Fahd Al-Yousef, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Acting Minister of Interior, has issued a significant decision modifying specific provisions of Ministerial Resolution 957 from 2019 within the executive regulations of the Expats' Residence Law. These revisions delineate the criteria for obtaining regular residency for the purpose of reuniting with family members. 

The focal amendments in Article 29 include:

1. Monthly salary requirement for a dependent/family visa (for newcomers) set at a minimum of KD 800.

2. The sponsor must be a university graduate, and their profession should align with their qualification.

3. Exemptions from university degrees for certain professions listed in Article 30 of the decision.

Furthermore, individuals born in Kuwait or abroad, with an age not exceeding 5 years, and whose parents hold valid residence in Kuwait, are exempted from the salary requirement as per the guidelines and conditions set by the General Administration of Residence Affairs.

Article Two designates the acting Undersecretary as responsible for implementing this decision, which will come into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

Professions mentioned in Article 30 of Ministerial Resolution No. 957/2019:

1. Advisors, judges, prosecutors, experts, and legal researchers in the government sector.

2. Medical professionals, including doctors and pharmacists.

3. Professors in universities, colleges, and higher institutes.

4. Educational professionals within the government sector.

5.Advisors in financial and economic matters in universities.

6.Engineers.

7. Individuals serving in religious roles in mosques.

8. Librarians in both government and private universities.

9. Health sector personnel, including nurses, paramedics, and medical technical positions.

10. Social workers and psychologists in the government sector.

11 Professionals in journalism, media, and correspondents.

12. Coaches and athletes associated with federations and sports clubs.

13. Pilots and flight attendants.

14. Individuals responsible for preparing the deceased and overseeing their burial.

In line with Kuwaits’ labor regulations, the primary sponsor for his spouse and children is the father. To qualify as a sponsor for his child and wife, the father’s salary cap should be min. 800 Kuwaiti dinars, he needs to be a university graduate and his job should align with the qualifications.

Those born in Kuwait, and those born outside the country to parents who are working in Kuwait and whose age does not exceed five years old are excluded from the new rule of salary requirement, this decision is taken on humanitarian grounds.

Mothers can sponsor their children on dependent / family visas provided their salary cap is KD 800 per month mentioned on the work permit only if the husband is deceased or divorced or if the husband has left the country for good leaving his wife and kids behind. Those working in the below profession are excluded from the university degree requirement.

The professions stipulated in Article 30 of Ministerial Resolution No. 957/2019 are:

- Advisors, judges, prosecutors, experts, and legal researchers in the government sector

- Doctors and pharmacists

- Professors in universities, colleges, and higher institutes

- School principals, deputies, educational mentors, teachers, social workers, and laboratory technicians in the government sector

- University financial and economic advisors

- Engineers

- Imams, preachers, muezzins in mosques, and memorizers of the Holy Qur’an

- Librarians in government agencies and private universities

- Ministry of Health employees, including nurses, paramedics those holding medical technical positions in various specializations, and those working in the field of social service

- Social workers and psychologists in the government sector

- Journalists, media professionals and correspondents

- Coaches and players in the federation and sports clubs

- Pilots and flight attendants

- Preparers of the dead and those responsible for burying them.

There are two constraints associated with the dependent visa. A wife working in the private sector cannot sponsor her husband. Furthermore, once a son reaches the age of 21, he becomes ineligible to remain under his parents’ visa.

The General Administration of Residence Affairs at the Ministry of Interior initiated the acceptance of applications for family visas, adhering to the guidelines outlined by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Acting Minister of Defense, Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef. The Residency Affairs departments in the six governorates processed 1,800 transactions on the first day of implementing the decision. Among these, 1,165 transactions did not meet the stipulated conditions, and applicants were instructed to complete the necessary procedures.

The source emphasized the decision’s clarity, permitting expats to have university degrees and earn a salary of at least 800 dinars, working in the same field as their university degree, to bring only their spouses and children under the age of 14. Notably, the decision does not allow for the sponsorship of parents and siblings, and there are no exceptions to this rule.

