First Deputy Prime Minister ... We want a more streamlined Visa Platform
The Gulf countries' reliance on oil, without diversifying their sources of income, could ultimately lead to what happened to Nauru – a once-wealthy country, thanks to its phosphate reserves. Nauru got accustomed to rapid wealth without planning for the future, which led to its transformation into a failed State. It is now dependent on international aid. This warning crisis has alerted many countries regarding the need to diversify their sources of income; a step that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Bahrain have taken. Kuwait, however, has lagged due to parliamentary interventions when the National Assembly, in one form or another, was in power.
Despite the excellent steps taken by the Ministry of Interior, those wishing to visit Kuwait for a project, family visit, or tourism continue to face obstacles. This means that the ministry entered through the door of openness, but exited through the window of secondary restrictions that do not exist in the same system of other Gulf states. Previously, a woman wishing to visit her family was required to obtain a ridiculous 'not pregnant' certificate (for which Kuwait is unique among all other countries in the world). It also required visitors to present a university degree certificate, among other things that are still in effect, and some complications seem even more absurd.
For instance, expatriates are prevented from bringing certain family members, like grandchildren, because the 'Kuwait visa' does not have a box for grandchildren, does not require a set of documents, or has no 'box' for uploading such documents to the application. Without a doubt, this means that the effort applied is zero. When someone submits an application and is rejected under the pretext of 'security restrictions', there is no explanation for this restriction.
In reality, and other countries around the world, this is clarified in detail, so that people can understand the violation. Perhaps, there is a similarity in names, which deprives Kuwait of the capital that one intended to invest in. Your Excellency, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, no one doubts your commitment to doing everything beneficial to the country.
Nevertheless, we must speak frankly. This is not how things are done. The correct move is for us to see the benefits available in the world and work towards them, so that we can be the best. If we want visitors to come to us, we must make things easy.
However, if the intention is to make things difficult, that is another matter! Your Excellency, the Minister, we address our message to the entire government: Enough with the closure of the country, a result of the approach followed during the time of the National Assembly. Today, Kuwait has about five million people, including four million expatriates. If each of them brings a relative to visit, this means significant economic activity, as well as a GDP that is almost equal to the income of a poor country.
Therefore, facilitate and develop the 'Kuwait Visa' platform, following the example of other Gulf countries whose GDPs are many times greater than Kuwait's. Your Excellency, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, facilitate, do not complicate, so that the flag can visit Kuwait. What matters is that your security is strong and your eyes are open.
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Arab Times
9 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Visa shift ignites optimism
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: The statements made by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah to the daily regarding the expansion of visit visas of various types were warmly welcomed by economic, security, commercial, and real estate sectors, who viewed them as a hopeful sign for revitalizing markets and overcoming the recession. Economic experts described these measures as a qualitative shift toward a more open policy, enhancing Kuwait's potential to reclaim its position on the Gulf's map of attractive destinations, especially amid intensifying regional competition for tourism and investment. Observers noted that the impact extends beyond the economic sphere to social and humanitarian aspects by easing psychological stress on residents and enabling families to reunite, which will naturally contribute to greater security, stability, and reduced crime rates. Security expert Major General Eng. Hamad Al-Surai'a confirmed that extending the visit period to three months, combined with new measures, most notably the availability of electronic visas through the 'Kuwait Visa' platform, will boost tourism and strengthen Kuwait's competitive position in the region. He stressed that offering visas online reduces opportunities for manipulation, as only applications that meet all requirements are accepted, improving the accuracy and speed of processing. Major General Al-Surai'a highlighted the professionalism and sophistication of security personnel at airports, noting that complaints are minimal, and emphasizing that the staff of the Ministry of Interior perform their duties efficiently while upholding the country's reputation. Meanwhile, former acting Director of the General Department of Immigration, Bader Al-Hammadi, said the facilities announced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef regarding visit visas represent a qualitative shift toward greater tourism openness. He explained that the cancellation of the national carrier and educational qualification requirements, along with allowing multiple visa issuances per year and renewals for up to six months or more, will position Kuwait competitively on the Gulf tourism map, especially given the country's favorable weather during spring, fall, and mild winter seasons. Allowing expatriate workers to bring their families through family visit visas contributes to enhancing psychological stability and reducing negative behaviors such as harassment or loitering. Expanding these facilities will have a direct positive impact on the clothing, gifts, real estate, and food markets, thereby stimulating the local economy. Al-Hammadi highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of good reception at border crossings, noting that airport officers generally exhibit professionalism and respect. However, he warned that even rare instances of poor behavior can leave a negative impression on visitors, emphasizing that a smile is an essential part of Kuwait's image to arrivals. In the same context, real estate expert Qais Al-Ghanim said the government is currently undergoing a phase of reforms that are beginning to yield positive results on multiple levels, creating an encouraging environment for investors and visitors to come to Kuwait. He pointed out that expanding the range of facilities for family, business, and tourist visits will help revitalize all economic sectors, particularly the real estate sector, while also boosting retail and service activities. Al-Ghanim affirmed that this step primarily benefits expatriate workers by providing them with a greater sense of family connection