The Ministry of Interior of Kuwait has officially implemented a major makeover to the immigration system in the country. This has been done through the ministerial resolution No. 2249/2025. With the signature by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, here’s all you need to know about the new e-service that simplifies visa and residency transfers.
Kuwait Overhaul Of Immigration System
A one-day report mentions how Kuwait’s Minister of Interior has officially implemented a major makeover of the immigration system of the country. Through the new executive regulations, visa procedures are simplified. Not to mention, a tiered residency structure has also been introduced, and a 15-year residency option has also been highlighted.
New E-Services For Visas
Starting with the new e-service for visas, this new electronic service is bound to make life easier for expats. Whether they are looking for a visa or residency procedures, under the new updated system, residents will be able to issue, renew, and transfer Article 18 residency permits online. This would eliminate the in-person visits to the government offices.
The report also mentions how the e-services were launched by the ministry’s general department of information systems. This was done in coordination with the general department of residency. Not to mention, the services are available directly through the official website of the interior ministry. With the aim of reducing paperwork, saving time and supporting the country’s move towards integrated e-government services, this new tool is something that’s going to make life for expats easier.
Transferring Of Recidency Permits Made Easier
Previously, transferring residency permits, especially when moving between employers or sectors, has been a major challenge for expatriates. Now with the new service, this become a lot faster. With faster processing of these transfers, it has cut down the long queues and also the repeated trips to the residency department. Not to mention, with the upgraded system in place, it’s going to make it a lot easier to switch an employee’s residency category. For instance, if you’re moving from a work permit to temporary residency under Article 14, you can do so without the need for multiple rounds of manual approvals along with paperwork.
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Thousands To Benefit
With the digital shift, it is expected that thousands of expats who are working in the country will be able to benefit. Not to mention, this forms a part of the broader change that affects how the expats live, work, and plan their future in the country. However, all foreign residents and visitors must have a valid health insurance that supports their visa or residency status in the nation.
Moreover, the updated system of Kuwait also helps to tackle the long-standing visa and residency challenge, which has been faced by the expat community.
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