Kuwait has officially lifted its 15-year ban on hiring Pakistani workers, opening up significant employment opportunities for skilled and semi-skilled labor. The decision comes after high-level bilateral talks held in Islamabad between a Kuwaiti delegation led by Assistant Foreign Minister for Asia Affairs, Ambassador Sameeh Essa Johar Al Dafiri, and Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
The recruitment drive will primarily focus on skilled and semi-skilled Pakistani workers, including drivers, electricians, carpenters, welders, technicians, healthcare professionals, and construction workers. According to Minister Naqvi, Kuwaiti companies are expected to begin the hiring process immediately, with strong demand in the transport and infrastructure sectors.
To ensure transparency and protect job seekers from exploitation, both countries have agreed to implement a fully digital visa and recruitment process. This system aims to eliminate the role of middlemen, reduce processing delays, and create a safer pathway for employment abroad. Naqvi emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to a fair and transparent online system designed to benefit the youth of Pakistan.
This move aligns with Pakistan’s renewed focus on exporting skilled manpower to Gulf countries. In 2024 alone, more than 500,000 workers went abroad for employment, contributing to over $30 billion in remittances. The reopening of Kuwait’s job market is expected to further boost remittance inflows and ease unemployment in the country.
Job seekers are advised to register with the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BEOE), avoid unauthorized agents, and monitor official channels for job categories and application guidelines. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis is also set to launch a dedicated job portal, which will provide verified listings and detailed instructions for interested applicants.
