What Are The New Residency Fees & Conditions Set For Expats In Kuwait?

As revealed by the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Residency Affairs, they have introduced a set of procedural changes, which cover residency permits for expatriates with family ties to Kuwaiti citizens. As it happens, this set of changes is a part of the ongoing efforts that aim to reform immigration and tighten oversight of long-standing dependent visa arrangements. Here’s all you need to know about this development, as mentioned in a report of the Gulf News.

New Regulations By Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior For Expats

As further mentioned in the report, children and spouses of expats will now be classified and processed under Article 22 of the Residency Law. This is subject to all existing ministry regulations and eligibility conditions. Moreover, the move brings greater uniformity to permits, which have long been dominated by piecemeal practice. Not to mention, it signals are a more rigorous application of residency requirements across the board.

Wives Of Kuwaits Have Been Reclassified

For the spouses and widows of Kuwaiti nationals, the regulation takes a different form. Yes, wives of Kuwaitis have been re-classified under Article 26. This category now explicitly encompasses husbands of Kuwaiti women as well. So basically, both groups will be charged an annual fee of KWD15 per case. This is regardless of gender! Widows and divorcees of Kuwaiti citizens are also eligible for residency, and this is under Article 28 at the same annual rate. It’s however, subject to the approval by the ministry.

It should be noted that the expansion and family coverage comes under Article 27, and it allows free-free residency permits for maternal uncles and arms of Kuwaiti citizens. This inclusion of extended relatives showcases an effort to broaden support for close family members.

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More About The Reform

However, not all changes have reduced costs. Parents of expats are under Article 29, and those with expired residency permits are required to attend their local residency department in person in order to secure an initial renewal. This application carries a one‑off fee of KWD300. In fact, future renewals are also available online at the same rate. The shift, therefore, aligns with a tough stance when it comes to long-standing sponsorship, which has been loosely regulated.

So, no matter what the category, applicants must meet the stringent ministry conditions.

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