To comply with the decision, the university degree certificate must be certified by the Kuwait embassy in the applicant’s home country and approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, marriage contracts and birth certificates of children must be attested. The exception for the 14 specified categories is tied to the salary requirement, not the university specialization.

The decision was prompted by numerous employees from the Ministries of Health, Justice, and Education resigning due to their families not residing with them in the country. After a thorough study, the Ministry of Interior deemed this decision as one of the most beneficial for residency sector affairs. The source clarified that Residency Affairs had not opened family visit visas, family visit visas are still restricted. A separate decision will be issued to regulate the mechanism for family visits. However, commercial visits will continue to be permitted, subject to the existing conditions and controls in the Residency Affairs sector.

The Interior Ministry announced Thursday the resumption of handling expatriates’ requests for family reunions as of this Sunday at all departments of residency affairs across the country under new terms and standards. This decision was made upon the directives of Deputy Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and Acting Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah, the Ministry’s Department of Security Relations and Media in a statement.

The requests will be accepted based on Ministerial Decree No. 56 of 2024, which sets new rules for issuing entry permits for family reunions, it noted. Among these terms are the salary of those submit requests is at least KD 800, and he/she should have a university certificate and work in a field matching his/ her specialty, it stated. Deputy Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and Acting Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah issued a decision amending some provisions of Ministerial Resolution No. 957/2019 in the executive regulations of the Expats Residency Law, specifying the conditions for obtaining regular residency to join a family member. Article One of the decision states that Article 29 of Ministerial Resolution No. 957/2019 is amended to be as follows: Article 29:

To obtain a regular residence permit to join a family for those coming from abroad, the monthly salary of the expats residing in the country must not be less than KD800. The monthly salary of the expat that is taken into account is the wage resulting from working in his profession based on which he was granted residency in the country. He must have university qualifications and his profession in the country is consistent with his specialization.

An expat resident, whose profession is stipulated in Article 30 of this decision, is excluded from the requirement of obtaining a university qualification. As for granting regular residency to join a family for those residing or born inside the country, and those born outside the country to parents who are residing in the country and whose age does not exceed five years old, the Director General of the Residence Affairs General Department is responsible for excluding them from the salary requirement referred to in the first paragraph of this article following the rules and regulations specified by the department.

Article Two of the decision stipulates that the acting undersecretary must implement this decision and it shall take effect on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

The professions stipulated in Article 30 of Ministerial Resolution No. 957/2019 are:

1. Advisors, judges, prosecutors, experts, and legal researchers in the government sector

2. Doctors and pharmacists

3. Professors in universities, colleges, and higher institutes

4. School principals, deputies, educational mentors, teachers, social workers and laboratory technicians in the government sector

5. University financial and economic advisors

6. Engineers

7. Imams, preachers, muezzins in mosques, and memorizers of the Holy Qur’an

8. Librarians in government agencies and private universities

9. Ministry of Health employees, including nurses, paramedics those holding medical technical positions in various specializations, and those working in the field of social service

10. Social workers and psychologists in the government sector

11. Journalists, media professionals and correspondents

12. Coaches and players in the federation and sports clubs

13. Pilots and flight attendants

14. Preparers of the dead and those responsible for burying them.

Documents required to apply for dependent /family visa

Passport copy of your own (First page & last page) plus Civil ID copy (mobile ID also accepted) since residence is no longer stamped on the passport

Passport copy of your wife (First & Last page) Passport should have minimum 1 yr validity

Work Permit copy (Izne Amal) Ask your company to provide it. proving your salary is KD 800 per month

Graduation degree stamped and attested from MOFA from your country and attested at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kuwait ( Those mentioned in the above list don’t have to provide a graduation degree but have to provide a company letter stating their profession which has to match work permit)

Relationship Affidavit. (This document can be typed from the typing centers located all over Kuwait). Get a relationship affidavit from your embassy and get the same attested from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (To get a relationship Affidavit you need a marriage certificate stamped from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country, if your name is mentioned in your wife’s passport then you don’t require)

Fill out the dependent visa application form from typing centers and make sure there are no mistakes

Submit your papers to the Residence Affairs office

Kuwait is the 10th largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), according to the report issued by the Middle East Economy, which included a list of the 10 largest economies in the world in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), reports Al-Anba daily. Data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealed that Kuwait was expected to achieve a GDP of $159.7 billion in 2023, while Turkey came in first place with $1.15 trillion. Kuwait is considered one of the richest countries in the world. It enjoys a vibrant economy that derives momentum primarily from its abundant oil resources. Its oil reserves and the tax exemption system have pushed the Kuwaiti dinar to become the most valuable currency in the world at the level of $3.25 and it is considered a clear evidence the economic stability of the country.

