Kuwait Introduces Family Visas For Expats

Kuwait has announced its intention to explore a pilot scheme called "Article 22 visas" that would allow qualified ex-pats, such as doctors and university professors, to bring their families to live in the country, starting early 2024.

This project seeks to attract and keep talent while maintaining demographic balance and it is part of a larger demographic strategy targeted at attracting and retaining competent professionals.

Kuwait offers Article 22 visas, which are equivalent to "Family Visas" for expats such as doctors and teachers, allowing them to bring their families to live with them. This initiative's eligibility requirements are still being developed, but it intends to recruit qualified people and maximize population composition. The committee will establish the conditions and categories for bringing families to Kuwait. The program is part of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Talal Al Khaled's demographic agenda, and it aims to ensure access to key skills and experience.

The Health Ministry authorized family visas for medical professionals under certain conditions in August 2023, signalling a cautious reopening to stabilize the healthcare sector. The unified Gulf visa procedure, which includes a KD100-day fine for overstaying, health insurance requirements, and pre-booked hotel bookings, remains in place across the GCC. General family visa issuance for all ex-pats is now paused, although a new method for all sorts of entrance visas is being considered.

The wage criterion for family visas in Kuwait has been raised from KD500 to KD800, reflecting the changing economic situation and safeguarding the well-being of expatriate families. As Kuwait continues to reform its immigration rules, the proposed 'Article 22 visas' are a strategic move toward a more inclusive and balanced expatriate community.

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