The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) intends to implement a ban on the sale and distribution of “balloons” and “water pistols” and foam sprayers” across all commercial outlets in Kuwait, reports Al-Qabas daily. The Al-Qabas daily has learned that this ban will encompass cooperative societies, supermarkets, and stores, with significant penalties imposed on violators, including closure of the point of sale and legal prosecution, reports Al-Qabas daily. According to informed sources, the anticipated decision from the ministry will enforce the ban for a specific period, including February. This action follows numerous complaints regarding the misuse of balloons, pistols, and water sprayers during national holiday celebrations.

The sources further revealed that the Ministry of Commerce has decided to prohibit the sale of balloons and water pistols based on pertinent data, which has been detailed as follows:

- The huge annual waste of water, specifically during February 25 and 26.

- The phenomenon of using balloons and water sprinklers causes an increase in car accidents and damage to other people’s property.

- The Ministry of Health annually records a large number of injuries to the face and eyes due to the injured being thrown into balloons from water pistols filled with liquids.

- The Ministry of Interior records a large number of cases of physical assault during the holiday period, which are sparked by throwing balloons and throwing water.

Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) called on Sunday mobile and fixed subscribers to update their data to ensure the continuity of their access to services from companies.

The manager of the Competition and Operators Affairs Department at the authority, Khaled Al-Qarawi told News Agency that the registration list of subscribers to communication services was obliged by all licensed companies to urge their customers to update their expired personal data and information registered with the companies.

Al-Qarawi emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity of service to subscribers during the update phase, adhering to protocols set by mobile and virtual telecommunications providers.

He emphasized the significance of public awareness of the registration list for mobile and fixed telecommunications services on the TRA website and urged them to avoid fraud.

Meanwhile, Mobile telecommunications companies such as Zain, Ooredoo and STC also urged users to update their Civil ID either through online or from their Mobile apps to ensure uninterrupted service.

Mumbai Police registered a case against an unknown person after an IndiGo flight from Chennai to Mumbai received a bomb threat on Tuesday.

According to the Mumbai Police, about 40 kilometres away from Mumbai airport, a threatening letter was found in the airplane bathroom. Written on some tissue paper were the words, "There is a bomb in my bag, if we land in Bombay, everyone will die, I am a terrorist agency."

"After receiving this threatening letter, the local police and other agencies were informed about it," said the police. "As soon as the plane landed at the airport, all the passengers were hurriedly debarred and the plane was checked, but it was a matter of relief that nothing like this was found."

Mumbai Airport Police registered a case against an unknown person and initiated an investigation into the matter.

Due to expatriates frequently submitting incomplete paperwork, the Department of Residence Affairs in Kuwait’s six governorates has taken proactive measures. They’ve prepared a comprehensive brochure outlining the necessary documents needed to fulfill family visit requirements.

According to the circular, approval for visits requires a signed request from the sponsor, including his phone number, a pledge signed by the sponsor, a travel ticket issued by Kuwait Airways or Jazeera Airways, a copy of the arriving person’s passport, provided that the validity of the passport is more than six months, a copy of the sponsor’s civil ID, verification of the address, and permission. The sponsor is required to handle the “computer printout.”

Important conditions include certificates of kinship, which must be authenticated by the Kuwaiti embassy abroad, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry, and the foreign ministry of the visitor’s home country.

Additionally, a security source reiterated that visa issuance for all types of visits is ongoing, dispelling rumors of the ministry’s imminent closure of visitation permits within a month or two.

The Kuwait Municipality has unveiled a comprehensive field plan in preparation for the upcoming 63rd National Day and the 33rd anniversary of Liberation Day. In an official statement released today, Sunday, the municipality outlined its strategy to ensure cleanliness and orderliness during the national holiday celebrations.

According to the municipality, the field plan encompasses the deployment of machinery and cleaning workers to various locations and streets expected to host festivities marking national occasions. The initiative commenced today and will continue throughout February.

Key components of the plan include the removal of any unauthorized activities taking place on state property and strict enforcement of licensing regulations for event organizers. The municipality emphasized that supervisory authorities will conduct intensified inspection campaigns to monitor street vendors and ensure compliance with regulations.

Violations will be promptly addressed, and legal actions will be taken against offenders to uphold the cleanliness and integrity of public spaces, streets, and squares. The municipality underscored the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean environment during national celebrations and urged the public to refrain from engaging in activities that may tarnish the festivities.

