Kuwait Visa Guide

Kuwait Drops University Degree Requirement for Family Visa Sponsorship

Published

2 months ago

August 6, 2024

Admin

Kuwait Drops University Degree Requirement for Family Visa Sponsorship. Kuwait’s Interior Ministry (MOI) has recently made a significant change to its family visa sponsorship regulations, eliminating the university degree requirement for migrants wishing to sponsor their spouses and children. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to streamline the immigration process and accommodate more migrant families in the country.

Resumption of Family Visas Post-COVID-19

In January of this year, the MOI fully resumed the issuance of family (dependent) visas for migrant residents, a process that had been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this resumption initially came with a stipulation: migrant sponsors were required to hold a university degree to be eligible to sponsor their families.

Changes to Sponsorship Requirements

Before this recent policy shift, only migrants employed in certain sectors were exempt from the university degree requirement. Now, this requirement has been entirely removed, opening the door for a larger number of migrants to bring their families to Kuwait.

Despite the removal of the degree requirement, the existing conditions for applying for family visas remain in place. These conditions include:

A minimum salary requirement of KD 800.
An exemption from the salary requirement for sponsoring children under the age of five who are either living or born in Kuwait.

Gender-Specific Restrictions

Family visas in Kuwait continue to be primarily available to male migrants. However, there are specific circumstances under which migrant mothers can sponsor their children. These include cases where the husband is deceased, divorced, or has permanently left Kuwait, leaving the wife and children behind.

Impact of the New Regulations

According to the Kuwait Central Statistical Bureau, as of mid-2021, only 13.2% of the total migrant population in Kuwait held a university degree or higher. The recent change in visa regulations has led to a noticeable increase in the number of applicants at the Residency Affairs Departments, as reported by local media.

Conclusion

The removal of the university degree requirement for family visa sponsorship marks a significant shift in Kuwait’s immigration policy. This change is expected to benefit many migrant families, allowing more flexibility and opportunities for family reunification. As the new regulations take effect, it will be interesting to observe their impact on the migrant population and the overall socio-economic landscape of Kuwait.

Kuwait Visa Guide

Migrant Family Visa Kuwait- New Regulations Effective January 28, 2024

Published

2 months ago

August 6, 2024

Admin

Migrant Family Visa Kuwait- New Regulations Effective January 28, 2024. As of January 28, 2024, the Kuwaiti government has reinstated the issuance of family residence visas, providing a significant update for foreign national residents looking to bring their families to Kuwait. This reinstatement comes with expanded eligibility criteria, aimed at making family reunification more accessible for expatriates working in the country.

Key Changes to the Migrant Family Visa Policy

Resumption of Family Residence Visas

The suspension of family residence visas, which had been in place since 2022, has officially ended. This change marks a pivotal step towards supporting expatriate families in Kuwait, facilitating a more stable and cohesive family life for foreign workers.

Expanded Eligibility Criteria

The updated policy broadens the scope of who can apply for a family residence visa. Under the new rules, not only can dependent spouses and children join the primary visa holder, but the minimum salary requirement for eligibility has also been increased.

Increased Minimum Salary Requirement

To qualify for a family residence visa, the sponsoring foreign national resident must now earn a minimum salary of KD 800. This is a notable increase from the previous threshold of KD 550, reflecting economic adjustments and the government’s commitment to ensuring that families joining their sponsors have sufficient financial support.

Benefits of the Updated Family Visa Regulations

Family Reunification: These changes promote the reunification of families, allowing foreign workers to bring their loved ones to live with them in Kuwait, thereby improving their quality of life and work satisfaction.
Economic Stability: By increasing the salary requirement, the government aims to ensure that families have adequate financial resources, contributing to the overall economic stability of expatriate households in Kuwait.
Enhanced Expatriate Experience: The ability to have family members close by can significantly enhance the expatriate experience, leading to greater employee retention and satisfaction among foreign workers.

Application Process

Foreign national residents who meet the new salary requirement can apply for a family residence visa through the Kuwaiti immigration authorities. It is advisable to gather all necessary documentation, such as proof of salary, marriage certificates, and children’s birth certificates, to streamline the application process.

Conclusion

The resumption and expansion of the family residence visa policy in Kuwait reflect the government’s efforts to support the expatriate community. By allowing higher-earning foreign nationals to bring their families into the country, Kuwait is fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for its diverse workforce.