Latest news with #FahadAl-Yousef
Saudi Gazette
4 hours ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Kuwait grants tourist visas on arrival to foreign GCC residents
KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait has begun granting tourist visas on arrival to foreign residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, under a new policy announced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef. The decision, published in the official gazette Kuwait Alyoum, took effect immediately and replaces a 2008 regulation on tourism entry for GCC residents. Under the new rules, any foreign national holding a valid residency permit from a GCC member state — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, or Oman — with at least six months' validity can enter Kuwait on a tourist visa issued at the port of entry. The applicant's nationality will not affect eligibility as long as the residency condition is met. At airports and land borders, eligible travelers can apply at designated immigration counters, where officers will verify residency permits, confirm the six-month validity, and check travel documents before issuing the visa. The Interior Ministry said the change aims to align Kuwait's entry rules with regional trends and ease travel for the expatriate population in GCC states. Officials expect it will encourage short leisure trips and family visits, boosting spending in hospitality, retail, and cultural sectors. The move follows similar visa facilitation measures in the UAE and Oman, and is part of Gulf-wide efforts to improve connectivity and diversify economies through tourism. — Agencies
Arab Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
50,000 Kuwaiti Citizenships Revoked — Now Every File Is Under Review
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 10: As the Supreme Committee for Investigating Kuwaiti Citizenship continues its crackdown on forged and illegally obtained citizenships, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef reaffirmed that all citizenship applications are under strict scrutiny and that no exceptions will be tolerated. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef emphasized that every citizenship file in Kuwait is being examined with meticulous precision. The Higher Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Citizenship remains deeply engaged in uncovering fraud and preserving the integrity of the nation's identity. 'This work will continue until the situation is fully rectified,' he said. When asked whether files of former ministers, MPs, or other prominent figures are part of the investigation, Sheikh Fahad was clear: 'All of Kuwait is under scrutiny.' He warned that the government will not tolerate anyone tampering with the country's national identity or obtaining citizenship through false statements or fraudulent means. 'The nation's supreme interest is paramount, and the rule of law will be enforced rigorously.' Sheikh Fahad highlighted the role of international coordination in identifying numerous counterfeit citizenship cases. 'Nearly 50,000 citizenships have been revoked so far, and a new electronic version of Kuwaiti citizenship will soon be launched to enhance security,' he revealed. Addressing the status of women whose citizenship was revoked under Article 8 of the Kuwaiti Nationality Law, Sheikh Fahd confirmed that the August deadline for amending their status will not be extended. 'Those claiming their embassies have not contacted them to complete the process should visit the office designated for Article 8 cases,' he instructed. He further explained the government's commitment to ensuring these women receive all benefits except citizenship, provided they proactively engage with the embassies of their countries of origin. 'This is part of the state's effort to guarantee them a decent life despite the revocation of citizenship.' Sheikh Fahad stressed the importance of timely action: failure to amend their status or demonstrate seriousness by the deadline will lead to cancellation of their Kuwaiti treatment privileges. However, this process does not impede their right to appeal decisions before the Grievance Committee for citizenship matters. Key affirmations There will be no compromise in strengthening Kuwait's national identity. The investigation into citizenship files is ongoing without interruption. The rule of law will be applied equally to all individuals. Sheikh Fahd also touched on other pressing issues, confirming that biometric fingerprinting procedures have been enforced strictly, with all non-compliant individuals' processes suspended. He pointed out recent measures to curb fake social media accounts that spread rumors and discord, promising the implementation of a new system to permanently ban such accounts. Efforts are also underway to address the problem of illegal residents in Kuwait. Reflecting on the success of the new traffic law, Sheikh Fahd noted its positive impact on reducing serious violations and fatal accidents, as well as enhancing overall road discipline. He acknowledged that if amendments are necessary, they will be made accordingly. Regarding economic development, Sheikh Fahd mentioned that new incentives to promote tourism and attract investment have been streamlined and approved. On local security challenges, particularly in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area, the Ministry of Interior is conducting intensive campaigns targeting illegal commercial activities in residential neighborhoods. These efforts, carried out under the direct supervision of Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef and in coordination with other government agencies, aim to eliminate violations that threaten residents' safety and security.
