Kuwait Announces Revisions To Family Residency Regulations: New Criteria For Visa Applicants

(CTN News) – In a significant move aimed at refining its expatriate residency policies, Kuwait has recently announced substantial changes to the regulations governing family residency acquisition.

The revisions, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister Fahd Al Yousef, specifically address criteria for dependent or family visa applicants, introducing new standards to streamline the immigration process.

Kuwait New Criteria for Family Visa Applicants:

Under the revised Expats’ Residence Law, individuals applying for dependent or family visas must now meet specific criteria. The key requirements include a minimum monthly salary of KD800, possession of a university degree, and a profession relevant to the visa category.

However, it’s important to note that certain professions are exempt from the university degree prerequisite.

Exemptions for Children Aged 0-5:

One notable exemption pertains to children aged 0-5 who are born in Kuwait or abroad with parents residing in Kuwait.

These children are exempt from the salary requirement, provided approval is obtained from the Director General of the General Administration of Residence Affairs.

This exception acknowledges the unique circumstances surrounding young children and aims to facilitate family reunification.

Implementation and Delegation of Responsibilities:

The decision, effective immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette, has delegated the responsibility for implementation to the acting Undersecretary.

This streamlined approach ensures a prompt and efficient execution of the revised regulations.

Occupations Exempt from University Degree Requirement:

Certain professions are exempt from the university degree requirement, recognizing the expertise and significance of these roles. The exempted occupations include:

1. Advisors, judges, prosecutors, experts, and legal researchers in the government sector.
2. Medical professionals, including doctors and pharmacists.
3. University, college, and higher institute professors.
4. School administrators, vice principals, education mentors, teachers, social workers, and laboratory attendants in the government sector.
5. Financial and economic advisors in universities.
6. Engineers.
7. Imams, preachers, and muezzins in mosques.
8. Librarians in government agencies and private universities.
9. Ministry of Health staff, including nurses, paramedics, medical technicians, and social service workers.
10. Social workers and psychologists in the government sector.
11. Journalism, media professionals, and correspondents.
12. Sports coaches and athletes in federations and clubs.
13. Pilots and flight attendants.
14. Professionals overseeing burial preparations and services.

Conclusion:

Kuwait’s proactive approach in revising family residency regulations demonstrates a commitment to adapt its policies in line with changing demographics and societal needs.

By introducing clear criteria and exemptions, the government aims to strike a balance between attracting skilled professionals and ensuring the well-being of expatriate families.

These changes are poised to enhance the overall efficiency and transparency of the immigration process while accommodating the diverse needs of the expatriate community in Kuwait.