"Working Forces": No government contract is exempt from Kuwaitization without the approval of the Tenders Committee
Faisal Matar: Abdullah Al-Muhaini, the Job Opportunities Monitor at the National Labor Development Department of the Public Authority for Manpower, affirmed that the government contracts Kuwaitization regulation has increased job security for national workers by requiring government entities to transfer citizens working on expired contracts to new contracts, providing them with job opportunities with salaries equal to or higher than those they previously received.
Al-Muhaini stated in an interview with Kuwait Television that Cabinet Decision No. 1179 of 2023, concerning the government contracts Kuwaitization regulation, mandated all government entities to form Kuwaitization units responsible for studying contracts and identifying those eligible for Kuwaitization, in addition to monitoring national workers and ensuring their continued employment.
He clarified that the regulation stipulates the non-dismissal of Kuwaiti workers upon the expiration of government contracts, obligating entities to transfer them to new contracts. He noted that the focus is on extended and continuous contracts, such as management, maintenance, and operation contracts, as they are more suitable for ensuring the stability of the national workforce.
He added that temporary contracts, such as those for supplies and procurement, are generally not aimed at employing national workers due to their limited nature and lack of continuity. He explained that selecting continuous contracts aims to ensure that Kuwaiti employees transition from one contract to another without waiting periods or interruptions in employment.
Al-Muhaini pointed out that the Public Authority for Manpower established the "Fakhrana" platform to provide job opportunities for job seekers in the private sector, whether on government contracts or in private companies and institutions. He explained that the platform covers various qualifications and educational levels, providing an automatic link between job seekers and companies offering vacancies.
He indicated that the "Fakhrana" platform represents a parallel track to government employment, helping to reduce the number of applicants waiting at the Civil Service Bureau by directing graduates and experienced individuals to real opportunities available in the private sector.
He stressed that the old perception linking job security solely to the government sector needs to change, noting that the labor market has evolved rapidly. The private sector has become a genuine partner in development, offering jobs with salaries, benefits, and career paths that may be superior to some opportunities available in the government sector.
He said that long-term reliance on the government sector for employment has entrenched a psychological factor among citizens and guardians. However, the current reality of the labor market differs significantly from the past, as sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and large companies now provide stable and distinguished opportunities for national workers.
He highlighted that the Authority introduced an electronic salary system, which obliges employers to pay salaries within legally specified deadlines, ensuring that all workers receive their dues. This is accompanied by monitoring labor and attendance regulations and conducting inspection campaigns to ensure no violations exist.
He clarified that labor law does not distinguish between Kuwaiti and expatriate workers, or between males and females, in terms of protection and rights; it applies to all workers in the private sector. Inspection tours aim to ensure companies comply with the law and protect the rights of all workers.
Al-Muhaini emphasized that no government contract can be exempted from Kuwaitization without the approval of the Central Tenders Committee. He noted that this system prevents any entity from making decisions unilaterally and ensures cooperation among all parties to increase the number of Kuwaitis employed in the private sector.
