Kuwait Airways has announced that it has terminated the contracts of expatriate employees and those within the retirement age range in a bid to boost national employment and reduce costs.
According to the World Bank, the retirement age for Kuwait is 50.
In a statement posted on X, the airline said that one of the reasons for the workplace changes is the high salaries in addition to the increasing number of employees.
The airline also stated that the layoffs were initiated to create opportunities for Kuwaiti nationals, rejuvenate the workforce and reduce unemployment rates.
In the past, Kuwait Airways has rehired retired employees with specialized skills in order to improve operations. However, the airline let go of these employees due to the recent changes.
In 2020, Kuwait Airways also laid off 1,500 foreign workers in response to the significant financial impact brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.