How to Immigrate to Kuwait from Nepal in 2026
Nepalis move to Kuwait on an employer-sponsored Article 18 work permit via PAM, after clearing the DoFE with a labour permit and insurance.
Last re-checked: July 2026. Visa focus: Article 18 Work Permit, PAM quota, DoFE permit.
1. Overview
Kuwait hosts a sizeable Nepali community in construction, security, hospitality, cleaning, driving and domestic work. The private-sector route is the Article 18 work permit: the Kuwaiti employer must hold quota with the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) for the worker’s nationality and job, then processes the permit and Iqama. On the Nepal side, every worker must clear the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) with a labour permit, insurance and a licensed agency.
All outbound labour migration from Nepal is regulated by the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) under the Foreign Employment Act. Workers need a DoFE labour permit (verified contract, medical certificate and Foreign Employment Welfare Fund insurance), pre-departure orientation, and must use a DoFE-licensed recruitment agency — unlicensed agents (dalals) are illegal. Nepal applies a “free visa, free ticket” policy for several Gulf destinations, capping the fee a worker may be charged; report overcharging to DoFE.
Corridor scale: Nepal has a sizeable Nepali worker community in Kuwait (widely-reported estimate; confirm current figures with official sources).
2. Key Visa Pathways
| Visa Pathway | Timeline | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Article 18 Private-Sector Work Permit | 4–8 weeks | The standard private-sector route. The Kuwaiti employer must hold a valid file with the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) and available quota for the worker’s nationality and job category; the permit is applied for on the PAM (Ashal) portal, followed by a residency (Iqama) stamp. Since 1 July 2025 an employer-approved exit permit (via the Sahel app) is required to leave the country. |
| Government / Article 17 (public sector) | Varies | Article 17 covers government-sector employment; most private-sector migrants use Article 18. Quotas and Kuwaitisation ratios govern availability by sector. |
| Employer transfer | After 3 years (or with consent) | Article 18 holders can transfer employer after 3 years without the current employer’s approval; earlier transfers need consent and a fee. Confirm current PAM rules. |
3. Detailed Breakdown
3.1 Article 18 Private-Sector Work Permit
Timeline: 4–8 weeks
The standard private-sector route. The Kuwaiti employer must hold a valid file with the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) and available quota for the worker’s nationality and job category; the permit is applied for on the PAM (Ashal) portal, followed by a residency (Iqama) stamp. Since 1 July 2025 an employer-approved exit permit (via the Sahel app) is required to leave the country.
3.2 Government / Article 17 (public sector)
Timeline: Varies
Article 17 covers government-sector employment; most private-sector migrants use Article 18. Quotas and Kuwaitisation ratios govern availability by sector.
3.3 Employer transfer
Timeline: After 3 years (or with consent)
Article 18 holders can transfer employer after 3 years without the current employer’s approval; earlier transfers need consent and a fee. Confirm current PAM rules.