Kuwait is out of the GCC tourism openness trend
One of the drawbacks is the requirement that visitors to Kuwait must hold a university degree. If a person is visiting to assess investment opportunities or has specific expertise needed by a company for a limited time, should their ability to accomplish the task depend on their academic qualifications or their practical experience?
On this occasion, I recall that the U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order during his first term to emphasize 'skills over academic certificates.' He explained, 'We seek candidates with competence and knowledge, rather than simply recruiting based on academic credentials.' In advanced countries like Germany, France, and the UK, experience and skills are prioritized over academic qualifications, as they contribute more directly to national development.
Another observation: Why is a resident or citizen prevented from obtaining a visit visa for a family member if they are capable of supporting them and providing return plane tickets?
Why is it necessary to purchase the ticket from a domestic airline, while many foreign airlines are closing their offices in Kuwait?
During the years of closure, due to the shortsighted vision of some officials, Kuwait lost a great deal of expertise. The decision that restricted the renewal of work permits only to highly qualified individuals led to many skilled workers leaving the country.
Meanwhile, the Gulf states opened their doors to these professionals, welcomed them, and benefited from their expertise and knowledge of local customs. Here, I am reminded of the saying: 'Kuwait educates and trains, then exports skilled labor to other countries.' As a result, Kuwait has regressed in many areas, and its economy continues to suffer. Socially, these flawed decisions, often influenced by residency traders, have turned Kuwait into a community of bachelors. In contrast, GCC countries have worked to resolve this issue by allowing business and family visits. In some cases, individuals can travel multiple times on the same visit visa. Gulf countries have also made it easier for expatriates to bring their families without complications.
Other countries have addressed the problem of 'loose labor' (freelancers) by sponsoring workers and collecting fees that would otherwise go to residency traffickers. We must capitalize on the success of the 26th Gulf Cup, when Kuwait welcomed thousands of Iraqis in a wonderful experience. They stayed in hotels, purchased goods, and returned home without a single violation.
These visits strengthened friendship and ties among nations. In the past, some GCC countries adopted strict measures for visit visas. Today, many allow visas to be issued electronically. For instance, Saudi Arabia now issues a visit visa in just three minutes. As a result, Saudi Arabia has millions of visitors who contribute significantly to its economy. Finally, when a Kuwaiti company applies for a temporary business visit, why is it required that the visitor holds a university degree? They are coming to Kuwait for a fixed period for a specific business assignment, not for personal reasons like marrying the company owner's daughter. I reiterate that I present these observations to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, in the hope that Kuwait can stay in line with the GCC's trend of openness.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
an hour ago
- Arab Times
‘Radiant era unfolds for Kuwait'
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 19: The courageous steps that Kuwait has taken in the current era demonstrated many positive aspects that were hidden under the veil of parliamentary-governmental conflict. Today, we are witnessing the achievements that will restore the leading position of the country through openness. In an interview with Editor-in-Chief of the Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers, Ahmed Al-Jarallah, Minister of Information and Culture Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi asserted that 'supervision is strict during this era to ensure speedy completion of projects. The measures taken as per the instructions of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah regarding the development projects and dusting off whatever was delayed is the foundation of the work of the incumbent government. Consequently, the workshop to develop laws and legislation according to a modern perspective is ongoing.' He affirmed that the leadership is 'keen on developing for the better, overcoming obstacles, and preventing self-interest or the return to the tug-of-war that prevailed over the past years.' He explained 'Kuwait has lagged far behind the Gulf community, and even behind positive developments in the world. It is now time for the country to emerge from the tunnel where it was forcibly placed.' He said, 'The acceleration of projects taking place today, especially the development projects, is well thought out and proceeding with the right steps. As a result, we will witness next year, Allah willing, the opening of the new airport, which will provide the highest level of modern services and accommodate more than 25 million passengers.' He pointed out that 'the goal is not only to attract tourists, investors and businesspersons; but also to create an environment conducive to the investment of foreign capital in the country and to open the way for local investors to participate in this.' He confirmed that 'the government received Amiri orders to overcome the obstacles to modernization – whether in the legislative aspect or in the overlapping responsibilities among official institutions; including the awarding of tenders for infrastructure projects which, from now on, will be done directly with companies proven to have the relevant experience and remarkable achievements.' He stressed that the government, under high directives, is working hard to amend the laws; away from the existing controversy that hinders achievements, as well as to prevent self-interest and combat corruption, because the goal is to restore the radiance that distinguished Kuwait in the past.' He revealed that 'His Highness is following up the desert greening project using new technology. So far, Kuwait has received a specialized Chinese delegation and work is underway in several nature reserves, according to the highest modern standards. Funds allocated after the liberation of Kuwait for the environmental damage it incurred and are currently with the United Nations will be used for the implementation of these projects. These funds are almost obsolete or abandoned. The time has come to release these funds. The government received orders to use the funds to repair the environmental damage and for the greening project.' Regarding tourism that falls under his jurisdiction, Al-Mutairi asserted that 'working on entertainment projects and promoting tourism are daily activities for us. We work diligently to make the most of the tourism season, which begins in September and ends in May, for the benefit of the country. Previously, there was only one tourism month.' He added 'utilizing entertainment projects is essential to boost the gross domestic product (GDP) on one hand; and transforming Kuwait into a tourist destination for its people, residents and visitors, so it does not become a deterrent – as it was in past years – to citizens and residents who usually take advantage of any opportunity to travel abroad to enjoy what is available in other countries.' He stressed 'there will be no overlap in issuing licenses in this regard, as this falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information and Culture, which is responsible for tourism; and the private sector can participate.' He emphasized that 'there is much to be gained from Kuwait in terms of tourism; including its sea coasts and land, which can be attractive to visitors, citizens and residents.' He stated 'we will promote these projects through conferences starting in September, especially since the 'Visa Kuwait' platform has begun to bear fruit. It is a step that the State will not back down from; it will rather work hard to develop the platform.' Towards the end of the interview, Al-Mutairi asserted, 'We are witnessing an era that pushes Kuwait to be a pioneer in the region and to regain its former glory. Thus, the leadership's oversight in this area is tight to ensure tangible and rapid achievements.'
