Kuwait tightens family visa rules for expats

In a major regulatory enforcement drive, Kuwaiti authorities have begun cracking down on expatriates who are sponsoring family members without meeting updated residency requirements. The campaign, led by the Residence Affairs Investigations Department, is aimed at identifying cases of salary misrepresentation and job-profession mismatches in violation of Article 22 visa regulations.

Under Ministerial Resolution No. 56 of 2024, expatriates seeking to sponsor their families must earn a minimum monthly salary of KD 800 (approx. $2,610). While the initial requirement for a university degree was removed in July 2024, the salary threshold remains strictly enforced. In addition, Article 29 mandates that the expatriate’s job must match their declared profession, effectively preventing mismatches between reported job titles and actual roles.

Authorities have summoned numerous expatriates who had obtained family visas based on previously eligible salaries but have since changed jobs or received salary reductions. These individuals have been given a 30-day grace period to either regularize their residency status or make arrangements for their dependents to leave the country.

The Ministry of Interior has also uncovered several instances where expatriates submitted inflated salary documents to secure family visas, only to revert to lower pay after approval. Such actions are being treated as fraud, and violators may face legal penalties, deportation, or revocation of family visas.

Officials emphasized that this is not a general crackdown but a targeted compliance initiative supported by automated systems that cross-check data between the Ministry of Interior and other government departments.

There are, however, limited exemptions. Children born in Kuwait or those under five years of age may be considered for special residency approval by the Director General of Residency Affairs.

The Kuwaiti government reiterated that the KD 800 salary benchmark is based on socio-economic research designed to ensure that families of expatriates can maintain a minimum standard of living in the country.

This move comes amid a broader effort by Gulf countries to tighten labor and residency laws, aligning immigration policies with labor market needs and economic sustainability goals. Expatriates are advised to ensure their employment and financial documentation accurately reflect their current status to avoid legal complications.