FLASH NEWSKuwait Residency Conversion Rejections

Kuwait Residency Conversion Rejections Mount

Hundreds of expatriates in Kuwait have had their applications to convert visit visas into residency permits rejected under new ministerial rules. The rejections come after applicants failed to meet the strict criteria set out in the recently introduced ministerial decree, including a minimum monthly salary threshold of KD800 for family reunification.

The new rules, which govern the conversion of visit visas into residency permits under Articles 17, 18, 20, and 22, are not available to all expatriates or nationalities. Each case is assessed individually and is subject to approval by the Director General of the General Department of Residency Affairs. Some categories also require additional clearance from senior Ministry of Interior officials.

Expatriates seeking family reunification may convert visit visas for spouses, sons under 18, and daughters under 21 if they earn a minimum monthly salary of KD800, in addition to paying the required conversion, health insurance, and residency fees. Separate humanitarian provisions allow certain exemptions, including parents bringing children under five if the mother already holds valid residency, and husbands sponsoring wives whose residency expired less than a year ago, subject to official approval.

Conversion to employment residency is limited to specific categories, including individuals who entered Kuwait on government-issued visit visas and possess higher academic qualifications or specialized technical skills, as well as certain domestic workers under existing regulations. Authorities said all applications will continue to be assessed based on labor market needs and the conditions outlined in the ministerial decree.