Kuwait has issued a strong warning to expats regarding violations of its visit visa rules. Those who fail to comply face severe penalties, including fines and deportation, as part of Kuwait's intensified crackdown on residency and visa violations.
Earlier this year, Kuwait resumed the issuance of visit visas for expatriates after a period of suspension. However, the new visa system now operates under stricter regulations.
According to Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, these visas are subject to strict terms and conditions, ensuring tighter control over expatriate entry.
Kuwait Visit Visa
A Kuwait Visit Visa allows expatriates to enter Kuwait for short stays, typically for tourism, business, or visiting family. Issued with strict terms, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and comply with biometric registration and other regulations.
Key Conditions for Kuwait Visit Visas
• Eligibility: Expatriates must meet specific requirements to qualify for a visit visa.
• Strict Adherence to Terms and Conditions: The issuance of visit visas will be subject to rigorous rules and regulations. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in legal consequences.
• Biometric Registration: All applicants must undergo biometric registration as a mandatory requirement. This process involves capturing fingerprints and other biometric data.
Failure to adhere to these conditions can lead to penalties, including suspension of banking and government services for those who do not register their biometrics.
Previous Suspension of Visit Visas
Kuwait temporarily suspended the issuance of visit visas due to concerns over residency violations and overstaying. The suspension was part of a broader effort to regulate the number of expatriates entering the country and ensure compliance with residency laws.
The resumption of visas marks a new phase in Kuwait’s immigration policy, focusing on preventing illegal stays.
Security Crackdowns and Residency Violations
Kuwait has been actively cracking down on residency violations. In the months leading up to the resumption of visit visas, the Ministry of Interior conducted multiple security operations targeting areas with high expatriate populations.
• Khaitan Operation: A security sweep in Khaitan led to 2,831 traffic tickets, 34 arrests, and the seizure of 22 vehicles.
• Farwaniya Operation: Similar efforts in Farwaniya resulted in 2,833 fines and 23 arrests for residency violations.
Mass Deportations
Kuwait’s immigration policies also reflect a tough stance on illegal residents. As part of an ongoing campaign to address residency violations, the country deports between 7,000 and 8,000 expatriates every month. This large-scale deportation aims to address overcrowding and enforce residency laws.
It is worth noting here that, the Kuwaiti government also enforces stricter visa regulations, revokes citizenship, and introduces new laws targeting illegal activities.
Conclusion
Kuwait’s resumption of visit visas comes with a firm commitment to controlling illegal immigration. With stricter rules and enhanced enforcement measures, expatriates must carefully follow the new guidelines to avoid penalties or deportation. Compliance with biometric registration and other visa terms will be essential for anyone looking to visit Kuwait.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/kuwait-warns-expats-strict-penalties-deportation-for-violating-visa-rules/