Highlighting ongoing efforts, the hygiene management team in Hawalli Governorate has initiated a field campaign to prepare coastal areas at popular beach destinations such as Al Blajat, Marina Mall, and Green Island. As part of the campaign, public facilities have been cleaned, and containers have been distributed to accommodate waste generated during the celebrations.

Today’s campaign yielded significant results, with public spaces, coastal areas, and designated celebration venues receiving thorough cleaning. Additionally, the municipality deployed a substantial workforce, including cleaners, sweepers, and lorries, along with the provision of waste containers at strategic locations to ensure effective waste management and maintain cleanliness standards during the festivities.

The "Sahel" app, serving as Kuwait's unified platform for government transactions, is gearing up to unveil its long-awaited English version. According to a report by local media outlet 'Kuwait Times,' the official spokesperson for the 'Sahel' app, Yousef Kazem, affirmed ongoing efforts to introduce this crucial update.

Initially launched as an Arabic-only application, 'Sahel' aimed to streamline government transactions for citizens and residents. However, the absence of English support posed a significant barrier for non-Arabic speakers, limiting their access to essential services through the platform.

Recognizing the need for inclusivity, Kazem emphasized, "We are certain that there is a large segment of society, especially non-Arabic speakers, who need to easily access the e-services directly through the application." He reiterated the commitment to address these concerns by integrating an English version in forthcoming updates.

Despite the assurance of improved accessibility, a specific launch date for the English version was not disclosed.

A member of the Kuwaiti Fishermen’s Union, Abdullah Al-Sarhid, has filed a complaint with the Fahaheel Police Station accusing 3 Indian men of stealing his private fishing boat and escaping with it to their homeland, reports Al-Anba daily. Al-Sarhid said, during a press conference, he would seek the help of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to recover the boat and prosecute those accused of theft Al-Sarhid denied rumors that the suspects were not paid their salaries for two years, or that he had maltreated them and withheld their passports, stressing that this talk is completely untrue and a mere fabrication and lie.

He added that the Indian embassy of the suspect men summoned him some time ago and showed him that there was a travel ban imposed on the three suspects (as the court had found the three to be involved in consuming liquor cases) and that he informed the embassy that, he was ready to pay the travel tickets if the embassy could issue the necessary documents. He stressed that Kuwait is a state of institutions and laws, and some parties protect the rights of the worker, and if they had rights, they would have resorted to them or the embassy of their country, but they escaped with the boat, which is worth more than 35,000 dinars. He pointed out that the police in their (expatriates) home country have arrested the three fugitives, and the authorities contacted him via video calls, listened to his testimony, and charged the fugitives with — stealing a boat, leaving a country, and entering another country illegally.

The Indian workers who attempted the getaway on a boat valued at 35,000 dinars almost succeeded until Indian authorities intercepted them upon their arrival. Subsequent investigations delved into their illegal return and implicated the boat’s owner, Abdullah Al-Sarhid. However, media reports, notably from India, highlighted the fugitives’ allegations of mistreatment and unpaid wages, omitting Al-Sarhid’s perspective, adds Al-Nahar daily. Al-Sarhid, a Kuwaiti Fishermen’s Union member, initially notified the Indian embassy of the situation but broke his silence in light of media scrutiny. He refuted claims of unpaid wages and mistreatment, asserting that the escapees resorted to theft due to their motives, not any wrongdoing on his part. The Indian embassy, having previously been briefed on the travel bans, assured Al-Sarhid of their cooperation in deporting the fugitives.

However, he expressed disappointment in the biased portrayal by Indian media, emphasizing the deceitfulness of the accused. Taking legal action, Al-Sarhid filed a theft case against the absconders and sought assistance from local authorities and the Indian embassy to recover his boat. He remains committed to pursuing justice and retrieving his property, hoping for appropriate consequences for the perpetrators.

Just hours before the Ministry of Education’s scheduled implementation of the fingerprint attendance system in schools, reactions rejecting this move have intensified, with increasing demands to abandon it, reports Al-Qabas daily. Officials in several schools have voiced concerns, describing the decision to implement the fingerprint system as ill-considered and disruptive to the educational process.

They argue that verifying the attendance of educational staff does not necessitate such a system, as teachers are already obliged to fulfill their teaching duties according to their assigned schedules. These officials emphasize that the fingerprint system adversely impacts the educational process, introducing unnecessary bureaucracy and undermining the flexibility and trust inherent in the educational environment.

