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Kuwait: The Kuwaiti government has announced modifications to its residency permit and work visa procedures. These changes aim to enhance the efficiency of the labor market and potentially attract foreign investment.

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In a move to enhance visitor flexibility, Kuwaiti authorities have extended the maximum permissible stay for visitors without a residency permit to two months. However, this extended stay comes with the requirement for visitors to initiate procedures for obtaining a regular or temporary residency permit within that timeframe. This streamlined approach aims to balance visitor experience with immigration regulations.

Kuwait’s work permit regulations have undergone an update introducing a new fee structure. Employers will now incur an additional 150 Kuwaiti Dinar (KD) fee for each work permit issued. However, exemptions apply to government entities, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and certain foreign investors. Additionally, employers are now permitted greater flexibility in transferring migrant workers with work permits to another employer within the initial three years, subject to a 300 KD fee. The impact of these changes on the labor market will be evaluated through a one-year study.

The updated residency permit regulations are implemented immediately. This means the new two-month maximum stay for visitors without a residency permit is already in effect. In contrast, the revised work permit regulations, including the new fee structure and allowance for migrant worker transfers, will kick in later on June 1, 2024 and remain applicable for one year.

These modifications are intended to streamline the work permit process and potentially incentivize foreign investment in Kuwait. The effectiveness of these regulations will be evaluated after a one-year period, reported Arab Times.