In order to work in Kuwait it is essential to obtain employment before you move to the country. You have to have a firm offer of employment and a written contract of employment before you will be issued with a work permit. An employer who is making a firm offer of work will have to apply for the necessary work and residency permits on behalf of the worker as they are considered then to be the sponsor.

The types of work that are available to foreign workers are usually based in one of the major industries, which in Kuwait are the oil and finance industries, although there may be opportunities in teaching and the medical professions. The small size of the country means that there is a shortage of skilled professionals in these industries and some companies need to bring in workers from other countries.

Finding a position with a company in Kuwait can be quite difficult. Many workers will transfer with their existing employer to a Kuwaiti branch. There are also a number of recruitment agencies which advertise positions in Kuwait. Prospective employees should be wary if a recruitment agency asks for money to process an application on their behalf. It is only the advertising company that should pay fees to the agency.

Kuwaiti companies no longer offer a myriad of bonuses to cover cars and housing and will simply pay a monthly salary, although foreign workers may qualify for bonuses. Workers will also qualify for an indemnity which is payable at the end of the contract and is based on the salary that has been earned during the contract. This can often be a significant amount of money if the worker has been based in the country for several years.

Working hours in Kuwait vary between 40 and 48 hours and workers should be aware that Friday is a holy day so is not worked. The other day off is usually Saturday though some companies will opt for Thursday as the second day of the ‘weekend’. This means that workers are expected to work on Sundays. During the month of Ramadan the working day may be reduced to six hours, but it is usually only Muslims that this applies to.

There is little need for unions as many disputes are resolved without the use of industrial action. Most large organizations will have human resources departments which can help to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.