Expats In Kuwait Given 30 Days To Comply With Salary Rule Or Send Families Home
According to Kuwaiti authorities, the Residence Affairs Investigations Department has launched a targeted campaign in recent weeks, identifying expatriates who originally met the minimum salary threshold of KD800 ($2,610)_but later fell below this requirement due to job changes or reduced income.
These individuals most of whom had used their higher salaries to secure family residency permits (Article 22) for spouses and children have now been ordered to regularize their status within one month or send their dependents back to their home countries.
The enforcement action follows Ministerial Resolution No. 56 of 2024, introduced in January by First Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al Sabah.
Initially, the resolution mandated that applicants hold a university degree and work in a profession matching their qualifications, in addition to earning a minimum of KD800 per month.
A July 2024 amendment later removed the degree requirement but retained the income threshold as the primary condition for sponsoring family members.
'The KD 800 salary benchmark is based on socio-economic studies and reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that expatriates are financially capable of providing a decent standard of living for their dependents,' said an official source familiar with the ministry's policy.
The source added that the recent campaign is not a blanket crackdown but a targeted compliance effort informed by automated government systems that cross-reference employment, income, and residency data across departments.
The Interior Ministry has emphasized that the family visa process remains open to all expatriates, regardless of nationality or educational background, as long as the salary requirement is met.
However, under Article 29 of the revised regulation, eligibility is limited to those employed in positions consistent with their declared professions. Discretionary exceptions may be granted for children under the age of five or those born inside Kuwait, pending review by the Director General of Residency Affairs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
02-08-2025
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Uncovers Major Citizenship Fraud By Single Syrian Family
Kuwait has revoked the nationality of 108 people after uncovering an elaborate fraud orchestrated by an extended Syrian family, the Ministry of Interior announced. According to local media reports, the investigation, months in the making, began when a man was stopped while trying to flee through Kuwait International Airport. Under questioning, he admitted he had obtained Kuwaiti nationality illegally and revealed that several of his siblings were in fact his Syrian brothers, all posing as Kuwaitis. At the centre of the scheme, officials say, was a Syrian national who had forged documents to be listed as the father of dozens of others. His civil file eventually ballooned to include 53 names, none of whom had legitimate claims to citizenship. Further digging exposed his brother, who had used marriage records and falsified kinship documents to extend the fake family tree. Together, the brothers built an interlocking network of fraudulent files that spanned generations, marriages and dependents. Using DNA testing, investigators proved there were no biological ties to the Kuwaiti citizens under whose lineage they claimed to belong. The probe, which officials describe as the most sophisticated of its kind, is still widening. Kuwait's Supreme Nationality Investigation Committee is reviewing hundreds of additional cases, and more than 200 Syrians are expected to lose their citizenship in the coming weeks. Kuwait recently revoked the citizenship of more than 1,060 individuals in what is being described as the largest nationality fraud operation in the country's history, following an intensive investigation that uncovered decades-long networks of forged identities and falsified records. The investigation was led by the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior's Nationality Investigation Department. The campaign uncovered decades-old fraud networks involving forged identities, false family claims, and dual nationalities.
Gulf Insider
01-08-2025
- Gulf Insider
Salah Al Hashem, Prominent Kuwaiti Lawyer And Columnist, Dies At 70
Salah Abdulrahman Al Hashem, a prominent Kuwaiti lawyer, columnist, and outspoken public figure, died on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the age of 70. His passing marks the end of a decades-long career at the intersection of law and media, during which he was known for his principled advocacy, civic-minded writings, and commitment to public discourse. Al Hashem was widely recognized for his deep engagement with national legal and political issues, as well as his active presence on social media, where he often commented on matters of public interest. The late attorney was the brother of former National Assembly member Safa Al Hashem, an influential voice in Kuwaiti public life. Al Hashem earned a reputation for his integrity, professionalism, and dedication to causes affecting citizens, especially retirees and youth. His legal advocacy extended beyond courtrooms, as he used his pen and platform to champion social justice, transparency, and constitutional protections. Throughout his career, he wrote columns for leading Kuwaiti newspapers including Al Qabas , Al Kuwaitiya , and Al Ro'ya . His articles were known for blending legal insight with national concern, often reflecting the voice of ordinary Kuwaitis. He was also known for taking principled stands on issues of governance and civil rights. Public figures, legal professionals, and fellow journalists took to social media to mourn his loss, recalling his eloquence, patriotism, and courage in addressing complex and sometimes controversial issues.
Daily Tribune
31-07-2025
- Daily Tribune
HRH Crown Prince Reaffirms Bahrain's Support for Palestinian Rights
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, reaffirmed Bahrain's unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, emphasizing that these rights remain deeply rooted in the hearts of all Arabs. He called for unified international efforts to achieve a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian cause. The Crown Prince highlighted the strong brotherly ties and close cooperation between Bahrain and Palestine, under the guidance of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. HRH Prince Salman made these remarks while receiving Palestinian Interior Minister Ziad Mahmoud Hab Al-Reeh and his accompanying delegation at Al Riffa Palace. The meeting was attended by Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and senior officials. During the meeting, the Palestinian Interior Minister conveyed President Abbas' greetings and best wishes for Bahrain's continued progress and prosperity. In return, Prince Salman asked the Minister to convey his greetings, along with those of His Majesty the King, to President Abbas and the people of Palestine, wishing them continued advancement and stability. The Crown Prince reiterated Bahrain's firm stance in supporting the Palestinian cause, stressing the importance of halting escalation, protecting civilians, releasing hostages, and continuing humanitarian efforts in Gaza. He also commended the active humanitarian role played by friendly and brotherly countries in this regard. The discussions also touched on ways to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the field of security, and reviewed the latest regional and international developments. Minister Ziad Hab Al-Reeh expressed his gratitude to the Crown Prince for Bahrain's continued support of Palestine and for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation, wishing the Kingdom and its people further progress and prosperity.
