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Arab Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Visa shift ignites optimism
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: The statements made by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah to the daily regarding the expansion of visit visas of various types were warmly welcomed by economic, security, commercial, and real estate sectors, who viewed them as a hopeful sign for revitalizing markets and overcoming the recession. Economic experts described these measures as a qualitative shift toward a more open policy, enhancing Kuwait's potential to reclaim its position on the Gulf's map of attractive destinations, especially amid intensifying regional competition for tourism and investment. Observers noted that the impact extends beyond the economic sphere to social and humanitarian aspects by easing psychological stress on residents and enabling families to reunite, which will naturally contribute to greater security, stability, and reduced crime rates. Security expert Major General Eng. Hamad Al-Surai'a confirmed that extending the visit period to three months, combined with new measures, most notably the availability of electronic visas through the 'Kuwait Visa' platform, will boost tourism and strengthen Kuwait's competitive position in the region. He stressed that offering visas online reduces opportunities for manipulation, as only applications that meet all requirements are accepted, improving the accuracy and speed of processing. Major General Al-Surai'a highlighted the professionalism and sophistication of security personnel at airports, noting that complaints are minimal, and emphasizing that the staff of the Ministry of Interior perform their duties efficiently while upholding the country's reputation. Meanwhile, former acting Director of the General Department of Immigration, Bader Al-Hammadi, said the facilities announced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef regarding visit visas represent a qualitative shift toward greater tourism openness. He explained that the cancellation of the national carrier and educational qualification requirements, along with allowing multiple visa issuances per year and renewals for up to six months or more, will position Kuwait competitively on the Gulf tourism map, especially given the country's favorable weather during spring, fall, and mild winter seasons. Allowing expatriate workers to bring their families through family visit visas contributes to enhancing psychological stability and reducing negative behaviors such as harassment or loitering. Expanding these facilities will have a direct positive impact on the clothing, gifts, real estate, and food markets, thereby stimulating the local economy. Al-Hammadi highlighted the importance of promoting a culture of good reception at border crossings, noting that airport officers generally exhibit professionalism and respect. However, he warned that even rare instances of poor behavior can leave a negative impression on visitors, emphasizing that a smile is an essential part of Kuwait's image to arrivals. In the same context, real estate expert Qais Al-Ghanim said the government is currently undergoing a phase of reforms that are beginning to yield positive results on multiple levels, creating an encouraging environment for investors and visitors to come to Kuwait. He pointed out that expanding the range of facilities for family, business, and tourist visits will help revitalize all economic sectors, particularly the real estate sector, while also boosting retail and service activities. Al-Ghanim affirmed that this step primarily benefits expatriate workers by providing them with a greater sense of family connection and psychological stability. Al-Ghanim noted that concerns about the impact of increased visits on security are no longer justified, especially given the Ministry of Interior's great efforts, which have resulted in a marked decrease in crime rates and traffic violations. Furthermore, Director of the Three Pyramids Travel and Tourism Company Ahmed Hamed expects an official decision within days to cancel the requirement for visitors on visit visas to travel via the national carrier. He believes this step, along with extending family visit visas to three months, marks a major shift in facilitating visitor entry and boosting airport activity. Hamed highlighted that the decision will help stimulate various economic sectors, particularly real estate and rentals, due to increased demand for apartments and higher visitor spending, which will positively impact the national economy. He explained that granting visitors the freedom to choose their airline enhances travel flexibility and aligns with global trends. The 'visit visa' facilities are among the most successful measures to stimulate the tourism and real estate markets. Kuwait has real potential to become a prominent regional destination due to its moderate climate, stable security, and comprehensive services. In addition, economic expert and former head of the Kuwait Contracting Companies Union, Dr. Salah Bourseli, confirmed that the statements made by Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef to the Editor-in-Chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah have been widely circulated in all social media platforms. He explained that the facilities accompanying business, family, and tourist visits must be complemented by important measures to boost tourism in Kuwait, such as developing recreational villages, parks, and gardens to keep pace with tourism activities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, especially given Kuwait's historical reputation as the 'Pearl of the Gulf.' Dr. Bourseli emphasized the importance of opening the door for permanent work visas to stimulate the labor market in contracting companies, noting that the labor shortage has contributed to increased salaries for construction workers. Dr. Salah Bourseli said, 'Notifying applicants of any security restrictions by specifying the type of restriction through the Visa Kuwait platform facilitates the visit visa process. This allows expatriates to resolve security issues and then resubmit their visa applications online. This procedure also reduces congestion at immigration departments and eases the process for applicants'. He added that the platform eliminates bureaucracy and red tape, removes the need for intermediaries, and ensures that all transactions are conducted legally, preventing any manipulation.
