Welder

As per the Public Authority for Manpower, the minimum monthly salary for certified welders classified as skilled technical workers is 325 KWD as of January 2026. This applies to expatriate workers under the updated salary scale for private sector roles. Overtime pay is calculated at 1.25 times the hourly rate beyond 48 hours per week.

Foreign welders need a job offer from a Kuwaiti sponsor to obtain a work residence visa (Article 18 not applicable for trades), valid for 3 years and renewable via PAM. Requirements include a valid passport (6+ months validity), medical fitness certificate from approved clinic, and skills attestation. The sponsor submits the application online through the PAM portal within 2 months of arrival.

Welder positions require a high school diploma or equivalent plus a vocational welding certificate from an accredited institute, with at least 2 years of documented experience in MIG/TIG/ARC welding. PAM verifies these during work permit approval. Unskilled laborers without certification are ineligible for welder roles.

Required documents include a notarized job contract specifying 325 KWD minimum salary, attested academic certificates, 2 years experience letters, passport copies, and police clearance. The employer uploads them to the PAM e-services portal for approval within 1-2 weeks. Medical exam and fingerprinting follow upon arrival.