Expatriate engineers in Kuwait often have questions about the process of professional recognition and licensing. While the Kuwait Society of Engineers (KSE) previously conducted examinations to verify engineering qualifications, recent regulatory changes have shifted the focus to degree attestation, equivalency, and professional classification managed by government authorities. This ensures that only qualified engineers are officially recognized to work in the country, streamlining the accreditation process and maintaining professional standards.

Question 1
Dear Arab Times, Kindly let me know the procedure for the degree verification of the Engineering certificate. What are the main steps to convert into an Engineer Visa?


Answer:
For years, the Kuwait Society of Engineers (KSE) was responsible for conducting professional examinations for expatriate engineers seeking work permits and official recognition in Kuwait. These exams were a crucial step in the process of obtaining an Engineer visa, particularly for foreign nationals seeking to secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and professional classification.

However, regulatory changes have withdrawn KSE’s authority over these exams. Following complaints from companies and engineers about delays, inconsistencies, and a lack of transparency in the accreditation process, the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) and the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) have taken over responsibility for degree verification, equivalency, and professional classification
To work in Kuwait under an Engineer visa, expatriates must complete a degree verification and professional classification process as mandated by the authorities. While procedures may vary slightly depending on nationality and employer, the main steps are as follows:

1. Degree Attestation from Country of Origin
The engineering degree must first be:

Attested by the issuing university
Attested by the Ministry of Higher Education (or equivalent authority) in the country of study
Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of that country
Finally attested by the Kuwait Embassy or Consulate
Without proper attestation, the degree will not be considered for verification in Kuwait.

2. Authentication by the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Once in Kuwait, the attested degree certificate must be stamped by the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to confirm its authenticity.

3. Degree Equivalency / Recognition
The degree is then submitted for equivalency and recognition, usually through:

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), and
Where required, the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) (Details for MOHE mentioned below)
Authorities assess whether the qualification meets Kuwait’s standards for engineering professions.

4. Professional Classification by PAM
After recognition, PAM classifies the applicant under an engineering job title, which is essential for:

Issuing a work permit
Assigning the correct profession on the Civil ID
At present, this process is documentation-based, and no KSE-conducted exam is required.

5. Employer-Sponsored Work Permit
Once classification is approved:

The employer applies for a work permit under an Engineer designation
The visa is issued accordingly, allowing the applicant to work legally as an engineer in Kuwait
6. Kuwait Society of Engineers (KSE) Membership (If Required)
While KSE is not the licensing or exam authority, some employers may still request KSE membership for internal or professional purposes. This is not a substitute for government recognition.

Question 2

Dear Arab Times, I am writing to seek your guidance regarding the engineering equivalency procedure administered by the Ministry of Higher Education in Kuwait, particularly as it applies to expatriate professionals. While the process requires submission of verified academic documents, there is limited publicly available information outlining the detailed steps, procedural sequence, and indicative timelines.
In this regard, I respectfully request your advice or direction on the official procedure, commonly required documentation, and the appropriate channels for follow-up should clarification be needed during the review process.
Additionally, I would appreciate your guidance on how expatriate applicants are generally advised to manage residency or visa-related matters while an equivalency application remains under review, to enable proper planning and compliance.

Answer:
The step-by-step procedures outlined above pertain to expatriate engineers seeking professional recognition in Kuwait. Such applicants are also required to obtain degree equivalency through the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE). This process verifies that foreign qualifications meet local standards and enables applicants to secure the appropriate Engineer visa or work permit.

Procedure Overview
While specific details may vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin, the general steps include:

Document Attestation

Degrees and transcripts must be attested by the issuing university.
Attestation by the country’s Ministry of Higher Education or equivalent authority is required.
Final attestation by the Kuwaiti Embassy/Consulate is mandatory before submission in Kuwait.
Submission for Equivalency:

Verified and attested documents are submitted to the MoHE for official evaluation.
PAM may also be involved in confirming the applicant’s professional classification
Evaluation and Review:

MoHE examines the credentials to determine equivalence to Kuwait’s engineering standards.
Processing timelines vary depending on documentation completeness and ministry workload; applicants are advised to plan for several weeks to months for review.
Follow-up and Clarifications:

Any questions or additional requirements are typically communicated through official channels, such as PAM or MoHE offices.
Applicants should maintain copies of all submissions and track applications through the ministry’s designated portals or email contacts.
Residency and Visa Considerations
While the equivalency process is ongoing, expatriates are advised to:

Ensure that current work permits or residency visas remain valid.
Seek temporary extensions if necessary, in consultation with the employer and PAM.
Avoid visa violations, as overstays or lapses could affect the equivalency application and future professional recognition.