Kuwait Gives Kenyans and Other Foreign Workers Until August 27 to Verify Academic Certificates

Kuwait has ordered public- and private-sector employees to regularise their academic qualification records by close of business on Thursday, 27 August 2026, as part of a crackdown on fraudulent credentials.

Administrative Circular No. 2026/25 requires all workers, including expatriates such as Kenyan nationals, to upload their academic certificates through the Ministry of Information’s official electronic portal. Those who fail to comply could face disciplinary and legal action under the Civil Service Commission’s regulations.

Employees who obtained their qualifications abroad must also apply for certificate equivalency through the Ministry of Higher Education. Detailed instructions for the process are available through the Sahel application.

A high-level committee led by the Legal Advice and Legislation Department has been assigned to oversee the exercise. It includes representatives from the Interior, Health, Justice and Higher Education ministries, as well as the Civil Service Commission.

The initiative is part of a wider campaign against forged academic qualifications. The Committee for Examining the Academic Certificates of Employees in Government and Private Sector Entities is responsible for verifying the authenticity, specialisation and accreditation of submitted qualifications.

The Public Authority for Manpower has also introduced an automated system to verify academic documents submitted with work permit applications. The system covers expatriates, GCC nationals and bidoon workers.

Under Article 259 of Penal Code No. 16/1960, anyone convicted of knowingly using a forged academic or professional certificate can face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to KD 5,000 or both.

The measures are intended to strengthen the integrity of Kuwait’s labour market and ensure that workers meet required professional standards. For foreign employees, including Kenyans, the requirements reinforce the need to maintain valid and properly recognised academic records.

Kuwait has also introduced changes to allowances for nursing and midwifery staff through Ministerial Resolution No. 206 of 2026. The reforms apply to both Kuwaiti nationals and foreign professionals.

The revised allowance structure includes payments linked to professional grade, nature of work, job level, cost of living, shifts, supervision, training and academic qualifications. Kuwaiti nursing and midwifery staff will receive monthly allowances ranging from KD 1,040 for assistant nurses and midwives to KD 1,510 for head specialists.

Foreign nurses will also benefit from the revised allowance structure. The Ministry of Health said the changes are intended to recognise professional expertise, encourage specialisation and improve staff retention in the healthcare sector.