In a decision signed by the Minister of Interior Shaikh Nawaf Al Ahmad, foreigners residing in the country illegally have been granted a 40 day amnesty to either sort out their papers or leave the country without fear of fines or prosecution.
Once the period expires, the ministry plans to launch a crackdown on residents living without a valid residence permit and has warned that violators will be prosecuted. Previous amnesties were declared in 1997 and 1998 when thousands of mostly Asian expatriates left the country.
The ministry hoped all expatriates and their sponsors will take advantage of the situation. Within the amnesty, illegal residents will be able to exit through any border post without paying a fine or being penalised. They will also be allowed to return to Kuwait once they obtain a valid work permit. The ministry also said that illegal residents arrested during the amnesty and those arrested after the amnesty will be punished under the law before final deportation.
Meanwhile, the Interior Minister also announced the formation of a tripartite committee comprising of high ranking officials from his ministry, the Labour Ministry and the Chamber of Commerce to review the sponsor system and study means to modify regulations in the labour market.
"Their aim is to study labour regulations in detail and propose the simplification of procedures for the entry of businessmen and workers", the ministers statement said. "This comes in line with the requirements of economic openness and transforming Kuwait into a trading and financial centre."
The committee will also follow up on accusations of abuse by countries. It will also study existing mechanisms dealing with sponsor system. The committee will meet six times a yea and present its report.
