In a significant move to improve oversight and protect the integrity of its job market, Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower has launched a new automated system to verify academic qualifications. This advanced system is designed to detect fake or forged degrees and prevent unqualified individuals from entering the labor market. It will apply to all expatriates, citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and bidoon (stateless individuals) who are applying for work permits through either the Ashal portal or the Sahel Business mobile application.
The implementation of this digital verification tool comes after authorities discovered a number of job applicants using fraudulent academic documents. By introducing this system, Kuwait aims to strengthen trust in its employment sector and ensure that all candidates possess genuine educational backgrounds. Authorities believe this step will make the hiring process more transparent and reliable for both employers and job seekers.
Why the System Was Introduced
The decision to enforce stricter checks on academic qualifications was prompted by rising concerns over document fraud in the employment application process. Kuwait has seen cases where individuals submitted fake diplomas and certificates in order to qualify for jobs, particularly in fields that require specialized knowledge. Such practices not only undermine the value of education but also risk placing unqualified workers in positions that could affect public safety, service quality, and workplace efficiency.
The new automated verification system helps tackle this problem by making it much harder for fake documents to go unnoticed. It serves as a key part of the country’s broader strategy to organize its labor force and reduce the number of illegal or underqualified workers entering the job market.
How the Verification Process Works
According to a circular issued by Marzouq Al Otaibi, the Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower, the verification system will carefully examine several key elements of a job applicant’s academic background before approving any work permit. These elements include:
- The Academic Degree: The system will first check the type of degree the applicant claims to hold—such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate.
- Field of Study: The next step will be to verify the applicant’s area of specialization or major. This ensures that the person has studied a subject relevant to the job they are applying for.
- Accreditation and Recognition: Finally, the system will confirm that the academic qualification comes from an officially recognized and accredited institution, according to the standards set by Kuwait’s Ministry of Higher Education.
Only when all three criteria are met will the system approve the applicant for a work permit.
A Step Toward Better Workforce Regulation
This new digital system represents an important part of Kuwait’s broader plans to regulate its labor market more effectively. The country wants to make sure that every individual who enters its workforce is truly qualified for the role they are applying for. This not only protects the quality of services and operations in both the public and private sectors but also helps build a stronger, more trustworthy economy.
By using technology to verify academic records, Kuwait is setting a strong example for other countries facing similar challenges. The new system is expected to reduce administrative delays, improve hiring decisions, and discourage people from trying to submit fake documents in the future.
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