Saudi Gazette report

KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait has stopped granting residency permits to expatriates for more than a year as the country’s economy reels from the coronavirus pandemic and low-oil prices.

According to reports carried by local newspapers, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has decided to issue one-year residency permits for expatriates instead of two years or more.

The decision also impacts expat wives of Kuwaitis, children of Kuwaiti women, expat mothers, wives, and children of expats.

According to the reports citing official sources at the ministry, the reason expats will require yearly renewal for residency permits is due to the repercussions coronavirus has had on many businesses. Additionally, granting residency permits to expats for more than a year requires medical examinations, review of security restrictions, among other technical details, the ministry has pointed out.

The move, however, exempts employees of the private sector who are inside Kuwait and have official work permits for two or more years.