New Guidelines for Expats Kuwait Sees An Increase In Visit Visas

 
 
 

The recent changes in Kuwait's visa issuance policies have led to a notable increase in the entry of visitors from various nationalities over the past four months. Here are the key points based on the information provided:

  1. Increase in Visit Visas: Kuwait has streamlined procedures for submitting visit requests, resulting in an average issuance of 8,700 visit visas per week across the six governorates. These visas are categorized into family visits, tourism, and business visits.
  2. Breakdown of Weekly Visas: Brigadier Mazid Al-Mutairi detailed that approximately 2,000 business visit visas, 2,900 family visit visas, and 3,800 tourist visit visas are issued on average per week.
  3. Government Directive: The decision to open all types of visit visas was directed by Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, emphasizing inclusivity for all nationalities under specific regulations that require strict adherence to Kuwaiti laws by both sponsors and visitors.
  4. Compliance and Enforcement: There is a high level of compliance observed among visa holders regarding the duration of their visits, with minimal violations reported. Measures include notifications via the "Sahel" application and SMS to sponsors in case of violations, with escalating penalties for sponsors who do not rectify the situation.
  5. Efficiency in Visa Processing: Visit visas are processed efficiently, typically within 15 to 30 minutes if all conditions are met. Decentralization of application processing is promoted to simplify procedures for sponsors seeking visas.
  6. Top Nationalities Visiting Kuwait: The top seven nationalities entering Kuwait include Americans, British, Turks, Jordanians, Egyptians, Indians, and Syrians, indicating a diverse range of visitors benefiting from the new visa policies.
  7. Enforcement Measures: Strict measures are enforced on sponsors and visitors who violate visa regulations, ranging from warnings to potential bans on receiving sponsorships and, in severe cases, legal penalties including arrest.

In conclusion, Kuwait's approach to visa issuance reflects a balance between openness to visitors and robust enforcement of regulations to ensure compliance and security. The streamlined processes and clear enforcement measures aim to maintain order while facilitating visits for various purposes, contributing to Kuwait's broader goals of economic and cultural engagement.

 
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IFL Kuwait