce the
number of workers brought in from abroad, particularly on government contracts
that require thousands of workers. Owners of such contracts can benefit from
those registered on the application and select the workers they find suitable.
The sources said contracting with these workers will be through PAM to guarantee
the right contract and legal residency permit are issued. They said workers who
are not accepted by any company will be considered to be in violation of
residency laws and must correct their status or leave the country before the
temporary permit expires, which can be renewed for three more months.