Abdullah Al-Muhaini: New contracts for national workforce in place of expiring government ones
Abdullah Al-Muhaini, the Employment Opportunities Monitor at the National Workforce Development Department of the Public Authority for Manpower, affirmed that the regulation mandating the Kuwaitization of government contracts has contributed to enhancing job security for national workers. This is achieved by requiring government entities to transfer Kuwaiti employees whose contracts have expired to new contracts, while maintaining or increasing their salaries.
Al-Muhaini explained, during an interview on the “Nabdh Al-Shari’” program on Kuwait Television, that the Cabinet’s decision obligated government entities to establish Kuwaitization units to study contracts, identify those eligible for Kuwaitization, and monitor the stability of the national workforce. He noted that the focus is primarily on ongoing contracts, such as operations, maintenance, and management, to ensure uninterrupted employment for staff members.
He pointed out that the “Fakhrana” platform provides job opportunities for job seekers in the private sector, connecting them with companies. He emphasized that it represents a parallel pathway to government employment and helps reduce waiting lists.
He added that quotas for national workers in the private sector are determined based on studies that consider the nature of each sector and its capacity to absorb Kuwaiti citizens. He noted that the Authority monitors companies’ compliance and protects workers’ rights through electronic monitoring and payroll systems.
He stated that the Authority carefully sets the required quotas as a minimum threshold that the private sector can provide. He clarified that if any company is unable to meet the required quota, it may consult the Authority for assistance in finding suitable job seekers.
Al-Muhaini said that long-term reliance on the government sector for employment has ingrained a psychological factor among citizens and parents. However, the current labor market reality differs significantly from the past, as sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and major corporations now offer stable and distinguished opportunities for national workers.
He highlighted that the private sector has increasingly focused on practical skills alongside academic qualifications. He called on students and graduates to develop their skills, keep pace with the changing needs of the labor market, and choose their majors based on future opportunities. He also urged companies to leverage national talent through the Public Authority for Manpower’s platform.