Arab Times
an hour ago
- Arab Times
Crackdown on Jleeb, Khaitan intensified by the Kuwait Authorities
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 19: Kuwait's Cabinet on Tuesday looked into the progress on a national crackdown against rampant real estate violations in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Khaitan areas, spearheaded by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al- Sabah. Kuwait has intensified security campaigns in a bid to uphold the law and crack down on widespread real estate and commercial violations in these two areas, the Kuwaiti interior minister told the Cabinet amid its weekly session presided over by His Highness the Prime Minister Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, citing the need for greater cooperation across state bodies to address the matter. The traffic congestion in the two densely-populated areas, along with violators' attempts to circumvent the law, are major impediments to the efforts of security forces to push forward the crackdown, the minister underlined, emphasizing that state bodies would do their utmost to restore order and enforce the rule of law. The Cabinet then looked into a report by a ministerial-level public services committee over donations given by state bodies and private firms in support of a national green initiative, thanking them for their contributions towards efforts aiming to add an aesthetic touch to roads and areas nationwide. Letters addressed to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from the leaders of friendly nations were among the matters discussed during the session, which dealt with efforts aiming to ratchet up cooperation and bolster relations between Kuwait and these countries. The Cabinet also approved a decision to strip Kuwaiti citizenship off several individuals, based on the works and findings of a national committee formed to investigate the matter.(KUNA)
Arab Times
3 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Cabinet endorses housing, urban beautification, and security actions
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 19: The Kuwaiti Cabinet held its weekly meeting on Tuesday morning at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Following the session, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sherida Abdullah Al-Muasherji briefed the media on the key discussions and decisions. The Cabinet was informed of messages sent to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from leaders of several brotherly and friendly countries, addressing ways to enhance bilateral relations and activate joint cooperation between Kuwait and these nations across various sectors. Crackdown on violations in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Khaitan The Cabinet also reviewed a presentation by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Interior and the Public Authority for Civil Information. The presentation detailed efforts to address violations involving unlicensed shops, exploited properties, and buildings in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Khaitan areas. Sheikh Fahad highlighted intensive field campaigns that monitored violations and resulted in the closure of several unlicensed shops. He stressed the importance of continued coordination with government agencies to prevent recurrence. Challenges cited by field teams include the high density of buildings and residents, as well as methods employed by violators to circumvent the law. Sheikh Fahad affirmed that the Ministry of Interior and related agencies will maintain their efforts to address these violations. The Cabinet expressed appreciation for Sheikh Fahad and the Interior Ministry teams for their role in maintaining security and enforcing regulations, emphasizing its full support for ongoing operations. Housing projects and public services The Cabinet reviewed the minutes of the Ministerial Committee for Public Services, including a report from the Public Authority for Housing Welfare on government agencies' performance in providing housing project services. Ministers stressed the need to accelerate project completion and overcome obstacles to deliver housing across Kuwait. The Cabinet also approved recommendations from the Green Urban Development Initiatives Committee regarding landscaping and beautification projects. These include donations from public and private institutions aimed at enhancing the aesthetics of major roads and streets in multiple governorates. The Cabinet extended its thanks to contributing institutions for supporting state development efforts. Several agenda items were approved, while others were referred to relevant ministerial committees for further study and reporting. The Cabinet also approved the minutes of the Higher Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality, covering cases of loss and withdrawal of nationality in line with Decree Law No. 15 of 1959 and its amendments. The weekly meeting reflects the Cabinet's ongoing efforts to maintain security, advance housing and urban development projects, and strengthen cooperation both domestically and internationally.