and psychological stability. Al-Ghanim noted that concerns about the impact of increased visits on security are no longer justified, especially given the Ministry of Interior's great efforts, which have resulted in a marked decrease in crime rates and traffic violations. Furthermore, Director of the Three Pyramids Travel and Tourism Company Ahmed Hamed expects an official decision within days to cancel the requirement for visitors on visit visas to travel via the national carrier. He believes this step, along with extending family visit visas to three months, marks a major shift in facilitating visitor entry and boosting airport activity. Hamed highlighted that the decision will help stimulate various economic sectors, particularly real estate and rentals, due to increased demand for apartments and higher visitor spending, which will positively impact the national economy. He explained that granting visitors the freedom to choose their airline enhances travel flexibility and aligns with global trends. The 'visit visa' facilities are among the most successful measures to stimulate the tourism and real estate markets. Kuwait has real potential to become a prominent regional destination due to its moderate climate, stable security, and comprehensive services. In addition, economic expert and former head of the Kuwait Contracting Companies Union, Dr. Salah Bourseli, confirmed that the statements made by Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef to the Editor-in-Chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah have been widely circulated in all social media platforms. He explained that the facilities accompanying business, family, and tourist visits must be complemented by important measures to boost tourism in Kuwait, such as developing recreational villages, parks, and gardens to keep pace with tourism activities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, especially given Kuwait's historical reputation as the 'Pearl of the Gulf.' Dr. Bourseli emphasized the importance of opening the door for permanent work visas to stimulate the labor market in contracting companies, noting that the labor shortage has contributed to increased salaries for construction workers. Dr. Salah Bourseli said, 'Notifying applicants of any security restrictions by specifying the type of restriction through the Visa Kuwait platform facilitates the visit visa process. This allows expatriates to resolve security issues and then resubmit their visa applications online. This procedure also reduces congestion at immigration departments and eases the process for applicants'. He added that the platform eliminates bureaucracy and red tape, removes the need for intermediaries, and ensures that all transactions are conducted legally, preventing any manipulation.
Arab Times
a day ago
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His Highness the Prime Minister, congratulations on your visit to Saudi Arabia
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Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait expands family visit visa to 3 months with extension path to 1 year
University degree rule scrapped as visa policy eases Visit visa pricing heads to Cabinet for final say Visa access no longer tied to national carrier The State is not a marketer for airlines Gov't eyes return of airlines that withdrew from market Tourism and trade drive Kuwait Visa platform overhaul KUWAIT CITY, Aug 4: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah confirmed in a telephone call with Editor-in-Chief of the Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah that the directives he gave to those in charge of the 'Kuwait Visa' platform to address negative aspects will be implemented as of Tuesday. This is part of a vital move towards opening up to the world and making Kuwait a tourist and commercial destination, as well as a swift response to the comments of citizens and expatriates regarding the 'Kuwait Visa' platform, part of which was published by the newspaper on Monday. During the telephone call, the First Deputy Prime Minister revealed a package of measures – some of which took effect on Monday, while others are still being finalized. These measures include the abolition of the local carrier requirement and the introduction of a three-month visit visa, instead of a single, multiple-entry visa. The visa can be extended for six months or one year. Visitors simply pay the required fees and choose their preferred option, especially since violations in this regard are few. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef asserted, 'We are building a huge airport and we want to bring back all airlines that have left the local market. Our objective is to market Kuwait as a whole.' He explained the cancellation of the local carrier requirement by indicating that the State is not a marketer for airlines; they must market themselves. Regarding kinship, the First Deputy Prime Minister disclosed, 'We have made room for it to be up to the fourth degree, which did not exist previously. Starting Tuesday, the university degree requirement is cancelled.' He added that 'those with security restrictions will be immediately notified and they must defend themselves. It is not within the purview of the platform or its administrators to address this matter. This is practiced in all other countries around the world, especially the Gulf countries.' He confirmed that he reviewed all the comments, along with the ministry's staff and the platform administrators on Monday. He stated 'we accept the comments with open hearts, because our goal is to make Kuwait a leader. Therefore, everything raised will be developed from Tuesday. We will push toward facilitating procedures and adopting whatever serves Kuwait.' On the fees, the Minister of Interior revealed 'we will present the fees for visits to the Council of Ministers on Tuesday for approval, as well as the measures that will facilitate Kuwait's openness to the world as soon as possible, to avoid any inconvenience or obstacles.' Asked about those who do not add value to the country's commercial activity or groups that accumulate without any purpose, he pointed out that 'The logical conditions set in this regard prohibit them from visiting Kuwait unless they can support themselves or their sponsor has such ability. Otherwise, they should remain in their countries.' Emphasizing that his intention for the 'Kuwait Visa' platform is to be an important reference, superior to its counterparts in the region, the Minister of Interior concluded his phone call with the editor-in-chief by saying, 'I reiterate that the State is open to any comments. The objective is to develop the platform and achieve everything that makes our country a tourist and commercial destination. As we said earlier, perfection belongs to Allah alone; thus, the platform will be developed whenever necessary.' Given the above and under the directives of the Kuwaiti immigration and civil aviation authorities, Middle East Airlines is now permitted to carry all passengers holding a family visit visa (that only Kuwaiti airlines were previously permitted to carry).
