Kuwait suspends all types of new visas

Dubai: More than 400,000 expatriates with valid residence permits are stranded outside Kuwait and unable to return due to the flight ban as many of them are from the 32 countries from where travel to Kuwait has been banned by the Kuwaiti government., local media reported.

The number of expats with valid residency permits outside the country as of August 23 was 426,871, while expired residency holders could not return to Kuwait until new visas are issued for them.

The Ministry of Interior said it is preparing an amendment to the current residency law and will seek approval from the authorities concerned, revealed assistant undersecretary at the ministry of interior Major General Anwar Al Barjas.

He also disclosed that all types of new visas for foreigners have been suspended until further notice and only after clearance from the ministry of health will the issuance restart.

Major General Anwar Al Barjas stated that expats whose work contracts or residence visas had expired before January 1, 2020 would have to leave the country and could do so without paying any fines. They will be allowed to return on new visas, while those who have not left the country would face legal consequences and penalties, and would be deported and not be allowed to return again.

Major General Al Barjas also pointed out that everyone was waiting for amendments to the residency law, which would have significant implications for modifying the demographics, as the coronavirus crisis revealed the issues in this sphere, so when these amendments are made, they will be implemented by the ministry.