Expats - Gulf Insider

1 year ago

Bahrain: MPs Back 2% Tax On Expat Remittances

Expat remittances in Bahrain may face a 2 per cent tax after MPs gave their backing to a revised proposal today. The original plan outlined a tiered system, imposing a 1 per cent levy on transfers below 200 dinars, 2 per cent on amounts between 201 and 400 dinars, and 3 per cent on sums exceeding 400 dinars. It also offered exemptions for transfers tied to investment agreements, capital movements, and certain cases under Bahrain’s tax framework. However, MPs have now opted for a simpler approach—a flat 2 per cent rate, aimed at making it easier to enforce. The proposal has already faced resistance. In January 2024, the Shura Council rejected it over fears that the tax might push expats to rely on informal transfer methods, such as black markets or cryptocurrencies, potentially destabilising Bahrain’s financial system. Since its first submission in February 2023, the bill has undergone multiple revisions to address these concerns. Pushed forward by Lulwa Al Rumaihi and backed by Dr Muneer Seroor along with three other MPs, the bill is part of a broader effort to reduce Bahrain’s dependence on oil revenue. Supporters argue that taxing the millions of dinars sent abroad each year could help […]

1 year ago

Kuwait Deports Over 600 Illegal Expats In The First 13 Days Of January

Kuwait has deported 648 illegal expats in the first 13 days of the current month, according to security authorities pursuing a relentless crackdown on unlawful residents in the country. The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry’s General Department of Residency Affairs added that 509 other violators of the country’s residency and labor laws have been rounded up during the same period. In the first half of January, security agencies conducted 28 campaigns across all governorates of Kuwait, targeting violators of residency and labor laws, the department said. The ministry has repeatedly vowed to show no leniency in enforcing the law and arresting violators of residency regulations, stressing that both the illegal worker and the employer will be held accountable. Kuwait, a country with an overall population of 4.9 million, most of whom are foreign nationals, is seeking to address its demographic imbalance and regulate the labor market. Authorities have recently launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal foreign residents who failed to take advantage of a grace period to rectify their status. Thousands have been apprehended. A new residency law, which came into effect earlier this month, offers potential reconciliation and the payment of fines by violators. However, this law does not apply to […]

1 year ago

Bahrain: Shura Council Rejects Proposal For Stricter Hiring Requirements For Expats, Calling It Unnecessary And Unworkable

Stricter rules for hiring non-Bahrainis could backfire by giving foreign workers an unfair advantage, the Shura Council warned yesterday, as it rejected a controversial proposal to amend the Civil Service Law. The proposal sought to impose a master’s degree, 10 years of experience, and two-year contract limits for foreign hires, while requiring them to train Bahraini employees. Members also raised alarm over the continued presence of 5,800 expatriates in public sector roles, despite a five-year reduction of just 2,000. Parliament passed the proposal in October, aiming to open up more opportunities for Bahrainis. However, the Shura Council called the proposal unnecessary and unworkable, with members pointing out that some of its measures already exist in law. Red tape The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, His Excellency Ghanim Buainain, said, “The current law already ensures foreign contracts include training Bahraini employees. What we see here isn’t filling a gap, but adding more red tape.” Buainain also noted that Council members opposed the master’s degree requirement, arguing it would do more harm than good. “This condition would just add to costs and create barriers in hiring for critical roles,” he said. Dr Mohammed Ali Hassan backed the importance of prioritising Bahraini workers but […]

1 year ago

Minimum 30-Day Validity Of Iqama Is Required To Issue Final Exit Visa

The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) emphasized that there must be a minimum validity period of 30 days for the residency permit (Iqama) of a foreign worker to get issued a final exit visa for the worker. The Jawazat urged the employer and the head of the family to renew the Iqama before approaching it to get issued the final exit visa if the validity of the worker’s Iqama is less than 30 days. The directorate stated that if the validity of the expatriate’s ID is more than 30 days and less than 60 days, the final exit visa can be issued and the visa’s duration will be the remaining validity period of the Iqama. If the validity of the Iqama is 60 days or more, the final exit visa, with a duration of 60 days, will be issued. The Jawazat noted that the employer and the head of the family can issue final exit visa for their workers and dependent family members of their workers through the Ministry of Interior’s electronic services platform “Absher and Absher Business” and the Muqeem portal, and that this electronic service is free and can be benefited from it without payment of any fees.

1 year ago

Kuwait eVisa Now Easier For UAE And GCC Residents: How Expats Can Apply Online

Expatriates residing in the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can now easily apply for an eVisa for Kuwait through the country’s new and improved online visa platform – kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw. In December 2024, Kuwait temporarily suspended its eVisa system to implement significant upgrades. The revamped platform is now live, allowing visitors to complete visa applications more efficiently and with fewer delays. For UAE and GCC expats travelling to Kuwait for work, visiting family or friends, or exploring the country, here is a guide to the requirements and application process. Who is eligible? Residents of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain who hold specific professional titles are eligible to apply for an eVisa or obtain a visa on arrival. Eligible professions According to Kuwait’s eVisa portal, the following professions qualify: For UAE residents, eligibility is determined based on the profession listed on your Emirates ID. Required documents and details for a Kuwait eVisa The required documents may vary based on your nationality. Generally, applicants need the following: Additional documents may be necessary depending on the visa type. UAE residents must hold a valid Emirates ID with at least six months’ validity. You must also provide accommodation proof for […]

1 year ago

Iqama Of Dependents Of Expatriates And House Workers Can Extend From Outside Saudi Arabia

The General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) has announced that dependents of expatriates and domestic workers located outside Saudi Arabia can now renew their residency permits (Iqama) through the online platforms of Absher and Muqeem. Additionally, residents outside the Kingdom can extend the period of single or multiple exit and re-entry visas. The Jawazat noted that beneficiaries can access these services through the Ministry of Interior’s electronic platform Absher and the Muqeem Portal after paying the service fees as stipulated by regulations.

