Expat Professional Hires In Kuwaiti And Gas Oil Sector Drop By 50 Per Cent

The appointment of expat professionals to crucial positions in Kuwait’s oil and gas sector during the fiscal year 2018/2019 has fallen by 50 per cent.

During Kuwait’s 2017/2018 fiscal year, the Kuwait oil and gas sector appointed 345 expatriate professionals as against hirings of 190 during the year 2018-2019, a drop of almost 50 per cent. Even so, the same source of information reasserted the crucial importance of expat professional experience in maintaining operational standards in global companies, adding that, in spite of the decline in expat appointees, the sector is unable to operate without them. Leadership in the oil and gas sector, added the source, must not overlook the importance of foreign expertise in specialised sectors including the operating of specific equipment to the exacting standards required during complicated projects.

According to a recent demographic survey, Kuwatization as an aim seems to have had a negative effect on the emirate’s population growth. Now hovering close to multi-year lows, it’s expected to have been affected by high numbers of lesser-skilled expats returning to their home countries due to the increase in administrative fees charged for expat dependents and spouses. In addition, the fall in expat professionals applying for jobs has also lowered the demographic totals. However, jobs in private sector construction and real estate are still being filled by low-skilled expat labourers, seemingly because Kuwaiti nationals are unwilling or unable to work in this sector.

Meanwhile in Dubai, repairs and maintenance to one of Dubai International Airport’s runways is causing minor chaos for flights from Kuwait, which will now be forced to land at Al-Maktoum International Airport. Arriving passengers will be offered taxi or bus transfers provided by Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority during the shutdown. For expats travelling on business in the region, the disruption caused by the necessary repairs and renewals is expected to be minimal, and updates will be made available.