The Ministry of Social Affairs, the Minister of Social Affairs Sheikh Firas Al-Malik has given instructions to officials to form a team to inspect cooperative societies and outlets selling vegetables and fruits to ensure that 75 percent of the cooperative societies’ stocks are purchased from Kuwaiti farmers. The sources explained that the decision is supposed to be issued this week to launch tours of all sales outlets and ensure that all the cooperative societies’ vegetable and fruit stocks are from local farmers.

Necessary measures will be taken against any cooperative society that does not comply. This is because Sheikh Firas Al-Malik seeks to support farmers through such regulatory decisions. The team will have judicial control. Therefore, any cooperative society that does not comply will be gradually subjected to penalties, as judicial control is initially carried out and then the approval of the cooperative society’s financial authority is suspended. In this context, the sources revealed that Sheikh Firas Al-Malik formed a committee to study citizens’ complaints against cooperative societies, expedite the investigation and follow-up, and take the necessary measures regarding these complaints quickly, away from red tape.

The official spokesman of the unified government application of electronic services “Sahel” Yousef Kathem, announced Thursday the launching of the Communications and Information Technology Commission’s “Aman” service, to monitor phishing scams. In a statement, Kathem said that Aman (safety) service will appear to users through the commission’s services list on “Sahel” application, allowing people to directly report phishing scams.

The goal is to allow application users to report any phishing attempt, whether through messages or fake calls, he said.

The service also aims to monitor all forms of electronic fraud facing citizens and residents through various means, involving text messages or voice calls, he pointed out. “Sahel” application was launched in 2021 mainly to enhance the efficiency and speed of public services within the framework of electronic transformation in Kuwait.

The Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi has affirmed his keenness to implement the government’s work program that was presented to the National Assembly. The work program has many goals that will be implemented within 100 days, including new constructions and openings, increased attention to primary health care, and digitizing health services. In a press statement issued on the sidelines of the launch of the annual Diagnostic Radiology Conference titled “The Latest Developments in the field of Diagnostic Radiology”, Minister Al-Awadhi said the government’s work program includes a plan to develop the primary health care sector, which will take place under the supervision of the Assistant Undersecretary for Healthcare Affairs Dr. Nadia Al-Jam’iyah. He revealed that the program also includes opening new centers, extending the working hours, training and paying attention to national cadres, and strengthening the infrastructure.

Minister Al-Awadhi revealed the receipt of 79 ambulances, which will enter into service soon. He affirmed the keenness to pay attention to digitization, archive files, and activate digital programs as a comprehensive plan for the ministry. In his speech during the opening of the conference, Dr. Al-Awadhi said the future vision for healthcare services in the field of diagnostic radiology in Kuwait will extend to include the roles and responsibilities of providers and confront challenges related to the safety and rights of patients. He highlighted the need to take advantage of the latest technologies and promising opportunities and harness them to serve patients. The minister stressed the importance of continuing to work as a single team to meet the desired professional and humanitarian responsibilities. He explained that the conference will hold discussions on many challenges, including artificial intelligence (AI), with the aim of improving health services to ensure accuracy in diagnosis and treatment, specifically for cancer and cardiovascular patients. Scientific conferences serve as an opportunity to exchange future visions for enhancing scientific and professional cooperation between specialists in this field.

The annual diagnostic radiology conference reflects the Ministry of Health’s keenness and constant commitment to keep up with this specialty’s latest technologies and scientific developments. There is a clear global interest in the latest and most advanced technologies in the field of diagnostic radiology. The minister expressed his great pride in the contribution of national cadres in many international scientific researches in the field of diagnostic radiology, which were published in many famous international journals. Meanwhile, the President of the conference and Head of the Radiology Department at the Amiri Hospital Dr. Asma Al-Failakawi said in a similar speech that the conference will host an elite group of international experts and consultants in the field of diagnostic radiology, as well as national expertise and competencies to raise the level of health services and efficiency of medical personnel. She explained that the conference activities will continue for three days under the patronage of the Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi and under the supervision of the Chairman of the Radiology Departments Council Dr. Buthaina Al-Kandari.

The conference follows the continuing medical education program and will give the participating doctors 19 points from the Kuwait Center for Medical Specialties (KIMS). It will hold discussions on many topics about diagnosing diseases related to chest, heart and digestive system. This will happen by organizing six workshops and many interactive lectures, which began yesterday and will continue until the end of the conference on Saturday. The lectures and workshops include a workshop on breast X-rays and two cerebral vascular ultrasound workshops for children and adults, as well as workshops for radiology technicians on the latest research and developments in the fields of radiology, in addition to a lecture on artificial intelligence and how to use it in the field of radiology.

Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, also serving as the Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior, undertook an inspection visit to the Department of Deportation and Temporary Detention Affairs. Accompanied by Sheikh Hamoud Al-Mubarak, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Financial Affairs, Sheikh Fahd's objective was to oversee operations, identify challenges, and devise solutions.

During the visit, Sheikh Fahd evaluated the capacity of the deportation prison and inspected various prisoner wards, including those housing male and female inmates. He actively listened to the concerns and grievances of the inmates, prioritizing their most pressing issues.

In response to the observations and complaints, Sheikh Fahd issued directives to address the obstacles faced by inmates within the legal framework. He stressed the importance of establishing mechanisms to streamline procedures for deportees, especially those lacking passports, necessitating close coordination with relevant embassies for swift repatriation.

Furthermore, Sheikh Fahd emphasized the need to rectify all deficiencies within the administration of deportation and temporary detention affairs. He outlined a forward-looking vision aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and eliminating obstacles and challenges within this critical administrative domain.

Additionally, Sheikh Fahd visited the Juvenile Administration Building, also known as the Social Evaluation House, reaffirming the government's commitment to addressing various aspects of the nation's corrections and rehabilitation system.

The Residency Affairs departments in all six governorates witnessed an influx of expatriates seeking to apply for either family, commercial or tourist visit visas following the announcement made by the ministry about the resumption of issuance of these visas under new conditions based on instructions from the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef.

These conditions stipulate the following:-

- The applicant’s monthly salary should not be less than KD 400 in order to apply for visas for parents, wife, and children, and not less than KD 800 for relatives.

- The specified duration of the visit should be adhered to

- A round-trip flight ticket must be booked on national airlines.

- Requests to convert the visit visas into residence permits will not be accepted.

Wednesday morning, Al-Seyassah toured a number of Residence Affairs departments, and discovered that the number of applicants in Jahra Governorate was less compared to Farwaniya and Hawally governorates.

The Hawally Residence Affairs Department witnessed large numbers of expatriates, some of whom came without a prior appointment and were sent back. The “Mata” app has nearly 150 visitors daily in each department.

Also, Farwaniya Governorate witnessed a large number of expatriates, but those who did not have a prior appointment were sent back. They were asked to visit the Mata application, as the process for applying through the application requires printing the form, attaching the required papers and documents, and then submitting to the department.

According to security sources, the Residency Affairs departments received an estimated 900 transactions yesterday morning in all the Residence Affairs departments. The applicant’s data are extracted, and reviewed to verify their compliance with the set conditions.

They stressed the need for obtaining an appointment via the Mata app to carry out the transaction so as to organize the reception of expatriates with ease and avoid crowding, as well as the need for providing a round-trip flight ticket within a month along with all the documents required to submit the application.

The sources indicated that a decision has not yet been made regarding receiving the transactions of expatriates with banned nationalities.

They revealed that a family visit visa is valid for one month and a tourist visit visa is valid for three months, adding that applications are submitted through the website of the Ministry of Interior.

It is worth highlighting that the Ministry of Interior had earlier announced in a press statement the conditions to be met for applying for visit visas. They are:-

- The applicant’s salary must not be less than KD 400 in order to bring in first-degree relatives (wife, children, and parents), and not be less than KD 800 to apply for a visit visa for the rest of the relatives.

- It is required to provide a round-trip flight ticket of the national airlines (the national carrier) and submit a written pledge not to request for conversion of visit visa to residence permit in the country.

 The visitors must adhere to the duration of the visit visa.

- Medical treatments for visitors will be provided in hospitals and private health centers but they will not receive medical treatment in government hospitals if they violate the period of stay. In such cases, both the visitor and the sponsor will be included in the security control system by the Directorate General of Residency Affairs Investigations. The violator will be followed up by the Directorate General of Residency Affairs Investigations and the legal procedures followed for violators of the foreigners’ residency law will be applied against him.

- Commercial entry visa will be issued upon a request submitted by Kuwaiti companies or institutions, and granted to those holding university or technical qualifications and in a manner commensurating with the company’s activity and the nature of its work.

