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Kuwatization ramps up as government prepares to terminate expat jobs
| Published: | 16 Jan at 6 PM |
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Expats working in a number of Kuwaiti government sectors are to be sacked in order to provide jobs for locals.
In accordance with a Kuwait government plan to fully Kuwaitise government jobs by 2022, foreigners working in the IT, information, development, public relations, admin and statistics, admin support, arts and marine sectors will lose their jobs over the next four years. The government has ordered the departments concerned to list the names and positions of foreign employees who will be let go during the emirate’s fiscal year beginning in April.
Ministries and government sectors will not receive any extra funds during the next fiscal year, with the lists being used to cut the government’s wages bill and estimate budget expenses. One government agency has already requested several million dinars to cover the end of service benefits due to those whose jobs are being terminated. Funds have also been requested to cover the difference in salaries paid to Kuwaiti replacements and those paid to former employees.
Kuwatization has been in the news for several years now and has been dominated by calls from lawmakers urging the reduction of the high number of foreign workers in the emirate, at present making up some 70 per cent of the emirate’s total population. Also on the cards by 2019 is the restructuring of incentives and salaries for all government sector workers.
Media reports suggest there will be no reductions in salaries, with some workers even receiving increases. Also on the cards are increases in expat residence visa and work permit fees as well as charges for sponsoring a dependent family member.
In accordance with a Kuwait government plan to fully Kuwaitise government jobs by 2022, foreigners working in the IT, information, development, public relations, admin and statistics, admin support, arts and marine sectors will lose their jobs over the next four years. The government has ordered the departments concerned to list the names and positions of foreign employees who will be let go during the emirate’s fiscal year beginning in April.
Ministries and government sectors will not receive any extra funds during the next fiscal year, with the lists being used to cut the government’s wages bill and estimate budget expenses. One government agency has already requested several million dinars to cover the end of service benefits due to those whose jobs are being terminated. Funds have also been requested to cover the difference in salaries paid to Kuwaiti replacements and those paid to former employees.
Kuwatization has been in the news for several years now and has been dominated by calls from lawmakers urging the reduction of the high number of foreign workers in the emirate, at present making up some 70 per cent of the emirate’s total population. Also on the cards by 2019 is the restructuring of incentives and salaries for all government sector workers.
Media reports suggest there will be no reductions in salaries, with some workers even receiving increases. Also on the cards are increases in expat residence visa and work permit fees as well as charges for sponsoring a dependent family member.
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