KUWAIT CITY: At the onset of 2020 the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) is determined to stamp out trafficking in residence permits and will go after people who take advantage of loopholes to recruit expatriates in more than 20 professions and occupations because according to reliable sources, each visa is sold for more than KD 1,500 depending on the nationality of the applicant, reports Al-Qabas daily.

The daily quoting sources close to the issue said PAM has taken a series of regulatory decisions for expatriate workers residing in the country, especially those working in technical professions and other similar occupations.

The Minister of State for Economic Affairs Mariam Al- Aqeel told the daily PAM has already put in place controls to initiate change in professions, leading eventually to put an end to what is known as ‘residence trade’. She explained PAM is preparing mandatory tests for 20 professions if the worker wants to change from one profession to another.

Al-Aqeel added these tests shall be for car mechanics, electricians, security and safety supervisors, sanitary workers, technical surveyors, aluminum technicians, welders, lathe technicians, advertising agents, sales representatives, irrigation technicians, steel fixers, carpenters, construction carpenters, asphalt laboratory technician, purchasing officers, accountants, librarians, legal counsels and legal clerks.

She said that if the worker wishes to change his academic qualifications, he will have to leave the country and return with a new work permit in accordance with the scientific qualifications he wishes to work under. She noted all these measures will be positive in the direction of regulating the labor market and limiting if not ending the visa trafficking.

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