Kuwait ends fee exemptions on work visa transfers; imposes standard KD150 charge

Kuwait has withdrawn fee exemptions for work visa transfers, implementing a standard fee of KD150 for each work permit issued. The change, announced under Ministerial Resolution No. 4 of 2025, took effect this week and affects several sectors that were previously exempt, according to a report by Gulf News.

The decision was made by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahd Al Youssef. It repeals Article 2 of last year’s resolution, which had allowed certain organisations to bypass additional fees based on manpower requirements.

As per the report, this move will impact a wide range of institutions, including government-owned companies, health facilities licensed by the Ministry of Health, private educational institutions, and foreign investors accredited by Kuwait’s Investment Promotion Authority. Other affected entities include sports clubs, public benefit organisations, unions, charitable institutions, licensed agricultural and industrial units, commercial and investment properties, and small industries.


Each work permit in these sectors will now be charged individually at KD150. The update aims to bring uniformity in Kuwait's labour market and end preferential fee structures.

Additionally, the resolution scraps the requirement for a one-year impact study by the Public Authority for Manpower’s Board of Directors, accelerating full implementation without further review.

This is part of Kuwait’s broader strategy to standardise labour processes and strengthen oversight across sectors employing foreign workers.