Kuwait's new residency law takes effect; hefty fines for violators

Dubai: Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has announced that the new residency law has come into force on January 5 (today). 

The law introduces updated fines for a wide range of violations, including penalties for failing to report a newborn, overstaying visas, and irregularities involving domestic workers

Under Article 9, foreign nationals who fail to obtain a residency permit for specific types of visa holders, such as domestic workers, will be fined KD2 (about Dh24) per day for the first month and KD4 per day for subsequent months, up to a maximum of KD600.

Article 11 of the new law addresses penalties for overstay violations. Foreigners who remain in Kuwait beyond the validity of their visit visas will face a fine of KD10 for each day of overstay, with a maximum fine of KD 2,000.

Failure to report a newborn within four months of birth will result in a fine of KD2 for each day of delay in the first month, with the amount increasing to KD4 for each additional day thereafter, with a cap of KD2,000.

The ministry has warned that violators may face severe penalties if they facilitate illegal residency activities, including smuggling or sheltering illegal residents. Additionally, the Ministry urged the public to be aware of these laws and promptly report any violations.