Kuwait News

10 months ago

Kuwait Offers One-Year Grace Period For Revoked Citizens To Adjust Legal Status

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has announced that individuals whose citizenship has been revoked will be granted a one-year grace period to adjust their legal status. The policy, effective as of July 20, 2025, lays out a structured framework of rights, responsibilities, and limitations for those affected, allowing them to retain select benefits while mandating compliance with administrative procedures. According to the Ministry, the measure is part of efforts to ensure legal and social stability and uphold the principles of justice and transparency, particularly for individuals whose nationality was withdrawn under the “Grand Acts of Worship” clause, typically awarded for moral or religious contributions. One of the most significant provisions permits affected individuals to continue using their Kuwaiti passports for four months following the issuance of the citizenship withdrawal decree. This applies retroactively to all revocations before July 20 and prospectively to new cases, giving individuals time to secure residency permits or travel documentation from their country of origin. The Ministry urged individuals to immediately begin coordinating with their respective embassies to retrieve passports or obtain alternative legal residency documentation. Failure to initiate this process within the first three months may result in the cancellation of benefits, unless sufficient proof […]

10 months ago

Domestic Workers In Kuwait Not Subject To Exit Permit Rule, Manpower Authority Confirms

Domestic workers in Kuwait are not yet required to obtain exit permits to leave the country, the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) confirmed, refuting a wave of misleading reports that circulated widely on social media. In an official statement, the authority described as “entirely false” reports suggesting that sponsors must secure exit permits for their domestic workers via Sahel, Kuwait’s government services app, before travel is permitted. While Kuwait had earlier introduced a system mandating exit permits for private sector workers seeking to travel abroad — a measure intended to regulate labour mobility and ensure contractual compliance — domestic workers remain explicitly excluded from this requirement so far. PAM reiterated that no such travel restrictions or permit procedures apply to them. The exit permit rule took effect on July 1. The inaccurate social media posts claimed that sponsors were required to use the “Public Authority for Manpower” section of the Sahel app to apply for the exit permit at least one day prior to departure. The posts also alleged that supporting documents had to be uploaded to activate the permit. PAM stated that no such process exists and emphasised that no official procedures concerning exit permits for domestic workers have […]

10 months ago

Kuwait Deports 6,300 Expats For Residency And Labour Violations In Two Months

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has deported approximately 6,300 expats during May and June 2025, according to figures from the Deportation and Detention Department under the Correctional Institutions Sector, local media reported. The deportations are part of an ongoing campaign to enforce residency and labour regulations, with authorities saying they are working to accelerate the removal of those found in violation. Many of the deported individuals had been referred to the department by various internal sectors and, in some cases, were subject to judicial rulings. The department is committed to expediting deportation procedures while ensuring that detainees receive humanitarian care and necessary services during their temporary detention. Field units across the country continue to conduct security operations targeting expatriates living or working in the country illegally. Those arrested are processed and referred to the relevant authorities for further action. The Ministry of Interior has stepped up enforcement in recent months, aligning with broader efforts to regulate the labour market and uphold immigration laws.

10 months ago

Egypt Introduces Pre-departure Training for Citizens Before Joining Kuwait’s Job Market

In a move to better prepare its citizens for employment abroad, Egypt has introduced a mandatory pre-departure training programme for workers heading to Kuwait, aimed at equipping them with both vocational skills and knowledge of local labour laws. Under the initiative, each worker will complete a three-month training course in Egypt before travelling. The programme includes orientation on job responsibilities and a detailed overview of Kuwait’s labour regulations, with the goal of reducing legal violations that often stem from a lack of awareness. “This step is designed to ensure that workers are not exposed to exploitation or contractual misunderstandings once they arrive,” said Osama Shaltout, Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait. “By familiarising them with their rights and responsibilities in advance, we’re setting them up for success and safeguarding their welfare.” The initiative follows a recent meeting between the Egyptian Embassy in Kuwait and the Kuwaiti Public Authority of Manpower, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deeper coordination on labour issues. To support the rollout of the training programme, Egyptian authorities have established 85 vocational training centres across the country. These centres will serve as hubs for skill development, legal education, and pre-departure orientation. The move signals a broader effort […]

10 months ago

Armenia Grants Visa-Free Entry To GCC Citizens And Residents Starting July 2025

As of July 1, 2025, Armenia has officially opened its borders to citizens and residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, granting visa-free access for short stays of up to 90 days. The visa exemption policy is designed to enhance Armenia’s appeal as an accessible and welcoming destination in the South Caucasus, particularly for travellers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. 90 days stay without visa Under the new rules, all passport holders from GCC countries may travel to Armenia for tourism, leisure, or business without the need for a visa, for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. In addition, the exemption extends to individuals holding valid residency permits issued by any of the GCC member states, provided their residence permits are valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Armenia. This provision broadens access to a large segment of expatriates living in the Gulf region. Growing interest among GCC nationals The timing of the decision coincides with a growing interest among GCC nationals and residents in exploring nearby destinations that offer authentic experiences, diverse cultures, and unique natural beauty. With its rich historical heritage, scenic landscapes, and […]

10 months ago

Kuwait To Replace 591 Street Names With Numbers Under New Naming Policy

Kuwait has approved the replacement of hundreds of street names with numerical identifiers, phasing out personal names from most roads and squares across the country. The decision aims to implement a uniform and depersonalised system for naming public areas. The initiative was formally endorsed by Kuwait’s Committee for Studying Proposals and Requests for Naming Cities, Suburbs, Districts, Streets, and Public Squares during a meeting held on June 23. The meeting was chaired by Acting Director-General of the Municipality, Engineer Manal Al Asfour. According to local media reports, the committee approved the renaming of 591 streets to numerical labels. An additional three streets will be named after Arab capitals or cities, in accordance with the latest Cabinet directives. The effort stems from a May 20, 2025, Cabinet decision that mandates the use of numbers instead of personal names on streets and public locations. While the Cabinet guidelines allow for some flexibility, including naming public spaces after historical figures, Kuwaiti ruling family members, or leaders of allied nations, such cases will now be subject to stricter scrutiny and will generally require reciprocity from the countries involved. Naming public areas after individuals will be significantly limited going forward. Instead, a default numbering system […]

