The manpower authority is planning to ban issuing permits to expats with university degrees entering Kuwait to work in the private sector unless they have a minimum of ‘good’ GPA, according to government sources.

The measure would see only those possessing a university degree with a ‘good’ GPA score able to work in the country, according to local media outlet Kuwait Times.

Sources told the publication the step was intended to help rebalance the country’s 4.5 million population, which comprises roughly 70% foreign nationals at present, and ensure only highly skilled people can work in Kuwait.

It was reported last October that the country would begin checking and auditing university degree certificates when expats renew their residency visas.

The sources said organisational decisions will be issued in the coming months to fight visa trafficking and prevent unqualified labour from coming to Kuwait.

Under the plans, the government is also aiming to replace the roughly 44,500 foreign workers in the public sector with citizens under mandated cuts over the next four years.

A total of 3,140 foreign nationals in government roles were made redundant during the 2017-2018 financial year, which ended in March.

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