Latest news with #FahadYousefAl-Sabah
Arab Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Tightens Enforcement on Family Visa Rules for Expats
KUWAIT CITY, May 26: Under the latest ministerial decision, the Kuwaiti Residence Affairs Investigations Department has recently summoned dozens of expatriates for violating family visa regulations. The violators were granted a one-month grace period to either regularize their status or return their families to their home countries. The move targets expatriates who initially met the KD 800 salary requirement and secured family visas (Article 22) for their spouses and children, but later fell short of income. While their initial applications were approved based on valid work permits and salaries exceeding KD 800, subsequent job changes or salary reductions placed them in breach of the updated visa conditions. The source emphasized that the KD 800 salary requirement was implemented based on studies ensuring that expatriates can provide a decent standard of living for their dependents. The Interior Ministry has clarified that all expatriates, regardless of nationality or educational qualification, can apply for family visas, provided they meet the salary condition. According to the source, the government's automated systems are key in detecting fraudulent transactions and cross-verifying data across departments such as the General Directorate of Residency Affairs and the General Traffic Department. The updated rules stem from Ministerial Resolution No. 56 of 2024, initially introduced in January by First Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah. The resolution initially required applicants to earn at least KD 800, hold a university degree, and work in a profession matching their qualifications. However, an amendment in July 2024 allowed expatriates without degrees to bring in their families, provided their salary met the KD 800 threshold. Under Article 29 of the amended regulation, family residency can only be granted to those earning no less than KD 800 per month from work related to their designated profession. Exceptions may be granted for children under five or those born inside Kuwait, subject to the discretion of the Director General of Residency Affairs.
Arab Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait is out of the GCC tourism openness trend
FIRST, I want to acknowledge the extensive steps taken to enhance Kuwait's openness. The new residency law undoubtedly has several positive aspects, but it is important to expedite the preparation of its executive regulations to ensure its implementation. However, there are still some drawbacks that prevent the openness from being fully realized. I present these observations to His Excellency the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah, whose commendable efforts in various fields are widely recognized. His leadership is essential for completing Kuwait's civilized image and ensuring that it keeps pace with its GCC counterparts. The GCC countries have taken steady steps towards openness and economic revitalization through the enactment of modern residency laws. 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.
Arab Times
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Security men win leadership praise for maintaining order
KUWAIT CITY, March 1, (Agencies): First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah praised on Monday the effort by the Coast Guard General Directorate chiefs in performing their duties efficiently. This came in a statement by the Ministry of Interior following a visit by Sheikh Fahad Al-Yusuf to the Coast Guard to see its mobile command unit and to enhance readiness and security systems. He praised the technically developed capabilities of the Coast Guard, which will enhance their personnel to carry out tasks effectively, especially during maritime emergencies, and directed continued development and readiness to protect territorial waters. Meanwhile, some 6,800 security forces deployed across major streets and roads nationwide on Tuesday are setting a precedent for noble behavior as Kuwaitis mark national celebrations amid a palpable sense of glee. Fireworks lit up Kuwait from north to south, celebrating the National and Liberation days. Citizens and residents joined the celebrations in huge numbers. While their presence goes beyond applying the rule of law, the sheer acts of generosity they have exhibited towards their compatriots, including looking out after the elderly and those with disabilities, typify the principle of human altruism. In another development, the Kuwaiti Army Air Force and the Interior Ministry's helicopter unit held an aerial show at Kuwait Towers on Tuesday as part of the Kuwaiti Security Military Exhibition, celebrating the 64th National Day and 34th Liberation Day. Fighter jets, including Typhoon and F-18 Hornet, along with the Interior ministry's helicopters performed rapid low-altitude maneuvers, captivating the crowd, adding that the display highlighted Kuwait's air force vigilance, while helicopters carrying national flags add to the patriotic celebrations. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Lieutenant General Sheikh Salem Al-Nawaf, accompanied by the Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic and Operations Affairs, Major General Yousef Al-Khudda, inspected several security points last week including the security point at Al-Khairan Mall, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Assistant Undersecretary for Public Security Affairs Major General Hamad Al-Munifireceived Lieutenant General Sheikh Salem Al- Nawaf, who was briefed on the security distribution inside Al-Khairan Mall, the mechanism for the deployment of the security forces, and their role in handling emergencies. Lieutenant General Sheikh Salem Al-Nawaf also inspected the security point at Mubarakiya Market, where he was informed about the procedures followed by security personnel in dealing with the public, and the deployment of these personnel according to the plan to secure the national celebrations for ensuring safety and security for all. Lieutenant General Sheikh Salem Al-Nawaf concluded his tour with a visit to the Kuwait Security exhibition, where the Ministry of Interior, along with other military institutions, had participated in various sectors.