10 months ago

Kuwait Introduces Lottery System For 1447 AH Hajj Registration Through Sahel Platform

Kuwait’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs (MoIA) has announced new registration procedures for the 1447 AH Hajj season, introducing a lottery-based system designed to ensure transparency and equal opportunity for pilgrims. The decision, outlined in an official circular issued last Wednesday, follows recommendations from the Supreme Hajj and Umrah Committee during its first meeting of the Islamic year. The new system will be implemented through Kuwait’s unified e-government platform, Sahel, and will remain open across multiple phases until all applicants are processed. Registrants will retain their lottery ranking throughout the process until they are selected and confirm participation. Under the revised framework, only Kuwaiti nationals who have not previously performed Hajj will be eligible to apply. Each applicant may register in a group of up to five relatives, and women may include one mahram (male guardian) who has already completed Hajj. One resident relative may also be added to each group. To initiate the application, registrants must pay a non-refundable fee of 10 Kuwaiti dinars. Successful applicants will then be required to pay 1,500 Kuwaiti dinars (around $4,900) to secure their spot. Failure to meet the payment deadline will result in automatic cancellation. Pilgrims will be allowed a one-time campaign change […]

10 months ago

Kuwaiti Sentenced To 7 Years, Fined KD143,000 For Forged Academic Certificate

A Kuwaiti citizen has been sentenced to seven years in prison and fined KD143,000 ($467,610) after being found guilty of forging a high school certificate to secure government employment and unlawfully receive salaries. The Court of Cassation upheld the conviction after it was revealed that the suspect had submitted a fraudulent academic certificate purportedly issued by a secondary school in a neighbouring GCC country. The document was used to obtain a public sector position, leading to years of undeserved income from the state. Authorities launched an investigation after discrepancies were detected in the employee’s academic records. Subsequent verification confirmed the certificate was forged, prompting legal action and the individual’s referral to trial. The ruling underscores the government’s intensified efforts to clamp down on document fraud and protect public funds. Legal experts said the severity of the sentence reflects the judiciary’s firm stance on academic forgery and the abuse of public resources. Officials have reiterated the importance of robust verification processes and inter-agency cooperation in preventing similar cases, as Kuwait continues to address administrative integrity as part of broader institutional reform efforts.

10 months ago

Kuwait Launches E-Visa System For Tourist, Family, Business, And Official Visits

Kuwait has unveiled a new electronic visa system designed to streamline entry procedures for travellers and residents, in a major step toward modernising the country’s digital infrastructure and enhancing its appeal as a regional hub for tourism, investment, and international cooperation. The platform, launched this week by Kuwaiti authorities, allows for the issuance of four types of visas: tourist, family, business, and official. The system will simplify and speed up the application process, enabling smoother access for a wide range of visitors. The tourist visa grants entry for up to three months and is aimed at individuals seeking to explore the country’s cultural and recreational offerings. The family visa, valid for 30 days, allows residents of Kuwait to invite their relatives, providing a more seamless route to family reunification. Business visas, also valid for 30 days, are intended for representatives of foreign companies and institutions attending meetings, events, or negotiations. The official visa category is reserved for government delegations and diplomatic missions on official assignments.

10 months ago

Kuwait Issues 35,000 Exit Permits Since New Rule For Expat Workers Took Effect

More than 35,000 exit permits have been issued since Kuwait began enforcing a new rule on July 1 requiring expatriate workers in the private sector to obtain prior approval from their employers before leaving the country, authorities confirmed this week. The policy, introduced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al Yousuf, aims to regulate the departure process for expatriates while ensuring alignment with labour and residency laws. Marzouq Al Otaibi, Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower, said all issued permits met the necessary criteria and were submitted through official employer channels. He emphasised that the process has been streamlined through digital platforms to enhance efficiency and accessibility. Workers and employers can now submit and approve requests via the “Sahel” mobile app or the “Ashal” manpower portal. Employers must provide their consent through “Sahel Business” or the corporate version of “Ashal”, ensuring that applications are processed in line with the authority’s regulations. The system is available 24/7, and expatriate workers are required to complete an electronic form detailing personal information and travel history. The goal, Al Otaibi noted, is to ensure legal compliance while protecting the rights of both employees and employers. “If an […]

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Kuwait Offers One-Year Grace Period For Revoked Citizens To Adjust Legal Status

Domestic Workers In Kuwait Not Subject To Exit Permit Rule, Manpower Authority Confirms

Kuwait Deports 6,300 Expats For Residency And Labour Violations In Two Months

Egypt Introduces Pre-departure Training for Citizens Before Joining Kuwait’s Job Market

Armenia Grants Visa-Free Entry To GCC Citizens And Residents Starting July 2025

Kuwait To Replace 591 Street Names With Numbers Under New Naming Policy

Kuwait Introduces Lottery System For 1447 AH Hajj Registration Through Sahel Platform

Kuwaiti Sentenced To 7 Years, Fined KD143,000 For Forged Academic Certificate

Kuwait Launches E-Visa System For Tourist, Family, Business, And Official Visits

Kuwait Issues 35,000 Exit Permits Since New Rule For Expat Workers Took Effect

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