Latest news with #FahadYousefSaudAlSabah
Gulf Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Unveils Three-Month Family Visit Visa
Kuwait has introduced a series of visa reforms, including the launch of a three-month family visit visa and the removal of long-standing entry requirements aiming to enhance tourism and ease travel restrictions, The changes were confirmed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah during a recent phone call with journalist Ahmed Al Jarallah, Editor-in-Chief of Al Seyassah newspapers. The reforms, effective Tuesday, are part of the broader overhaul of the 'Kuwait Visa' platform, a key initiative that seeks to position Kuwait as a regional hub for tourism and commerce. Key changes include the cancellation of the local carrier requirement, previously a mandatory condition for visa issuance. Travellers can now select airlines of their choice, following the removal of the rule tying visa issuance to national carriers. Sheikh Fahad said that the revised visit visa allows for an initial stay of three months, with options to extend for six months or even a year, depending on the applicant's preference and compliance with visa regulations. 'Violations in this category are minimal, so flexibility can be granted,' he said, adding that the reforms are a direct response to feedback from citizens and expatriates. 'We are building a new airport, and our goal is to bring back all airlines that exited the local market,' he stated. 'The state should not act as a marketer for airlines, they must market themselves.' The revised policy also expands eligibility for family visit visas, extending kinship qualifications to the fourth degree, and eliminates the controversial requirement for visitors to hold a university degree. Sheikh Fahad emphasised that travellers with security restrictions will be promptly notified and are expected to address those matters independently, aligning Kuwait's practices with international norms. The visa fee structure is currently under review and expected to be submitted to the Council of Ministers this week for final approval. The changes are designed to remove bottlenecks, streamline the process, and make Kuwait more accessible to the world. Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al Mutairi has highlighted tourism as a key pillar of Kuwait's economic diversification strategy. Speaking at a recent event, he unveiled plans for the upcoming 'Visit Kuwait' platform, an integrated digital initiative aimed at consolidating tourism promotion efforts under a unified national brand. 'The platform will serve as the gateway for all tourism-related messaging,' Al Mutairi said, noting its alignment with Kuwait Vision 2035, the country's long-term development blueprint. Kuwait's growing focus on tourism will also take center stage internationally. The country is set to host the 52nd session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization's Regional Committee for the Middle East in early 2026. Additionally, Kuwait will participate in Expo Osaka 2025, where it aims to showcase its advancements in sustainability, innovation, and cultural identity. Cultural diplomacy is also on the rise, with preparations underway for the Kuwait International Book Fair and the launch of the 'I Am the Author' initiative, an interactive experience for children and young adults designed to nurture creative expression through writing and publishing.
Gulf Insider
14-04-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait: KD 10 Fee For Expat Driving Licence Printing
The Kuwaiti government has introduced a new KD10 fee for printing driving licences issued to expatriates, following Ministerial Decision No. 560/2025 issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah. The amendment, published in the official gazette Kuwait Al Youm, updates Ministerial Resolution No. 81/1976 by adding Clause No. 59 to Article 204-bis of the executive regulations of the Traffic Law. The decision tasks the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior with implementing the new rule, which comes into effect immediately from its publication date. Additionally, Ministry of Interior Undersecretary Lieutenant General Sheikh Salem Al Nawaf highlighted that the General Traffic Department (GTD) is committed to ensuring a balanced and humanitarian enforcement of traffic laws. Speaking at the opening of the 38th Unified Gulf Traffic Week at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, he emphasised that while traffic violations are taken seriously, measures for reconciliation are available, particularly for non-severe cases. However, he noted that severe violations leading to fatal accidents will incur the highest penalties. 'The goal of the new traffic law is to protect the lives of road users and reduce traffic accidents,' he stated. The new traffic law, set to take effect on April 22, includes measures to increase road safety and promote compliance. This year's Gulf Traffic Week, under the theme 'Driving without a Phone,' aims to enhance public awareness and foster a culture of safe driving across GCC nations.
Arab Times
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait withdraws nationality from 640 individuals after committee review
KUWAIT CITY, April 10: The Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality held a meeting on Thursday, chaired by Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud AlSabah. During the meeting, the committee decided to withdraw Kuwaiti nationality from 640 cases, pending submission to the Council of Ministers. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the Ministry of Interior explained that the committee's decision to revoke Kuwaiti nationality certificates was based on several articles of the Kuwaiti Nationality Law (No. 15 of 1959) and its amendments. The committee resolved to revoke nationality in two specific cases of dual nationality under Article (10) of the law. It also decided to withdraw nationality from 66 cases related to fraud and false statements (forgery) and those who obtained nationality through dependency, in accordance with Article (21 bis A) of the same law. Additionally, the committee decided to revoke Kuwaiti nationality from 375 individuals under Article (13), Paragraph 4 of the law, which allows for the withdrawal of nationality in the interest of the country. This decision also applies to individuals who acquired nationality through dependency. Lastly, the committee withdrew nationality from 197 individuals under both Article (13), Paragraphs 1 and 4, due to fraud, false statements, and the higher interest of the country. This group includes those who were part of the 1965 census and individuals who obtained nationality through dependency.
Times of Oman
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Interior Minister receives Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister
Muscat: Sayyid Hamoud Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior received in his office todaySheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah, first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior in the State of Kuwait, currently visiting the Sultanate of Oman. The meeting reviewed the deep-rooted relations between the two countries and discussed means of promoting cooperation to serve the joint interests. The two sides also exchanged views on a set of issues of common concern. The meeting was attended by Abdullah Ali Al Harthy, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Operations,Eng. Khalid Hilal Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior and Sayyid Khalifa Al Murdas Al Busaidi, Secretary General at the Ministry of Interior. Meanwhile, it was attended from the Kuwaiti side by Dr. Mohammed Nassir Al Hajri, Ambassador of Kuwait to Oman, Major General Hamed Manahi Al-Mutairi, Assistant Undersecretary for Criminal Security Affairs and Major General Khalid Abdulhadi Al Shanfa, Head of the State Security Apparatus.
