Kuwait Cancels Residency Visas for 5,000 Expats

Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has rejected the renewal applications of residency permits for 5,000 expatriates who lived outside for more than six months. 

The individuals submitted their renewal applications online, citing several reasons such as sickness, family situations, and a financial inability for their absence from Kuwait.

Sources within the interior ministry have confirmed to Kuwait Times that "other expatriates will also lose their iqamas (residency permits) this month for the same reason." 

"Through an automated link with the Public Authority of Manpower and the Public Authority for Civil Information, the work permit of an expatriate whose residency has been canceled is revoked, and their civil card is also canceled," the sources added.

In October 2022, the interior ministry announced its intention to cancel residence permits of government sector workers electronically, including private sector partners, dependents, students, and self-sponsored residents whose visas got canceled for staying outside Kuwait for over six months.

This move aims at tightening Kuwait's grip on residency laws, emphasizing the need for expats to adhere to the laws and regulations governing residency permits.