Kuwait recently announced significant adjustments to the regulations governing the acquisition of regular residency for family members, signaling a shift in the country’s immigration policies. These changes, introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Fahd Al Yousef, target specific provisions in the executive regulations of the Expats’ Residence Law.
Under the revised Article 29, individuals applying for a dependent or family visa must meet specific criteria. They are required to have a minimum monthly salary of KD800, hold a university degree, and work in a profession relevant to the visa application. However, the degree requirement has been waived for certain professions.
Additionally, an exemption from the salary requirement has been granted to children aged 0-5 who were born in Kuwait or abroad, provided that their parents reside in Kuwait. This exemption is subject to approval by the Director General of the General Administration of Residence Affairs.
The responsibility for implementing these changes has been assigned to the acting Undersecretary, as outlined in the second article of the revision. The amendment takes effect from its publication date in the Official Gazette.
Notably, several professions have been exempted from the university degree requirement. These include advisors, judges, prosecutors, experts, and legal researchers in the government sector, as well as medical professionals such as doctors and pharmacists. Other exempt professions encompass university, college, and higher institute professors, school administrators, financial and economic advisors in universities, engineers, religious leaders, librarians, healthcare staff, social workers, journalists, media professionals, sports coaches and athletes, pilots and flight attendants, and professionals overseeing burial preparations and services.
These adjustments reflect Kuwait’s evolving approach to immigration and residency, aiming to streamline processes while ensuring that qualified individuals can contribute effectively to the country’s workforce and society.
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