Kuwait’s new residency law excludes long-time illegals

Cairo: A new residency law, which went into effect in Kuwait earlier this month featuring potential reconciliation and payment of fines by violators, does not apply to expatriates who missed an amnesty deadline that expired last year, according to a Kuwaiti security source.

The amnesty, which commenced in March, allowed illegal expatriates to readjust their residency status or willingly leave the country without paying fines. The deadline ended on June 30.

The source was quoted as saying by Al Anba newspaper that the new law on foreigners’ residency will be applied to violators starting from January 5.

“The residency violator, who did not amend his status during the grace period granted during the last year, has no choice but to return to his country without re-entry,” the source added.

During the grace period, irregular expatriates, who had no passports, were able to leave Kuwait without having to pay a fine and are allowed to re-enter the country.

According to the source, Kuwaiti authorities continue security campaigns against illegal expats.

Kuwait, a country of an overall population of 4.9 million people mostly foreigners, is seeking to redress its demographic imbalance and regulate the labour market.

Authorities there have recently mounted a nationwide crackdown on illegal foreign residents, who failed to take advantage of the three-month grace period to rectify their status. Thousands were rounded up.

The new residency law includes licensing foreigners for regular residency for a period not exceeding five years, 10 years for real estate owners, and 15 years for investors.

The code also sets a foreigner’s temporary stay at three months with possible extension for a period not exceeding one year.

A foreigner, who enters Kuwait on a visit visa, can stay for a period not exceeding three months.