While progress in achieving economic diversification and structural reforms is gradual, Kuwait’s greater economic resilience is supported by the large foreign assets of the sovereign wealth fund managed by the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA). The MENA region includes some of the most important economic powers in the world, not to mention that it is home to a number of the largest and most ancient oil-producing countries, which enhances the region’s position and dominance on the global stage. Regarding the economic prospects for MENA, the report stated that despite the slowdown in economic growth in the region in 2023 due to oil production cuts, high inflation rates, and a tight financial environment; the region will see improvement in 2024.

IMF was also quoted as saying: “The future outlook for MENA carries expectations that growth will improve in 2024 with the disappearance of some factors affecting current economic activity, but growth in the medium term is expected to be below average. History is in the midst of ongoing structural challenges. Countries in the Middle East region, in particular, could recover, bringing the growth of their economies to 3.4 percent in 2024. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales shares this view with the IMF and it forecasts that the region will grow at 3.2 percent, which is higher than their global GDP growth forecast of 2.1 percent. It is worth noting that non-energy sectors will push the region’s growth forward, especially in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Fund defined GDP as the total value at current prices of final goods and services produced within a country during a specific period, and that the most common measure for economic growth is to calculate gross domestic product by adding consumer spending, government spending, and commercial investment to the aspect of net exports that refer to the difference between exports and imports.

Recent developments from the Ministry of Interior indicate significant changes in the application process for dependent visas, effective from this Sunday. These changes, guided by Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Acting Minister of Interior, align with the newly released Ministerial Resolution No. (56 of 2024). The resolution introduces new requirements and guidelines for obtaining visas for family reunification.

Under the updated rules, individuals wishing to bring their family members to Kuwait must meet certain criteria. A notable change is the increase in the minimum salary requirement to 800 dinars, coupled with the necessity for applicants to have a university degree. Additionally, there is a new stipulation that the applicant's job should correspond with their academic qualifications. These changes aim to refine the process of granting entry visas, ensuring that applicants meet specific standards before they can reunite with their families.

The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister, Abdullah Al-Yahya, has announced that Kuwait is actively collaborating with Britain to introduce a new electronic travel permit for Kuwaiti citizens. The process is set to begin on February 1, 2024, with the permit becoming valid for travel to the United Kingdom starting from February 22. The initiative aims to streamline travel procedures, providing flexibility for Kuwaiti citizens and encouraging visits to the UK without the need for a traditional visa.

Electronic Travel Permit:

   - Kuwait is working with Britain to launch a new electronic travel permit for Kuwaiti citizens.

Implementation Date:

   - The process for the electronic travel permit is scheduled to begin on February 1, 2024.

Validity for Travel to the UK:

   - The electronic travel permit will become valid for travel to the United Kingdom starting from February 22.

Objective:

   - The objective of the electronic travel permit is to streamline travel procedures, providing flexibility for Kuwaitis and encouraging visits to the UK without the need for a visa.

Ongoing Discussions and Coordination:

   - Ongoing discussions and coordination between Kuwait and British authorities are highlighted as part of the initiative.

Steering Committee Meetings:

   - Joint steering committee meetings between Britain and Kuwait are scheduled for February 12 and 13, with high-level officials from both sides leading the discussions.

Strong Relations with Britain:

   - The Foreign Minister emphasized the strong and distinguished relations between Kuwait and Britain.

Collaborative Measures and Agreements:

   - Collaborative measures and agreements were mentioned, including those signed during the third visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad to Britain.

Upcoming Joint Agreements:

   - Announcements about joint agreements in various fields between Kuwait and Britain are expected soon.