- Tourist visas will be issued to people belonging to 53 countries, either directly from the port of entry upon arrival in the country or through an electronic visa by visiting the Ministry of Interior’s website – www.moi.gov.kw, and for residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

- Tourist visas will be issued to people with professions specified in ministerial Resolution No. 2030/2008 and its amendments, and in accordance with the controls and requirements specified in the aforementioned ministerial resolution, via hotels and companies that have an automated interface with the Directorate General of Residence Affairs system in accordance with the applicable requirements for that purpose.

The Ministry of Interior affirmed in its statement that the latest decision was issued based on a desire to stimulate the commercial, economic and tourism movement in the country, taking into account the social aspects, most notably the family visit visa granted to parents, wife and children of the residents.

On the inaugural day of accepting visit visa applications, Kuwait's Residency Affairs Department witnessed a surge of expatriates seeking family visit visas. However, a significant number were turned away due to failure to pre-book appointments on the 'Meta' platform.

Sources revealed crucial details concerning visit visa procedures. It's now mandatory to secure a prior booking on the 'Meta' platform, with only 150 appointments available per day in each governorate. This translates to a total of 900 applicants processed across all governorates daily.

Additionally, applicants must present airline tickets for travel within one month of the application date, booked exclusively on Kuwait's national carrier. For destinations lacking direct flights, transit bookings via countries serviced by the national carrier are required.

Visit visas come in two categories: family visit visas valid for one month and tourist visit visas valid for three months, both non-extendable. There's no age restriction for visitors, but compliance with the one-month validity period is crucial. Failure to adhere may result in blacklisting of both visitor and sponsor.

Applicants must ensure eligibility and meet all criteria before booking flight tickets, considering the mandatory nature of airline ticket inclusion.

Salary thresholds on work permits dictate visa eligibility: KD 400 for first-degree relatives (spouse, children, parents), and KD 800 for other relatives.

As of now, visitors from banned countries remain excluded, with the ban persisting until further notice.

A collaborative meeting between the Kuwait Society of Engineers and the Indian Embassy in Kuwait was convened by a joint committee to discuss the approval of engineering qualifications for Indian engineers employed in Kuwait, reports Al-Jarida daily. The meeting, held at the society’s headquarters, was attended by Engineer Ali Mohseni, the committee’s head, along with member Jalal Al-Fadhli, Ibrahim Samir from the association’s professional accreditation center, and Anantha Abir, the second secretary for community and workers welfare from the embassy, alongside several accredited embassy staff.

The meeting was convened in response to directives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at addressing and resolving issues faced by engineers from the Indian community working in Kuwait. He clarified that the committee was established under the guidance and cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating, “The cases presented by the cultural team from the Indian Embassy were thoroughly discussed, and appropriate measures were taken for each case.”

Furthermore, Mohseni affirmed the committee’s commitment to streamlining procedures while ensuring compliance with the professional accreditation requirements necessary for practicing engineering in Kuwait. The committee’s chairman emphasized that the cases presented were limited in number, and each was addressed individually. He reiterated their willingness to collaborate with Indian accreditation bodies to align with professional and academic standards. Additionally, plans are underway to arrange meetings with accredited bodies to visit India and establish mutual understandings by the regulations set by the Engineering Qualifications Accreditation Committee of the Society.

The Kuwait Municipality Public Relations Department has unveiled the installation of the largest display screen in the State of Kuwait, situated on the old Municipal Council building overlooking the intersection of Naif Palace and the Capital Governorate Building. In a press statement, the department announced that the Construction Department in the Projects Sector has completed the decoration work for the main municipal buildings, including the installation of an external screen on the old municipal council building.

Measuring an impressive 80 meters in length and 15 meters in height, with a total area of 1,200 square meters, the screen boasts the capability to display any live broadcast from smartphone apps or terrestrial and satellite channels. Abdul Wahab Al-Musallam, the Director of the Capital and Jahra Contract in the Projects Sector, highlighted that the installation was carried out by directives from the Director General of Kuwait Municipality, Engineer Saud Al-Dabbous, and under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director General, Engineer Maysaa Bu Shehri.

Al-Musallam further elaborated that all decoration and lighting works for the main buildings were meticulously completed, with the external screen featuring the “Net Screen” system, enabling the display of videos, pictures, or text. Additionally, the screen can be divided into multiple sections to simultaneously broadcast two or three channels. Notably, the screen was designed to be transparent to preserve the building’s external appearance while serving as a platform for visual displays, including the state flag’s lights.

