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Arab Times
a day ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Welcomes the World, Keeps Ban on Israelis
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14: Director of the Electronic Services Department at the General Department of Residency Colonel Abdulaziz Al-Kandari says there is no ban on the entry of any nationality to Kuwait except for Israeli nationals, as there is a clear Amiri Decree stating that Kuwait is in a state of war with Israel. He stressed that every decision taken by the Ministry of Interior is based on thorough studies that consider both immediate and long-term implications, with regulations developed accordingly. During a visual presentation titled 'Kuwait Visa Platform... New Entry Visas' at the Government Communication Center, Colonel Al-Kandari explained the new system that is introduced through the 'Kuwait Visa' platform. He highlighted the main updates aimed at facilitating the procedures for issuing various entry visas, noting that the new electronic visa system enhances Kuwait's position as an attractive destination for tourists. Colonel Al-Kandari began the presentation with a detailed explanation of the new entry visas, including the lists of approved countries and professions. He explained that each visa type has specific controls and requirements that must be met. Among the most prominent requirements for obtaining a tourist visa are that the applicant must not be subject to any restrictions or security concerns, must pay the prescribed fees, and must submit all required documents. The tourist visa is divided into four main categories. The first category includes 52 approved countries whose citizens can obtain a tourist visa without restrictions, provided their passport is valid for more than six months from the date of entry. These 52 countries are the following: Austria; Malta; Ukraine; Georgia; Belgium; Cyprus; Liechtenstein; Vatican City; Lithuania; Turkey; Australia; Finland; Portugal; Iceland; Romania; Croatia; Japan; Czech Republic; Brunei; San Marino; Greece; United Kingdom; Denmark; Cambodia; Slovakia; Ireland; Canada; Malaysia; Monaco; Slovenia; South Korea; New Zealand; Latvia; Hungary; Laos; Netherlands; Sweden; Spain; Bulgaria; Singapore; Bhutan; Switzerland; Estonia; Germany; Italy; Norway; Poland; France; Luxembourg; United States; Andorra; Hong Kong. The second category covers professionals with financial solvency for travel and tourism, as well as residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, and European Union (Schengen) countries. This category also requires a passport valid for more than six months from the date of entry. The residents of GCC countries must present proof of GCC residency. The residency document must clearly state the profession and expiration date and must be valid for more than six months from the date of entry. The third category, which has not yet come into effect and is currently under development, includes visitors from other countries who can prove financial solvency through criteria set by the administration. This category requires a passport valid for more than six months from the date of entry, a recent bank statement as proof of financial solvency, and a confirmed hotel reservation for the duration of the stay. A security deposit will be held from the visitor's credit card (Visa or MasterCard) at the time of visa payment. This deposit will be forfeited in the event of a violation and refunded upon departure. The fourth category is designated for international and local events, with requirements determined based on the nature of each event at the time. Colonel Al-Kandari stressed that tourist visit visas to Kuwait are divided into two types - 'single-entry' visas, which are valid for one, two, or three months with a stay of up to 30 days, and 'multiple-entry' visas, which are valid for three months, six months, or one year, with each stay not exceeding 30 days per entry. Colonel Al-Kandari also highlighted the amendments to family visas, explaining that the most important controls and requirements include: providing proof of kinship through a document in Arabic or translated into Arabic by an accredited translation office, presenting documents such as a marriage contract or birth certificate, and that the relationship must be within the fourth degree of kinship or the third degree through marriage. He noted that family visit visas are divided into two categories. The first is 'single-entry' for one, two, or three months with a stay of up to 30 days; and the second is 'multiple-entry' for three, six, or one year, provided that each stay does not exceed 30 days per entry. As for the commercial visa, which is issued to individuals invited by a civil entity, institution, or company for business purposes, Colonel Al-Kandari explained that it includes two categories: 'single-entry' for one month with a stay of up to 30 days, and 'multiple-entry' for three, six, or one year, with each stay not exceeding 30 days per entry.
Arab Times
24-04-2025
- General
- Arab Times
How to Transfer Residency from Father to Husband in Kuwait
My husband and I are Indian nationals residing in Kuwait. We were legally married at the court in Kuwait. I am currently under my father's sponsorship (Article 22) and would like to transfer my residency to my husband's sponsorship. Kindly provide us with the step-by-step procedure and the required documents for this process. Answer: To transfer your dependent visa (Article 22) sponsorship from your father's name to your husband's name in Kuwait, you will need to follow the steps outlined by the Kuwait Ministry of Interior. Below is a step-by-step guide along with the required documents for the process: Step-by-Step Procedure for Sponsorship Transfer: 1. Eligibility Check: Ensure that your husband's residency status allows him to sponsor you. Your husband must hold a valid work visa (Article 17 /18 / 24 ) or a business visa (Article 19) to be eligible for sponsoring a dependent. And your visa is Article 22 (Dependent Visa) 2. Salary For Sponsoring Dependent: As of the latest regulations, the minimum monthly salary requirement for sponsoring a spouse is KD 800 3. Obtain Required Documents: Prepare the following documents for the sponsorship transfer: - Father's Civil ID copy - Copy of your husband's Civil ID (should be valid). - A copy of your marriage certificate (attested by the relevant authorities). - Your valid passport (and a copy). - Your existing residency permit (copy). - Copy of your husband's work contract or employer letter (must be valid and approved by the Ministry of Interior). - Salary Certificate of husband - House Rent Contract (may be required for some cases) - 2 passport-sized photographs of the wife - No Objection Form from father - Fee payment for the sponsorship transfer (this may vary). 4. Visit the General Department of Residency - Visit the Residency Affairs Department of the Ministry of Interior (General Department of Residency) with all the documents mentioned above. - A representative will review your documents and verify that all requirements are met. This process can take some time. 5. Submit the Sponsorship Transfer Application: - Fill out the sponsorship transfer application form and submit it along with the necessary documents. Your husband's employer may need to assist in this process if he works under a company. - The process involves some administrative checks. 6. Pay Fees for Transfer: - The sponsorship transfer process comes with a fee. You will be required to make the payment either at the counter or via the online portal (depending on the ministry's process at that time). 7. Medical Examination (if required): - Some cases may require you to undergo a medical examination at an authorized health center. You will be informed if this is needed. 8. Await Processing: - After submitting the documents and paying the fee, you will need to wait for the approval of the sponsorship transfer. This may take a few days depending on the workload and clearance from relevant departments. 9. Receive New Residency Permit: Once the transfer is approved, you will receive a new residency permit under your husband's sponsorship (Dependent Visa /Article 22). This will allow you to reside in Kuwait under your husband's sponsorship. Kindly note that you cannot take up a job under Article 22 Key Requirements: Valid Marriage Certificate: Ensure that your marriage is legally recognized and documented by the authorities. You may need to get the marriage certificate attested if it was not issued in Kuwait. Your Husband's Residency: Your husband's residency must be current, and he must meet the financial requirements set by the government to sponsor a dependent. No Pending Violations: Neither you nor your husband should have any pending legal issues, fines, or violations in Kuwait for the transfer to be processed smoothly. Additional Tips: Follow Up: Always follow up with the Ministry of Interior if the process is taking longer than expected. Check Online: Many procedures and payments can be done online through the Ministry of Interior's portal or the Kuwait Government Services app (if available).
