Is it possible to go from a work visa to a family visa in Kuwait?
Question:
My salary is 700 KD on my work permit. My wife is already in Kuwait and working on her company’s residency. I want to transfer her residency to a family visa under my sponsorship. Is this possible given that my salary is less than 800 KD? Does the new rule requiring a salary of 800 KD apply to those who are already in Kuwait?
Answer:
Yes, you can transfer your spouse's residency from a work visa to a family visa in Kuwait with a salary of less than 800 KD if your spouse is already residing in Kuwait. The new rule requiring a minimum salary of 800 KD primarily applies to new applications for family visas from individuals whose family members are outside of Kuwait.
Since your wife is already in Kuwait, the new 800 KD salary requirement does not apply to your case. You should be able to proceed with the transfer under the current regulations with your 700 KD salary. However, it is still advisable to consult with the immigration authorities to confirm that there have been no recent changes to the regulations or to determine if there are any specific requirements you need to fulfill.
Key Considerations:
- New Rule Enforcement: The 800 KD minimum salary requirement is enforced for new family visa applications from outside Kuwait.
- Existing Residents: Those who are already residing in Kuwait, like your wife, can transfer to a family visa without meeting the 800 KD salary requirement.
- Consultation Recommended: It is always a good idea to verify your eligibility directly with the immigration department to ensure you are up to date with any recent changes.