Kuwait's Foreigners' Residency Law Amendment: Changes, Consequences, and Controversies

2023-10-01 16:36:58

Sunday Oct 1, 2023

KUWAIT CITY > On Sunday, the Interior and Defense Affairs Committee of the Kuwaiti Parliament will meet to discuss the Foreigners’ Residency Law Amendment Bill. Under the bill, foreigners who cannot renew or transfer their temporary residency will be allowed to stay in Kuwait for a maximum of three months after the expiration of their stay. But they cannot renew or transfer their residence. Fees for renewal of residency and entry visa will be fixed as per ministerial decision issued by the Minister of Home Affairs. The bill imposes a maximum sentence of three years in prison and/or a fine of KD 5,000 to KD 10,000 against persons accused of human trafficking by bringing expatriate workers for payment. The bill has also introduced strict provisions allowing the home minister to deport expatriate workers on grounds of public interest or security reasons. According to the new directive, a non-resident will be granted a residence permit of not more than five years. But investors can be granted residency permit for up to 15 years depending on their activity. Provisions allow Kuwaiti women to grant permanent residency to their non-Kuwaiti husbands and children. But the new law also includes suggestions that they will not be granted citizenship. Read on deshabhimani.com