Due to eligibility violations, Kuwait cancels the driving licenses of expats.
The General Traffic Department in Kuwait has commenced an automated process to cancel driving licenses of expatriates who fail to meet the required eligibility criteria. These conditions include maintaining a minimum salary threshold and holding a valid residency permit.
This step is enabled through integrated automated data-sharing systems among government agencies, ensuring timely identification and cancellation of non-compliant licenses.
Authorities have issued a strong warning that expatriates caught driving with a revoked or canceled license will be treated as unlicensed drivers under Kuwaiti law. Such individuals will be subject to legal prosecution and penalties by the concerned judicial bodies.
Therefore, it is crucial for expatriates to regularly verify the status of their driving licenses to avoid inadvertent violations.
Expatriates are advised to frequently check the validity of their driving licenses through official digital platforms such as the Kuwait Mobile ID app or the Sahel app. These apps provide real-time updates on license status, helping users stay informed and compliant with regulations.
Failing to verify license validity will not exempt any driver from legal responsibility in the event of an accident or traffic stop.
Despite the strict enforcement, certain categories of residents remain exempt from the standard eligibility requirements such as salary, residency duration, or academic qualifications. These exemptions are clearly defined by ministerial directives and apply to specific resident groups.
For detailed information on exemptions and eligibility conditions, expatriates can consult official government sources or visit related traffic department portals.