Kuwait Pathway

• Objective: Primarily aimed at short-term financial improvement.

• Advantages: Enhanced savings, better security, and preferable work hours versus Pakistan.

• Challenges: Necessity for Arabic language proficiency, strict visa regulations, and initial work environment adjustments.

• Regulating Body: The Ministry of Health (MOH), Kuwait, oversees professional licensing and permissions.

• Licensing Details: A locum license is provided initially, transitioning to a permanent license post-probation without expiry for a one-time fee of 20 KD.

• Primary Care: Embraces general practice and preventive services.

• Hospital-Based Care: Public institutions provide free care, contrasting with the paid services at private facilities.

  • Public Hospitals: Jahra, Adan, Amiri, Jabir, and Mubarak Al Kabir are recommended for job stability and free healthcare services to nationals.

  • Private Hospitals: Al-Salam and Dar ul Shifa offer competitive packages but have job security concerns related to Kuwaitisation policies.

• OEC (Overseas Employment Cooperation) Platform:

  • Profile creation

  • Job search

• Private Recruiters: Engaging professionals for targeted opportunities.

• LinkedIn: Utilizing the network for job listings and connections.

• FCPS Holders: No additional exams are required for senior registrar positions in public hospitals. Conditions in private hospitals may differ, with roles influenced by hierarchical structures.

• General Practitioners (GPs): An initial exam within the first 3-4 months is mandatory, with preparatory materials often provided by peers. The assessment focuses on fundamental medical knowledge.

Pathways

• Via OEC

• Through Private Recruiters or LinkedIn

Format

• Conducted online.

• Involves a panel of 3-5 physicians.

• Duration: 5-10 minutes

• Encompass clinical scenarios and discussions on work experience.

Police Certificate: A fundamental requirement for all applicants.

Educational Documentation:

• • Matriculation and intermediate certificates require attestation from local education boards, followed by verification from the IBCC, typically involving a sealed envelope from the issuing boards.

  • Degrees, PMDC certification, experience letters, and ongoing service letters (if not resigning) require attestation from the issuing authority, HEC, relevant provincial secretariat, MOFA, and the Kuwait Embassy in Islamabad.

  • OEC officials will guide this process, and after completing it and paying the challan fees, they will schedule your departure.

Passport Validity:

• • Ensure the passport is valid for more than 2 years.

  • The passport's given name should consist of two names followed by a single surname to meet visa requirements.

Driving License:

• A Pakistani driving license valid for more than two years can be exchanged for a Kuwaiti license without a test.

Family Visa:

• For married doctors, obtaining and attesting the Family Registration Certificate (FRC) and Marriage Registration Certificate (MRC) through MOFA and the Kuwait Embassy supports family visa applications.

Educational Allowances:

• Lower and higher educational documents (matriculation, intermediate, MBBS, and FCPS) need attestation for eligibility for additional allowances.

Public Recruitment:

• Applicable fees must be paid.

• OEC arranges visas and flights for groups.

• Arrangements are informed by both the recruiting and home governments.

Private Recruitment:

• Visas are issued upon submission of the necessary documents.

• Travel arrangements are tailored to the individual doctor's needs and schedule.

• Salary: The typical range is between 1500 to 2000 Kuwaiti Dinars.

• Shifts: A standard workweek is 40 hours, with shifts varying between 8 to 12 hours.

• Academics: Educational sessions occur twice a month, including M&M meetings.

• Guidelines: Practices are often based on individual experience.

• Primary Language: Arabic predominates, with a minimal English-speaking demographic.

• Expat Interaction: A notable segment of expatriates (less than 20%) communicates in Hindi or Urdu.

• Language Acquisition: Basic Arabic vocabulary, essential for patient interaction, can typically be learned within two months.

• Security: Kuwait is known for its high level of safety.

• Economic Benefits: Attractive earnings enable access to quality vehicles and housing.

• Cultural Compatibility: Being a Muslim-majority country, halal food is readily available.

• Community Support: A substantial Pakistani medical community offers guidance and camaraderie.

Bureaucratic Hurdles:

• Difficulties in navigating documentation processes within the MOH and other governmental entities, exacerbated by stringent regulations and a preference for Arabic.

Financial Preparedness:

• It is advisable to have sufficient funds to cover three months of daily expenses. 

• Initial accommodation, hospital transportation, and meals are typically provided. 

• Private sector recruits may receive their first salary within the week.

• Nazir Kapadia
  nazirkapadia@gmail.com  
  Senior Registrar Emergency Medicine, King Hamad University Hospital, Bahrain
  Ex-Senior Registrar Emergency Medicine, Jahra Hospital, Kuwait

• Moeed Ahmed
  drmoeedahmed@gmail.com
  Chief Registrar, Frimley Park Hospital, Camberley, Surrey, United Kingdom