The Star
16-07-2025
- The Star
Vietnamese online scammers busted in Sihanoukville
Preah Sihanouk provincial authorities inspecting a rented premises which was allegedly used to commit online fraud. - Provincial police commissioner PHNOM PENH: The Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police Commissioner have reiterated their firm commitment to suppressing all crimes and maintaining security for tourists in the coastal province, particularly regarding online fraud. Last week, authorities detained over 40 Vietnamese nationals for cybercrime. According to the commissioner, on July 10 and 11, the provincial immigration police, in collaboration with the Provincial Administrative Command, conducted inspections at two rental properties located in Group 18, Village 5, Sangkat 4. They identified 43 foreign nationals, all of Vietnamese nationality. Authorities determined that the individuals were involved in online scam operations, using platforms such as Telegram, Facebook and fake websites like During the operation officers seized 13 passports, 16 computers, 16 mobile phones and 2 motorcycles as evidence. Some of the suspects who were taken into custody. Provincial police commissioner One woman and one man, both Vietnamese nationals, were identified as leaders of the criminal group, and were detained and sent to court for legal proceedings. Apart from the two ringleaders, authorities have requested the cooperation of the General Department of Immigration to deal with remaining Vietnamese, who were residing in the Kingdom illegally. The two rental properties have been temporarily shuttered. 'The Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police continues to strive to suppress technology-based fraud to ensure security and public order for citizens and domestic and international tourists,' it said. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
The Star
29-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Thai-Cambodia border closed to cargo traffic
The Poipet border crossing, which Thai authorities closed on June 23. PHNOM PENH: The General Department of Immigration (GDI) has announced that it will not permit any type of cargo transport to enter, exit, or transit through any international border checkpoints or regional checkpoints along the Cambodian-Thai border. In a statement issued on Sunday (June 29), the GDI explained that the ban will be enforced in accordance with a directive from Prime Minister Hun Manet, who was responding to measures imposed by the Thai side on June 7 and again on June 23. 'This measure will remain in effect until the Thai side fully reopens all international and regional border checkpoints, which Thailand unilaterally closed, to resume normal operations as they were before June 7, 2025,' said the statement. Cambodia previously banned the import of Thai fruit and vegetables and suspended the import of oil and gas from Thailand. The measures were taken by the Cambodian leadership in response to various threats from Thailand. On June 23, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra ordered Thai authorities to close border crossings in seven provinces, except for medical patients and students, citing the need to combat online scam operations and cross-border crimes. On Sunday (June 29), Burapha Armed Forces requested that their immigration office in Sa Kaeo province allow cargo transport to enter and exit Cambodia through certain border checkpoints. However, Prime Minister Hun Manet instructed the Thai side to request the military – or whoever has the actual authority – to reopen the borders that have been unilaterally closed or restricted since June 7. "If Thai authorities and Thai citizens wish to see the Cambodian-Thai border checkpoints reopened, there is no need to request Cambodia. "Please request those with real authority in Thailand, whether the military or others, to restore the border checkpoints to their normal state as before June 7, and provide clear assurances that there will be no further unilateral closures or openings. "That will resolve the matter. Everything will return to normal operations as before," he said, via social media. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Cambodia closes off cargo traffic from crossing border with Thailand