Continuity of Joint Coordination:

    - The Foreign Minister affirmed the continuity of joint coordination between the two nations, emphasizing historical relations and ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation across diverse fields.

Mutual Consultation on Regional and International Issues:

    - There is a commitment to mutual consultation on regional and international issues for the benefit of both Kuwait and the United Kingdom.

This announcement signifies a significant step toward facilitating travel for Kuwaiti citizens to the United Kingdom through the introduction of an electronic travel permit. Travelers are advised to stay updated on official announcements and guidelines regarding the new electronic permit.

The proposed law amendment by Kuwait MPs Badr Nashmi, Faris Al-Otaibi, Abdul Hadi Al-Ajmi, Badr Sayyar, and Osama Al-Shaheen aims to bring about significant changes in the regulation of working hours in the private sector.

The proposed change involves replacing the existing text of Article (64) with a new one, restricting a worker’s weekly hours to forty-two or seven hours per day, except in specific cases outlined in the law. In the holy month of Ramadan, weekly working hours would be limited to thirty-six. The Minister may issue a decision to reduce working hours for strenuous or health-hazardous jobs or due to harsh conditions.

Furthermore, the proposal suggests altering Article (65), Clause (A), with the new text stating that a worker cannot be employed for more than four consecutive hours per day without a rest period of at least one hour. The rest periods do not count within the working hours, except for the banking, financial, and investment sector. The working hours in this sector would remain seven consecutive hours.

The explanatory memorandum justifies the amendment by emphasizing the importance of recognizing the human element in economic development. It argues that providing comfort and an appropriate work environment is crucial to achieving productivity and allowing workers time for their daily affairs.

The proposed changes aim to address the inadequacies of the current law, particularly its misalignment with the flexible and irregular working hours common in the private sector.

If this amendment is accepted and becomes law, it could bring about a significant shift in the regulation of working hours in the private sector, with a focus on improving the well-being of workers and promoting productivity. It's essential to monitor official updates to see if the proposal progresses through the legislative process.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the world could face a pandemic 20 times more severe than the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in a message delivered at the World Economic Forum. A theoretical scenario dubbed Disease X acknowledges the possibility of a global outbreak caused by an unknown pathogen rather than a transmission of an existing disease.

The most probable cause of Disease X is a respiratory virus that originated in animals, but has not yet been transmitted to humans. According to the WHO, an unanticipated Disease X pandemic could have more devastating consequences than COVID-19, which has claimed over seven million lives worldwide.

In order to prevent future pandemics, the WHO is taking proactive measures, including bolstering disease surveillance between nations and encouraging technology sharing. While Disease X took center stage during the session, epidemiologists remain vigilant about other potential pandemics, including viruses such as Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Lassa fever, SARS, MERS, Nipah virus, Rift Valley Fever, Zika virus, and potential new iterations of COVID-19.

According to a report by the General Secretariat of Planning, Kuwait's economy is connected to global oil prices continuously and consistently. However, despite substantial government investments aimed at maximising non-oil revenues and empowering the private sector, these endeavors have fallen short of expectations.

As a result, we must ask: Where are the non-oil revenues, and how can the private sector play a role in diversifying the local economy?

Within Kuwait's macroeconomic framework, the private sector's performance over the past 12 years has been consistent but uninspiring. Throughout the first, second, and third development plans, the private sector’s share in the local economy fluctuated between 23% and 38%, underscoring its limited impact.

It is interesting to note that the private sector's contribution to GDP diminishes during economic recoveries, while it increases during economic downturns. Notably, the private sector failed to play a significant role in rescuing the Kuwaiti economy from deficits, as evidenced by the highest recorded contribution of 38% in 2020 coinciding with the largest economic deficit in 12 years. In the report, the economic challenges are attributed to government investment spending over the past 12 years, contrary to the view that the private sector is the engine of economic growth.