Arab Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
All Kuwaitis under review in the ongoing nationality probe: Sheikh Fahad
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 10: As the Supreme Committee for Investigating Kuwaiti Citizenship continues its crackdown on forged and illegally obtained citizenships, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef reaffirmed that all citizenship applications are under strict scrutiny and that no exceptions will be tolerated. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef emphasized that every citizenship file in Kuwait is being examined with meticulous precision. The Higher Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Citizenship remains deeply engaged in uncovering fraud and preserving the integrity of the nation's identity. 'This work will continue until the situation is fully rectified,' he said. When asked whether files of former ministers, MPs, or other prominent figures are part of the investigation, Sheikh Fahad was clear: 'All of Kuwait is under scrutiny.' He warned that the government will not tolerate anyone tampering with the country's national identity or obtaining citizenship through false statements or fraudulent means. 'The nation's supreme interest is paramount, and the rule of law will be enforced rigorously.' Sheikh Fahad highlighted the role of international coordination in identifying numerous counterfeit citizenship cases. 'Nearly 50,000 citizenships have been revoked so far, and a new electronic version of Kuwaiti citizenship will soon be launched to enhance security,' he revealed. Addressing the status of women whose citizenship was revoked under Article 8 of the Kuwaiti Nationality Law, Sheikh Fahd confirmed that the August deadline for amending their status will not be extended. 'Those claiming their embassies have not contacted them to complete the process should visit the office designated for Article 8 cases,' he instructed. He further explained the government's commitment to ensuring these women receive all benefits except citizenship, provided they proactively engage with the embassies of their countries of origin. 'This is part of the state's effort to guarantee them a decent life despite the revocation of citizenship.' Sheikh Fahad stressed the importance of timely action: failure to amend their status or demonstrate seriousness by the deadline will lead to cancellation of their Kuwaiti treatment privileges. However, this process does not impede their right to appeal decisions before the Grievance Committee for citizenship matters. Key affirmations There will be no compromise in strengthening Kuwait's national identity. The investigation into citizenship files is ongoing without interruption. The rule of law will be applied equally to all individuals. Sheikh Fahd also touched on other pressing issues, confirming that biometric fingerprinting procedures have been enforced strictly, with all non-compliant individuals' processes suspended. He pointed out recent measures to curb fake social media accounts that spread rumors and discord, promising the implementation of a new system to permanently ban such accounts. Efforts are also underway to address the problem of illegal residents in Kuwait. Reflecting on the success of the new traffic law, Sheikh Fahd noted its positive impact on reducing serious violations and fatal accidents, as well as enhancing overall road discipline. He acknowledged that if amendments are necessary, they will be made accordingly. Regarding economic development, Sheikh Fahd mentioned that new incentives to promote tourism and attract investment have been streamlined and approved. On local security challenges, particularly in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area, the Ministry of Interior is conducting intensive campaigns targeting illegal commercial activities in residential neighborhoods. These efforts, carried out under the direct supervision of Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef and in coordination with other government agencies, aim to eliminate violations that threaten residents' safety and security.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Now GCC Expats Can Avail Kuwait Tourist Visas on Arrival
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 10: Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, has issued a decision permitting foreigners residing in any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival. The decision, published today in the official gazette Kuwait Alyoum, states that—without prejudice to the provisions of Decree Law No. 114/2024—any foreign resident of a GCC country holding a valid residency permit for at least six months will be eligible to enter Kuwait on a tourist visa issued directly at the port of entry.
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Arab Times
Runaway domestics, sheep-herders caught working
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 5: The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), in coordination with the Residence Affairs Investigations Department, carried out a joint field inspection targeting a project affiliated with the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) in Mutlaa Residential City. The authority explained that the inspection, conducted under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, focused on the completion and maintenance of services, infrastructure, and public buildings in the Dahiya Center, implemented by a general trading and contracting company. The campaign resulted in the arrest of 36 workers found in violation of the Residency and Labor Law, including 15 domestic workers and 21 sheep farmers. PAM confirmed that all violators were referred to the Residence Affairs Investigations Department for necessary legal action. It affirmed the continuation of inspection campaigns in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure a legal, safe, and organized work environment at all sites and projects. PAM renewed its call to employers to fully comply with applicable laws and regulations and to refrain from employing illegal workers, stressing that inspection teams will continue their efforts to detect violations and take necessary action with firmness.