Thai police officers and a soldier standing guard at the Chong Jom border checkpoint along the border between Thailand and Cambodia on June 11. PHOTO: EPA-EFE Cambodia's General Department of Immigration announced that it will not permit any type of cargo transport to enter, exit, or transit through any international border checkpoints or regional checkpoints along the Cambodian-Thai border. In a statement issued on June 29, the department said the ban will be enforced in accordance with a directive from Prime Minister Hun Manet, who was responding to measures imposed by Thailand on June 7 and again on June 23. 'This measure will remain in effect until the Thai side fully reopens all international and regional border checkpoints, which Thailand unilaterally closed, to resume normal operations as they were before June 7, 2025,' said the statement. Cambodia previously banned the import of Thai fruit and vegetables and suspended the import of oil and gas from Thailand. The measures were taken by the Cambodian leadership in response to various threats from Thailand. On June 23, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra ordered Thai authorities to close border crossings in seven provinces, except for medical patients and students, citing the need to combat online scam operations and cross-border crimes. Following the announcement by Cambodia, Thailand's Burapha Task Force, which oversees the Thai-Cambodian border, requested that their immigration office in Sa Kaeo province allow cargo transport to enter and exit Cambodia through certain border checkpoints. However, Mr Hun Manet instructed the Thai side to request the military – or whoever has the actual authority – to reopen the borders that have been unilaterally closed or restricted since June 7. 'If Thai authorities and Thai citizens wish to see the Cambodian-Thai border checkpoints reopened, there is no need to request Cambodia. 'Please request those with real authority in Thailand, whether the military or others, to restore the border checkpoints to their normal state as before June 7, and provide clear assurances that there will be no further unilateral closures or openings. That will resolve the matter. Everything will return to normal operations as before,' he said on social media. THE PHNOM PENH POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Cambodia blocks Thai fruits and vegetables in border spat
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia on Tuesday banned imports of fruit and vegetables from Thailand as the two countries face off over a border dispute that led to a bloody military clash last month. One Cambodian soldier was killed on May 28 as troops exchanged fire in a disputed area known as the Emerald Triangle, where the borders of Cambodia, Thailand and Laos meet. The Thai and Cambodian armies both said they acted in self-defence. Thailand has imposed border restrictions with Cambodia in recent days, while Cambodia banned Thai dramas from TV and cinemas, closed a popular border checkpoint, and cut internet bandwidth from Thailand. On Monday, Cambodia's influential former leader Hun Sen Monday issued an ultimatum to Thailand to lift border crossing restrictions within 24 hours or face a ban on all Thai fruit and vegetable imports. Cambodian authorities said Tuesday their Thai counterparts still imposed the border restrictions, and Hun Sen's ultimatum took effect. "We have implemented the ban on imports of Thai fruit and vegetables since this morning," Sok Veasna, director general of the General Department of Immigration, told AFP. He said visitors could still cross the border between the two countries. Cambodia has formally asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to help resolve the border dispute in four areas – the site of last month's clash and three ancient temples. Hun Sen said on Monday that his country had to go to the ICJ because Cambodia wanted "peace" as the two countries would never reach an agreement in the four areas. Hun Sen also called on tens of thousands of Cambodian migrants working in Thailand to return home, saying they would face increasing discrimination as the border spat drags on. The row dates back to the drawing of the countries' 800-kilometre (500-mile) frontier in the early 20th century during the French occupation of Indochina. Cambodia has previously sought help from the ICJ in a territorial dispute over a border temple. In 1962, the court ruled then the disputed Preah Vihear temple belonged to Cambodia and in 2013, the ICJ awarded an area next to the temple to Cambodia too. Thailand said it did not accept the court's jurisdiction. Violence sparked by the dispute has led to 28 deaths in the region since 2008.--AFP