With global oil prices peaking at $100 per barrel between 2010 and 2014, Kuwait's economy experienced financial surpluses. Conversely, in 2015, with a three-year consecutive decline in oil prices to $40 per barrel, the economy entered a persistent deficit, exacerbated by the substantial impact of the “COVID- 19” pandemic in 2020. The global economic recovery and increased oil demand played a pivotal role in mitigating the crisis, with oil prices reaching $100 per barrel in 2022. Since initiating the development plan in 2010, Kuwait has invested in projects with sustainable economic returns to achieve Kuwait Vision 2035. The first development plan focused on legislative preparation, the second on infrastructure, and the ongoing third on empowering the private sector.

Plans involve strengthening the knowledge economy and transitioning towards “Smart Kuwait 2035.” Examining the first development plan, government investments ranged from 13% to 18%, leading to a trade surplus of 36% to 48%. Private spending recorded between 24% and 29%, marking a prosperous period for the local economy. In the second development plan, government investments increased to 25-30%, resulting in a trade deficit in 2016. The ongoing third development plan witnessed fluctuations in government investments, ranging from 22% to 15%, leading to a trade deficit in 2020.

In order to enhance the role of the private sector in the local economy, the report makes several recommendations:

1. Implementing development projects with sustainable economic returns.

2. Swiftly approving legislative requirements to prevent project delays.

3. Promoting a knowledge economy, creating economic zones, reshaping government roles, promoting sustainable prosperity, and empowering citizens as part of New Kuwait Vision 2035.

 The Civil Court ordered an expatriate doctor in a famous cosmetic clinic to pay compensation of KD 50,000 to a Kuwaiti woman because a mastectomy had to be performed on her as a result of a medical error.

According to the court’s medical reports, the accused is a dermatologist and does not specialize in liposuction. It is noteworthy that the Criminal Court had sentenced him to six months imprisonment followed by deportation from the country after serving the sentence.

The Kuwaiti woman had filed her lawsuit demanding compensation for the medical error, referring the papers to the Medical Liability Authority, which proved the medical error committed by the doctor and imposed a disciplinary penalty.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiaries are making significant progress in implementing the Kuwaitization program for contractor contracts, according to Al-Anbaa. The data reveals that the program aims to Kuwaitize a total of 1,211 jobs across five oil companies by the end of 2024. With approximately 629 jobs subject to Kuwaitization, Kuwait Oil Company has the largest number of jobs subject to Kuwaitization.

Approximately 507 positions are available at Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC), 46 positions are available at Kuwait National Petroleum Company, 28 positions are available at Kuwaiti Industry Company Petrochemicals, and one position is available at Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC). Among the oil companies, the Kuwait Gulf Oil Company and Kuwait Petroleum International are actively working on developing an employment plan to ensure the hiring of Kuwaiti workers in alignment with their contracts under the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation.

Under the workforce restructuring program and the state's executive apparatus, contractors in the oil sector receive various benefits, including social bonuses and children's bonuses. It is important to note that these bonuses are separate from the employees’ wages. Furthermore, employees in certain regions, known as Region 2, are eligible for a site grant, while those in Region 3 receive different benefits like an annual travel ticket for the worker and one spouse. The value of this ticket is 200 dinars per person and is granted after completing one uninterrupted year of work.

An incentive bonus corresponding to the maximum amount of the worker's net monthly salary is given to Kuwaiti workers who demonstrate excellent performance and discipline at work. Additionally, an immediate bonus, not exceeding one month’s salary, may be granted by the contractor with written approval from the company. As part of Kuwaitization, Kuwaiti workers receive corresponding wages according to their job grade and location, which include various allowances such as road transportation allowances. Social insurance contributions, however, are the responsibility of workers.

Kuwaiti workers are also entitled to medical insurance, which is provided by the contractor within 30 days of signing the employment contract. The annual cost of this insurance should not exceed 250 dinars and must cover the worker and their family members. Kuwaiti workers are also entitled to 42 days of annual leave. Lastly, at the end of their contracts, Kuwaiti workers who have received a performance evaluation of no less than good are entitled to an allowance equivalent to half a month’s salary for each continuous year of service. An allowance is paid once at the end of the contract period, and the company compensates the contractor accordingly.

Kuwait Banking Association (KBA) reported that the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) issued a circular on Monday stating all local banks will close on Thursday, February 8th, as an official holiday on the occasion of Al-Israa and Miraaj.

