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Kuwait, long a beacon of opportunity for expatriates, is ushering in a new era of stringent visa and residency regulations. Effective July 1, 2025, a mandatory exit permit system for all private sector foreign employees (Article 18 residency holders) will be fully enforced, marking a significant shift in the nation's immigration landscape. This move, coupled with stricter family visa requirements, aims to curb illicit visa trading, streamline the labor market, and ensure financial stability for dependents of foreign workers.
Under the newly enforced "exit permit" system, private sector employees will require explicit employer approval (from their 'kafeel' or sponsor) before leaving Kuwait, whether for temporary vacations or permanent departures. This policy, common in other Gulf nations under the kafala sponsorship system, signifies a tighter control over the movement of expatriate labor. The application process is streamlined through digital platforms like the "Sahel" app or the Ashal Manpower Portal, requiring employees to submit their Civil ID and travel dates for employer approval. Crucially, if an employer fails to respond or unjustly denies a request, workers can now file a complaint with the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM). This system applies to all private sector expats and their dependents; government employees have long been subject to similar departmental permissions. The primary objective behind this regulation, as highlighted by officials, is to combat illegal visa trading and bring greater order to the labor market.
In parallel, Kuwait has significantly tightened its family visa regulations, aiming to ensure that sponsors can adequately support their dependents. The updated policy, rooted in Ministerial Resolution No. 56 of 2024, mandates a minimum salary requirement of KD800 (approximately $2,610) for expatriates wishing to sponsor their spouses and children under Article 22 residency. While an initial version of this resolution in January 2024 also required a university degree and profession alignment, a subsequent amendment in July 2024 removed the degree requirement, solidifying the income condition as the key eligibility criterion.
Kuwaiti authorities, led by the Residence Affairs Investigations Department, have launched a targeted enforcement campaign to identify and address violations of these new rules. This includes scrutinizing expatriates who initially met the KD800 threshold but subsequently fell below it due to job changes or reduced income. These individuals are now facing a strict one-month deadline to regularize their status or face the prospect of their dependents being sent back to their home countries. Exceptions may be granted for children under the age of five or those born inside Kuwait, subject to review by the Director General of Residency Affairs. The Interior Ministry has affirmed that the family visa process remains open to all expatriates, irrespective of nationality or educational background, provided the salary requirement is met.
These comprehensive changes underscore Kuwait's commitment to reforming its immigration policies, with a dual focus on regulating labor mobility and ensuring the financial well-being of expatriate families.
Impact of the New Law on British, EU Citizens, and Bangladeshis:
These new regulations in Kuwait will have distinct and overlapping impacts on citizens from the UK, EU countries, and Bangladesh, given their varied historical immigration patterns and economic standings.
Impact on British and EU Citizens:
- Exit Permits: While British and EU citizens working in the private sector in Kuwait will now also require employer approval to exit the country, the immediate practical impact might be less disruptive compared to other nationalities. Many British and EU expatriates often hold professional roles and work for companies with established HR processes. However, it still represents a reduction in freedom of movement and could cause inconvenience or delays for urgent travel if employer approval is not swift. The ability to appeal to PAM in case of unreasonable denial offers a recourse, but the system still places significant power in the hands of employers.
- Family Visa Threshold (KD800): Many British and EU citizens working in Kuwait are often employed in highly skilled or management positions that typically command salaries at or above the KD800 threshold. Therefore, for many existing expatriates, this specific change might not directly impact their ability to sponsor their families. However, it could still affect those in lower-paying professional roles or those considering a move to Kuwait for entry-level positions where this salary might be harder to achieve. For new applicants, it sets a clear and higher bar for family sponsorship.
- Job Security and Status: The increased scrutiny on family visas, particularly for those whose income falls below the threshold post-arrival, could pose a risk for British and EU citizens if they experience a significant salary reduction or job change. They would be subject to the same one-month grace period to regularize their status, potentially leading to difficult decisions about their families' residency.
- Overall Sentiment: While seemingly aimed at curbing illicit practices, the new rules, particularly the exit permit, contribute to a perception of reduced individual freedoms, which might be a point of concern for British and EU citizens accustomed to more liberal immigration frameworks.
Impact on Bangladeshis:
- Exit Permits: This new rule will significantly impact the large Bangladeshi expatriate workforce in Kuwait, many of whom are in the private sector and may be more vulnerable to potential exploitation under the kafala system. The requirement for employer approval for departure could be a tool for unscrupulous employers to exert greater control, potentially exacerbating issues like passport retention or denial of leave. While the online system and the ability to complain to PAM offer some safeguards, practical challenges in access to technology or fear of reprisal could hinder some workers from fully utilizing these recourses.
- Family Visa Threshold (KD800): This salary threshold will be a major barrier for many Bangladeshi workers, as a substantial portion are employed in lower-wage labor, domestic, or service sectors. The KD800 requirement will make it exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, for many to bring their families to Kuwait. This could lead to prolonged family separation or force individuals to return home if they cannot meet the financial criteria.
- Curbing Visa Trading: While painful for legitimate workers, the stated aim of curbing visa trading could, in the long run, lead to a more regulated and transparent system, potentially reducing some of the exploitation associated with illicit recruitment practices that have historically affected Bangladeshi workers. However, the immediate impact for many will likely be increased difficulty in gaining or maintaining family residency.
- Increased Scrutiny and Enforcement: Bangladeshi expatriates are likely to face heightened scrutiny under the targeted enforcement campaigns. Those who previously brought families to Kuwait under different rules or whose income has fluctuated could be disproportionately affected by the new salary requirement and the one-month grace period.
- Access to E-Visas (GCC Residents): While not directly related to the new exit permits or family visa rules, it's worth noting that Bangladeshis (along with citizens from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Yemen) are not eligible for Kuwait's e-visa system, even if residing in GCC countries. They must apply in person at a Kuwaiti embassy or consulate in their GCC country of residence, which adds another layer of complexity to their entry process compared to other nationalities.
