Kuwait is preparing to introduce a new freelance visa system within the next two months as part of sweeping labour market reforms aimed at eliminating residency trading and irregular employment practices.
The proposal was announced by Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, during a meeting with private sector representatives. The planned system would allow expatriates to work independently under a regulated legal framework, replacing the traditional sponsorship (kafala) model in certain sectors.
Authorities say the move is designed to curb long-standing issues such as visa trading, uncontrolled daily wage practices and lack of oversight in service sectors. In some cases, workers have reportedly been charging more than 25 Kuwaiti dinars per day for basic services, raising concerns about transparency and service quality.
Officials believe the freelance residency system will protect workers from exploitation, enhance accountability and improve standards across the service industry. The reform is being viewed as a major step toward formalising the labour market and offering expatriates a lawful and secure pathway to self-employment in Kuwait.