A press release from KBA stated that all banks will resume work on Sunday, February 11th, congratulating His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah on this Islamic holiday.

In order to discuss two notable legislative proposals, the Health Affairs Committee will convene a meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the General Investment Authority. Reports Al-Seyassah daily, the first proposal pertains to the enactment of a law governing health care services, while the second proposes establishing the "Dawakum" zone for pharmaceutical industries and medical equipment storage facilities.

Ultimately, the health care proposal aims to improve the quality of health services in the country while easing the financial burden on the state budget. The proposed law is grounded in principles of administrative reform, aiming to enhance fairness within the health sector and extend health coverage to all citizens and expats. Among its key provisions, the proposal mandates health insurance for all individuals residing in Kuwait. Expats whose expenses are borne by employers or sponsors, and visitors who must secure health insurance before entering the country, are covered by the state.

Providing comprehensive health coverage for everyone is the overarching goal, while contributing to administrative efficiency and a fair healthcare system. The second proposal seeks to establish the “Dawakum” zone, whose primary objective is to achieve drug security, diversify income sources, provide Kuwaiti citizens with employment opportunities, and improve the proficiency of Kuwaiti health workers. In the pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries, this initiative contributes to economic growth, self-sufficiency, and sustainability.

The Kuwait Airways Board of Directors is reportedly in the process of evaluating a reduction in flight prices and associated reservation modification fees in response to mounting complaints and in an effort to enhance its competitive edge, sources informed Al-Seyassah daily. There are concerns that other airlines are taking advantage of Kuwait Airways' comparatively higher ticket prices.

Kuwait Airways' Board, which was established in September last year, is undergoing a major overhaul to strengthen its position as the national carrier and meet the expectations of its diverse customer base. This comprehensive strategy includes operational improvements and service enhancements.

Kuwait Airways has set ambitious targets, including a concerted attempt to reach 5.5 million passengers by 2025. Furthermore, the airline is eyeing substantial fleet expansion, with plans to augment its current fleet of 33 aircraft to a robust 50 by the year 2030.

Kuwait Airways' intention to adjust its pricing and reservation fees illustrates its commitment to adaptability and competitiveness. Kuwait Airways hopes to position itself as a responsive and customer-centric player on the dynamic aviation market by balancing customer satisfaction with operational efficiency.

The Public Authority for Civil Information has recently introduced stricter procedures for issuing or renewing civil cards for single expatriates (bachelors). This involves thorough verification of rental contracts, including scrutinizing the owner’s signature. Unmarried individuals residing in private and residential areas have also been addressed by a committee, cross-referencing their civil cards to ensure accuracy in reporting their locations.

Khaled Al-Shammari, spokesperson for the Public Authority for Civil Information, emphasized that the address list it maintains explicitly prohibits the registration of bachelors in private housing. For the purpose of enforcing this restriction, automated procedures and systems are in place.

Al-Shammari emphasized the authority's active participation in a government committee dedicated to combating and preventing bachelors from living in conventional areas. The committee receives complaints and conducts on-site verifications to identify any violations.

As of 2021, the Authority offers an expatriate data service through its website and a networked government application (Sahel). This service allows property owners to review expatriate data within their buildings. The service allows property owners to automatically file complaints and make necessary changes to data if any inaccuracies are identified.

Kuwait has opted against announcing any amnesty period for expatriate residency violators, citing previous experiences that have demonstrated the ineffectiveness of such measures. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) had initially planned to grant amnesty for residency violators before 2020 but has since suspended this plan.

In past instances of amnesty, violators tended to overlook the opportunity to rectify their status and chose to remain in Kuwait in violation, refusing to leave. In a strategic move, authorities are now turning to banks to freeze the accounts of residency violators. This measure aims to ensure that fines for residency violations and deportation costs are directly deducted from the violators' bank accounts, preventing individuals from claiming a lack of funds to pay fines.

In a related development, the Ministry of Interior has recently reversed its decision to allow expatriates who violated residency laws before 2020 to pay fines and adjust their status. This change reflects a broader shift in Kuwait's approach to addressing residency violations.