Kuwait Considers Family Visas Under ‘Article 22’ for Specific Expatriate Categories Starting 2024

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior is contemplating the introduction of ‘Article 22 visas’ (family or dependent visas) in early 2024, as per knowledgeable sources. The proposed initiative would be applicable to specific expatriate categories, including doctors, university professors, and counselors involved in applied education.

The eligibility criteria for these visas will be determined based on various factors, although specific details were not provided by the sources. A committee is expected to be established by the ministry to set the conditions and criteria for expatriate categories allowed to bring their families to Kuwait.

This move aligns with the demographic strategy overseen by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Al Khaled. The sources also indicated that the unified Gulf visa mechanism within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries includes a KD100 per day (Dh1,192) fine for visitors who overstay their visa, alongside requirements for health insurance coverage and hotel reservations during their stay.

In August, the Ministry of Interior introduced a policy allowing medical staff in the Health Ministry to obtain family visas under specific conditions. This cautious reopening for expatriates focused initially on particular groups and progressed in stages. The approval by Sheikh Talal permitted the immediate family members of expatriate medical staff to enter Kuwait, with specific age criteria for children.

Addressing rumors on social media about family visas, the sources clarified that the ministry has not officially announced any decision regarding the issuance or resumption of these visas, indicating that they currently remain suspended.

The ministry is reportedly exploring a new mechanism for issuing all types of entry visas, taking into consideration demographic balance and the humanitarian aspect of reuniting expatriates with their families. As part of the new regulations under consideration, the ministry’s legal department is looking at raising the salary requirement for obtaining a family visa from KD500 to KD800 for expatriates in both the public and private sectors.