1 year ago

Expatriate Dentist Barred From Practicing For Committing Medical Errors

The Ministry of Health has barred an expatriate dentist from practicing the health profession after it was proven that he had committed several medical errors while working in the Riyadh and Tabuk regions. The ministry said that the doctor crossed the limits of jurisdiction of his specialization by performing dental implants and prosthodontics, in violation of the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions and its executive regulations, in a way putting the safety of patients at risk. The ministry reiterated that its officials will continue inspection and supervision tours of health facilities in order to ensure the provision of health services according to the highest standards of safety, quality and professionalism. The ministry stressed that it will not be lenient in imposing penalties and fines against erring health practitioners in accordance with the regulations. It emphasized its full commitment to implementing the regulations contained in the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions and its executive regulations, and to deal firmly with any violations or transgressions so as to ensure the protection of the health of citizens and expatriates.

1 year ago

UAE Introduces Five Year Residency Visa For Retired Residents Over 55

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has announced new regulations for issuing residency and identification cards to retired residents in the UAE. This includes the introduction of a 5-year residency visa for expatriates aged 55 and above. According to the ICP, expatriate retirees who are 55 years or older can now apply for a 5-year residency visa to live in the UAE. To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet the following criteria This residency visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed if the applicant continues to meet the same requirements.  Application Process The ICP has outlined the steps to apply for a residency permit and UAE ID card for retired residents through its official website and the UAEICP smart application. The application process includes the following steps Dubai’s special regulations for retirees In addition to federal regulations, Dubai has introduced a special program to attract retirees. This program allows foreign nationals, their spouses, and dependents to apply for a renewable 5-year residency visa if the retiree meets certain criteria. Primary conditions The retiree must be at least 55 years old and fulfil one of the following financial requirements. These initiatives aim to provide […]

1 year ago

Austria Kickstarts Deportation Process As Syrians Receive Letters Questioning Their Right To Stay

The Austrian government is understood to have initiated a process to review the asylum status of Syrians following the fall of the Assad regime, a move that could impact up to 40,000 people. As reported by the Express news outlet, the Federal Office for Asylum and Immigration (BFA) has sent letters to Syrians who have been in Austria for less than five years, questioning their continued need for protection. The letters, citing the “changed circumstances” in Syria, state that recipients no longer need to fear political persecution. Those affected have been asked to attend appointments where they must provide further justification for their asylum claims, including evidence of integration such as employment, children enrolled in school, or other contributions to Austrian society. BFA Director Gernot Maier clarified that asylum protection can generally be revoked within five years if the original reasons for granting it have fundamentally changed. “As soon as a well-founded basis for the decision is available, the decision in these cases is made immediately,” the letter from the BFA stated. Chancellor Karl Nehammer instructed Interior Minister Gerhard Karner to suspend all ongoing Syrian asylum applications and review existing cases, but Maier acknowledged the “very volatile situation” in Syria, […]

1 year ago

Abu Dhabi To Cover All Death-Related Fees And Repatriation Costs For Expats

Abu Dhabi will cover the death-related fees and repatriation costs for all expats in the emirate. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced the expansion of the Sanadkom initiative, aimed at simplifying and facilitating procedures for families of the deceased, to now include all residents of Abu Dhabi. The initiative provides support and assistance in completing death-related procedures, such as obtaining a death certificate, arranging for the burial, and preparing the deceased for travel, if necessary. Abu Dhabi death costs The Sanadkom initiative aims to simplify and facilitate procedures for the deceased’s family, especially in difficult circumstances. Following the issuance of a death notice, the Sanadkom team promptly reaches out to bereaved families offering their condolences and support with all necessary death-related transactions, and sends a text message outlining the initiative’s services. In collaboration with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, to assist the bereaved families during this difficult period, Ma’an will bear all fees related to issuing the death certificate, ambulance transportation, embalming, and repatriating the deceased are fully covered for residents. Hind Al Zaabi, Executive Director of the Customer Experience and Relation Sector at DoH, said: “Under the directives of our wise leadership, the […]

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Bahrain: MPs Back 2% Tax On Expat Remittances

Kuwait Deports Over 600 Illegal Expats In The First 13 Days Of January

Bahrain: Shura Council Rejects Proposal For Stricter Hiring Requirements For Expats, Calling It Unnecessary And Unworkable

Minimum 30-Day Validity Of Iqama Is Required To Issue Final Exit Visa

Kuwait eVisa Now Easier For UAE And GCC Residents: How Expats Can Apply Online

Iqama Of Dependents Of Expatriates And House Workers Can Extend From Outside Saudi Arabia

Expatriate Dentist Barred From Practicing For Committing Medical Errors

UAE Introduces Five Year Residency Visa For Retired Residents Over 55

Austria Kickstarts Deportation Process As Syrians Receive Letters Questioning Their Right To Stay

Abu Dhabi To Cover All Death-Related Fees And Repatriation Costs For Expats

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