The introduction of this advanced technology marks a significant milestone and represents a qualitative shift in the decoration of government buildings in the State of Kuwait.

The Kuwait Society for Combating Smoking and Cancer issued a compelling call to action, emphasizing the critical need for stringent laws and regulations aimed at curbing smoking, including e-smoking in all its variations. Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Association’s Board of Directors, delivered this message during a lecture titled “Tobacco and Electronic Smoking… Risks and Harms,” presented today as part of the activities marking the ninth joint Gulf Cancer Awareness Week, themed “We are with you.”

Highlighting smoking as a global challenge leading to increased mortality rates, Dr. Al-Saleh underscored the alarming statistic of approximately 8 million premature deaths annually attributed to smoking-related causes. He emphasized the profound health repercussions, particularly the strong association between smoking and lung cancer. Dr. Al-Saleh noted that Kuwaiti men and women typically initiate smoking between the ages of 17 and 30, with smoking prevalence rates standing at 39.2% among men and 3.3% among women.

Addressing the proliferation of electronic smoking, Dr. Al-Saleh cautioned against misconceptions regarding its safety compared to traditional tobacco smoking. Contrary to popular belief, studies have revealed that electronic smoking devices contain varying levels of nicotine, similar to conventional smoking methods.

Dr. Al-Saleh called for the allocation of adequate budgets for smoking awareness and treatment programs, aligned with the substantial health burdens imposed by smoking on healthcare systems. He emphasized the collective responsibility of governmental, civil, and private entities in combating the scourge of smoking, emphasizing it as a national imperative.

Understanding the New Visit Visa Regulations Set to Commence This Wednesday

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, many countries are revisiting their immigration policies to better manage the influx of visitors. A significant update comes from the upcoming changes to the visit visa rules, which are set to take effect this Wednesday. These modifications aim to streamline the visitation process while ensuring that visitors and expatriates can enjoy a hassle-free experience. This detailed article delves into the nuances of the new regulations, offering clarity and guidance to prospective visitors.

1. Visa Validity and Entry Requirements

Under the new regulations, individuals granted a visit visa must enter the country within a month from the date the visa is issued. This change underscores the importance of timely travel planning, as visas will become invalid after this one-month period. This measure is designed to prevent the accumulation of unused visas and ensure that visitors are genuinely intending to enter the country within a specified timeframe.

2. Revised Visit Visa Durations

A significant adjustment has been made concerning the duration of visit visas:

• For Wives and Children of Expatriates: The duration for visit visas has been reduced to three months. This change aims to better accommodate the short-term nature of family visits while still allowing ample time for families to spend together.
• For Parents and Siblings: The visit visa duration for parents and siblings is now limited to one month. This adjustment reflects a more streamlined approach to managing family visits, ensuring that visitors can enjoy their stay without overstaying.

3. Age Restrictions for Visit Visa Applicants

In a move to tailor the visit visa policy more precisely, individuals over the age of 50 will generally not be eligible for a visit visa. However, exceptions may be made for parents above this age threshold, subject to a thorough review of the applicant's situation and salary. This criterion ensures that visitors can adequately support themselves during their stay and that their visit is in line with the country's immigration objectives.

4. Health Insurance Requirement

A notable proposal under consideration is the requirement for visit visa applicants to purchase health insurance. This potential requirement aims to safeguard visitors and the healthcare system, ensuring that all visitors can access medical care without imposing a financial burden on the host country.

5. Minimum Salary Requirements

The financial capability of expatriates applying for visit visas for their families has been addressed through specific salary requirements:

• For Wives and Children: A minimum salary of 400 KWD is required to apply for a visit visa. This requirement ensures that visiting family members are adequately supported during their stay.
• For Parents and Siblings: The minimum salary threshold is set at 800 KWD for visit visas. This higher requirement reflects the additional financial responsibility assumed by those inviting extended family members.

Conclusion

The forthcoming changes to the visit visa regulations represent a significant shift in immigration policy, emphasizing the need for responsible tourism and family visits. By setting clear guidelines on visa validity, duration, applicant eligibility, and financial requirements, the new rules aim to foster a balanced and sustainable visitation framework. Prospective visitors and expatriates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visitation experience.

These updates underscore the country's commitment to maintaining a welcoming yet regulated environment for international visitors. As the implementation date approaches, it is crucial for all potential visitors and expatriates to review these regulations closely and prepare accordingly to ensure compliance and a hassle-free entry.