Kuwait Fires Thousands of Expat Teachers in Major School Job Cuts
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Education has terminated the contracts of 7,019 expatriate teachers as part of the first phase of an initiative to reduce staffing surpluses in government schools. Affected educators are receiving official Contract Termination Notice documents via the government application Sahel. This action, ordered by Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabatabai, marks the largest single mass layoff of teachers in Kuwait's educational history.
- 7,019 expat teachers laid off in Kuwait's government schools.
- 78% female representation among the affected educators.
- 42 million Kuwaiti dinars expected in annual savings.
Layoff Details and Financial Impact
According to ministry data, Kuwait has a total teaching workforce of approximately 91,761, with a calculated surplus of 33,268. The initial phase of layoffs includes 1,551 men and 5,468 women, totaling 78% female representation. The government expects an annual savings of approximately 42 million Kuwaiti dinars (about 137 million dollars). The layoffs primarily target physical education and Islamic studies, with selection criteria based on seniority, subject needs, and school requirements. Currently, Kuwaiti teachers comprise 70.6% of the workforce, Gulf/Bidoon teachers 10.1%, and Arab or other nationals 19.3%. All individuals in this first phase belong to the latter category, though Egyptian teachers will be retained in subjects where local staffing is insufficient.
Teacher Reactions and Advice
Teachers, who had returned to schools on September 6, 2026, began receiving notices on September 8 and 9. Affected staff members have expressed concerns regarding ongoing bank loans, apartment rents, and the status of their families residing in Kuwait. One teacher, speaking to The New Arab, noted the difficulty of managing monthly rent and debt payments, stating a reluctance to use terminal benefits for loan repayment. For those affected, the Ministry of Education advises the following steps: regularly checking the Sahel app for notice periods, ensuring clear settlement of terminal benefits and gratuities, monitoring residency visa status (noting that residency can be voided after six months outside Kuwait), negotiating with banks regarding outstanding loans, securing school fees for children, and exploring private sector or regional employment opportunities. These layoffs, which were reported across multiple outlets including The New Arab, Times Kuwait, and Al-Rai between September 7 and 11, 2026, are expected to continue in further phases.