PAM Guides Kuwait Workers on Correct Channels for Disputes and Violations

The Public Authority for Manpower has warned expatriate workers in Kuwait to accurately distinguish between labour disputes and legal violations when seeking assistance, as misclassification has contributed to backlogs in case handling. According to an Arab Times report, many workers file complaints for issues that should be reported as violations, leading the dispute department to return the cases without resolution. This guidance comes as PAM processes tens of thousands of such submissions annually through its various digital and in-person platforms. Labour complaints typically involve disagreements between an employer and employee over contractual matters such as unpaid wages, end-of-service benefits or working conditions that require mediation. In these instances, the authority attempts to facilitate a settlement before any potential court referral, a process that can take several weeks. Violation reports, however, address breaches of the Private Sector Labour Law, prompting immediate inspection teams to investigate and impose fines or other penalties where warranted. PAM figures for the first half of 2025 alone recorded more than 20,898 work permit complaints and 21,350 absenteeism and termination notices, illustrating the scale of labour-related submissions the authority receives. Of the absenteeism reports, 7,827 were later dropped while 843 were rejected due to issues with the employing company. Individual labour disputes numbered 8,646 during that period, with an additional 3,341 cases escalated for on-site inspections. In August 2026, the authority introduced the confidential “Report Me” service via the Sahel application to make violation reporting easier and more secure for both citizens and residents. PAM Public Relations and Media Supervisor Nadia Al-Hamad stated that all submitted information would be treated as strictly confidential, with specialized teams reviewing and verifying each case under the oversight of Director General Engineer Rabab Al-Osaimi. The platform allows selection of violation type, detailed descriptions and attachment of supporting photographs to aid faster enforcement. This year’s intensified inspection campaigns have resulted in 92,462 visits across private sector establishments, uncovering 20,219 violations that led to legal proceedings, PAM data shows. The authority has also handled 27,365 labour complaints to date, demonstrating its commitment to market oversight. Officials stressed that using the correct procedure ensures quicker responses and helps protect both worker rights and compliant businesses. Expatriates, who form the majority of Kuwait’s private sector workforce, are encouraged to utilise the Sahel platform or designated hotlines for reports of issues like midday outdoor work during summer months or recruitment irregularities. The distinction between complaint and report mechanisms forms part of broader reforms to digitise labour services and reduce reliance on in-person visits. PAM continues to monitor compliance with regulations under Labour Law No. 6 of 2010 while promoting awareness of these channels.