Kuwait is planning to introduce a new regulated freelance visa as part of efforts to reform its labour market. The proposal was announced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahd Al Yousef during a meeting with representatives from the private sector.
Under the proposed system, expatriates would be allowed to work independently without needing a traditional local sponsor. At present, most foreign workers in Kuwait must have a sponsor, usually an employer, who is responsible for their residency status. The new visa would create a legal framework that allows people to work as freelancers while following government rules and regulations.
Officials say the move is aimed at solving long-standing problems in the labour system. These include the illegal trade in residency permits, unregulated labour practices, and the misuse of sponsorship arrangements. Authorities believe that a proper freelance visa system could reduce the role of middlemen who profit from residency brokerage.
The government is also concerned about rising wages in some low-skilled sectors. In certain cases, daily earnings for basic services have reportedly gone above 25 Kuwaiti dinars. By introducing a regulated system, officials hope to bring more transparency and better control to the labour market.
The proposal is part of Kuwait’s broader efforts to modernise its workforce policies, improve regulation, and create a fairer environment for both employers and workers. If approved, the freelance visa could offer more flexibility to expatriates while helping the government address labour market challenges.