KUWAIT CITY: Hundreds of expatriates have had applications to change visit visas into residency permits rejected.
The rejections came after applicants failed to meet conditions under a recent ministerial decree. A security source provided details about the latest development.
Large numbers of expatriates submitted applications across Kuwait’s six governorates. Many believed the new decision applied broadly to all applicants.
However, officials rejected several applications after finding that applicants did not meet the required conditions. Other applications remain under review by the relevant authorities.
The source said visit visas cannot automatically be converted into residency permits. The process applies only to specific categories and eligible applicants.
The rules cover several residency categories, including Articles 17, 18, 20 and 22. Applicants must meet specific requirements before their cases can proceed.
Each application also requires approval from the Director General of the General Department of Residency Affairs. Some cases require additional clearance from senior Ministry of Interior officials.
Residency departments receive applications based on the applicant’s registered address. Officials first verify the documents and eligibility requirements.
Approved applications are then forwarded electronically to the Director General for further consideration. The process is designed to ensure compliance with the ministerial decree.
Family Reunification Category
One major category covers expatriates eligible for family reunification. Applicants must have a minimum monthly salary of KD 800.
Eligible residents can apply to convert visit visas for certain family members. These include wives, sons below 18, and daughters below 21.
Applicants must pay a KD 150 conversion fee. Health insurance and residency stamping charges also apply.
The resulting residency falls under Article 22 for family and dependent residency.
Humanitarian and Exceptional Cases
A second category covers selected humanitarian and exceptional situations. This category may include applicants who do not meet salary or university degree requirements.
Parents may bring children below five years under certain conditions. The mother must already hold valid residency in Kuwait.
A husband may also apply to bring his wife under specific circumstances. Her previous residency must have expired less than one year earlier.
Such applications remain subject to the required fees and official approval.
Work Permit Conversion Rules
Authorities have also clarified restrictions on converting visit visas into work permits. Spouses and children cannot convert visit visas into Article 18 work permits.
Work permit conversion is limited to specific categories. This includes people who entered Kuwait on government-issued visit visas.
Applicants must have higher academic qualifications or relevant technical specializations. The provision also covers domestic workers and similar categories under applicable regulations.
Certain workers who previously started residency procedures may also qualify. They must have left Kuwait involuntarily for no more than one month.
They may return on a business visit visa and complete the work permit conversion process. However, the conversion remains subject to applicable rules.
The Kuwait Visa process also places restrictions on business visit visa conversions. Such cases require approval from senior Ministry of Interior officials.
Officials stressed that approval is not automatic. Each application is assessed individually under the relevant ministerial decree.
The Director General of Residency Affairs has final discretion over eligible applications. Kuwait’s labor market requirements also influence the decision.
In other news read more about Kuwait Introduces New KD 150 Fee for Visit Visa to Residency Conversion
Applicants must therefore meet all applicable conditions before seeking conversion. The latest clarification shows that a Kuwait Visa cannot be converted automatically based on nationality or visa category.
