VISA KUWAIT APP FLAWS TO BE FIXED SOON
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Arab Times
5 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
9 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti Cabinet commends efforts in healthcare and technology advancement
The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers holds its weekly meeting. KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers convened its weekly session on Tuesday morning at Bayan Palace, under the chairmanship of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sherida Al-Mu'asherji issued a statement outlining key points discussed. The Cabinet was briefed on messages received by the Amiri Diwan, addressed to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, from leaders of sisterly and friendly countries. These communications focused on enhancing bilateral relations and activating joint cooperation between Kuwait and these countries across various fields. The Council was informed of the issuance of Decree No. (149) of 2025, which accepted the resignation of Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Sulaiman Al-Fassam. Subsequently, Decree No. (150) of 2025 appointed Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem as Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, in addition to his roles as Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment. In this regard, the Council expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to former Minister Al-Fassam for her dedicated efforts throughout her tenure, wishing her good health and continued success. The Cabinet also reviewed a visual presentation by Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi and senior Ministry officials outlining future plans. These include transforming the Ahmadi Health Zone into an integrated medical city, expanding Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, and improving its operational efficiency. The presentation highlighted ongoing efforts to secure medical and technical staff in coordination with relevant authorities and proposed solutions to address administrative and technical challenges. Minister Al-Awadhi reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to implementing its strategic plan in partnership with concerned bodies to ensure the delivery of advanced, sustainable health services. The Council commended the efforts of Minister Al-Awadhi and his team for their continued dedication to enhancing medical services across Kuwait's hospitals, health centers, and clinics, reflecting the country's advanced position in the healthcare sector. Additionally, the Council reviewed a presentation by Minister of State for Communications Affairs Omar Saud Al-Omar and officials from the Central Agency for Information Technology regarding Kuwait's international standing in the communications and information technology sectors. The presentation noted Kuwait's achievement of first place globally in the 2024 Information and Communication Technology Development Index (IDI), published by the International Telecommunication Union, for the second consecutive year. This milestone reflects the country's advancements in digital infrastructure, adoption of modern technologies, and leadership in fostering innovation to stimulate economic growth. The Cabinet praised Minister Al-Omar and government agencies for their efforts in implementing the Kuwait Digital Strategy, aimed at achieving a sustainable and advanced digital future, and recognized the country's accomplishments in global ICT indicators. The Council also discussed recommendations from the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs concerning several draft laws, agreements, and memoranda of understanding between Kuwait and various sisterly and friendly nations. These measures seek to enhance Kuwait's international standing and strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The Cabinet approved these recommendations and decided to submit them to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final approval. Several other agenda items were reviewed and approved, while some were referred to the relevant ministerial committees for further study and report preparation to ensure proper implementation.
Kuwait Times
11 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait advances environmental vision; execution in early stages
Government strategies target carbon neutrality, desertification, waste reform KUWAIT: Environmental sustainability has taken center stage in Kuwait's national agenda, with the government intensifying efforts over the past two years to outline long-term strategies aimed at reducing pollution, preserving natural resources, and tackling climate change. Backed by the country's leadership, including directives from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti Cabinet has been actively reviewing the national low-carbon roadmap — a key element of the country's sustainable development policy. Minister of Oil Dr Tareq Al-Roumi and officials from the Environment Public Authority (EPA) recently presented the roadmap's vision, which aims to boost national resilience to climate change through innovation, green investment, and circular carbon economy solutions. The roadmap remains in its early implementation phase. Kuwait has also expanded coordination with China through memorandums of understanding focused on low-carbon systems, renewable energy, waste recycling, and wastewater treatment infrastructure. These agreements are expected to support the country's broader environmental targets under its 'New Kuwait 2035' vision. Carbon neutral by 2060 In line with that vision, the EPA in November 2023 announced the 'Low Carbon Strategy 2050' in cooperation with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and other state sectors. Kuwait became the second Gulf country to submit such a strategy, reaffirming its commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The strategy outlines Kuwait's long-term goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 through expanded use of renewable energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. As of now, implementation details have not been made public. Progress has included the release of Kuwait's first State of the Environment report, published last year in cooperation with UNEP. The report offers an in-depth review of seven key issues: climate change, waste management, land and water resources, air quality, biodiversity, and marine and coastal environments. It also examines Kuwait's institutional and legal environmental frameworks, though follow-up actions on its findings have not yet been disclosed. The EPA has since announced four strategic environmental projects: The national environmental strategy; a monitoring and enforcement system for the national waste management strategy; a national strategy to combat desertification; and a plan to enhance environmental data management. Details on these projects, which are under development, are not publicly available, but they are expected to guide future policy. They aim to strengthen public-private cooperation, improve performance indicators, and enable better data sharing across agencies to support long-term environmental planning. Waste management strategy One of the most detailed initiatives is the National Waste Management Strategy 2040 (KNWMS), announced in mid-2024. It was developed by the EPA in partnership with the German Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology (UMSICHT), following a five-year study — one of the most comprehensive in the Gulf region to date. The project team analyzed waste generation trends, studied 20 major landfill sites, and interviewed over 400 waste stakeholders. They also tested hundreds of waste samples and installed 100 electronic 'e-noses' in odor-intensive areas to monitor air quality. The resulting strategy sets 28 national goals, including reducing landfill rates and increasing recycling of construction and municipal solid waste. A new geo-database and digital monitoring tools were created to help agencies track and manage waste more efficiently. While the strategy provides a robust framework, its implementation is still in the early stages. Renewable energy in-progress Efforts to integrate sustainability into everyday life are also reflected in Kuwait's development plans. A national program for environmentally harmonious living areas promotes efficient resource use and pollution reduction, with a focus on building eco-friendly cities that use green infrastructure and smart technology. The Fourth Kuwait Master Plan (2040) supports green buildings and improved urban sustainability. Many of these initiatives remain at the policy or pilot-project level. On the legislative front, Kuwait's environmental protection law outlines measures to safeguard ecosystems, reduce pollution, and promote biodiversity. It includes provisions to identify pollution sources, prevent harmful practices, and impose penalties for violations. At the 2025 Kuwait Sustainable Energy Conference, the government reaffirmed its plan to derive 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050. Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem said Kuwait is pursuing 'carefully planned projects' that align with both international climate commitments and national development goals. However, specific milestones or progress updates are yet to be reported. Kuwait's renewable energy plans fall into three categories: Long-term initiatives such as the Shagaya project; medium-term projects like Abdaliya; and small-scale efforts under a national energy code requiring all facilities to produce at least 10 percent of their electricity from renewable sources. The Shagaya complex, developed via a public-private partnership, is expected to deliver 1,600 MW in two phases — 1,100 MW in the first and 500 MW in the second. Combatting desertification Other government bodies are also involved in environmental efforts. The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) is leading afforestation campaigns across Kuwait, including in northern and southern border areas. Drought-resistant trees like Sidr and Tamarix are being planted to reduce dust pollution and combat desertification. Public parks and green spaces are being expanded, though comprehensive data on completion rates or outcomes has not been made available. Urban green infrastructure is expanding through public gardens, some spanning entire residential districts. Projects for natural reserves and eco-tourism are under discussion, with some initiatives underway. International organizations have acknowledged Kuwait's recent environmental actions. UNEP's Regional Director for West Asia, Sami Dimassi, highlighted Kuwait's commitment to developing 'responsive strategies that meet both current needs and future goals.' Meanwhile, Ghada Al-Taher, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, praised the country's engagement in efforts to combat desertification, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. — Agencies
