Kuwait Residency Shift Embracing Civil ID Over Iqama Stickers. In a significant move, the government has unveiled its decision to discontinue the utilisation of iqama stickers affixed to foreign nationals’ passports. This initiative aims to curb potential abuse of authority within the framework of the kafala (or sponsorship) system, a practice that some individuals exploit for personal gain.
Kuwait Residency Shift Embracing Civil ID Over Iqama Stickers
To accommodate this change, affected residents residing or working in Kuwait will be required to furnish an alternative comprehensive document. This document will serve as their official proof of residency in compliance with the new regulations.
Government’s Official Announcement
The Ministry of Interior announced on March 6 a momentous decision that marks the end of residency (iqama) stickers for expatriates’ passports. The government emphasizes that all necessary information can now be retrieved from the residents’ Civil IDs, which will serve as the new evidence of their residence status. The Kuwait Times reported on this crucial development.
Brigadier Abdulqader Al-Shaaban, Director-General of the Residency Affairs Department, confirmed the authenticity of the announcement. The new policy is set to take effect from March 10 onward.
Exclusions and Requirements
It’s important to note that Article 14 visa holders (temporary residence visas) and those who received their residency stickers prior to the policy implementation will remain unaffected by this change.
Moreover, Brigadier Shaaban elaborated that foreign nationals entering or leaving Kuwait must possess both a valid passport and a Civil ID issued by the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI).
Navigating the Transition
Should a civil ID become misplaced during travel, the procedure for replacement will mirror that of lost passport replacements.
Musaed Al-Assousi, Director General of PACI, elaborated that expatriates are required to visit a designated website, serving as a linkage between the Ministry of Interior and PACI. This online platform enables expats to update their information and facilitates the processing and issuance of the Civil ID.
This strategic shift from iqama stickers to the Civil ID system as the primary proof of residency demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhanced transparency and efficiency in residency validation processes.
