Skills needs in Kuwait following the Covid-19 pandemic

Based on desk research and a survey of 240 firms across multiple sectors in Kuwait, carried out from October to December 2021, the report explores how the skills needs of companies in Kuwait changed following the pandemic. Providing a forward-looking assessment of the reskilling and upskilling requirements of the country, the report focuses on how the skills mix of national and foreign workers is likely to change in response to evolving local conditions and global trends.

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected economies and disrupted labour markets across the world. Skills development is key to helping workers and firms recover and prepare for future challenges. Skills management and development are especially relevant for the State of Kuwait, which must contend with both the skills relevance of its national populations and those of foreign workers, who represent over 80 percent of the workforce.

The report explores how the skills needs of Kuwait changed following the pandemic. Based on desk research and a survey of 240 firms across multiple sectors in Kuwait, carried out from October to December 2021, the report provides a forward-looking assessment of the reskilling and upskilling requirements of the country, focusing on how the skills mix of national and foreign workers is likely to change in response to evolving local conditions and global trends. The research aims to support Kuwaiti businesses, policymakers, and organizations representing workers and employers to better assess policy options, especially as they pertain to skills‐based international recruitment.