Islamabad, Jan 6: Kuwait has enacted a new residency law to strengthen compliance with immigration regulations. Effective Sunday, the law imposes hefty fines for violations such as overstaying visit visas or failing to renew residency permits. Below are the key penalties under the updated rules.
Key Penalties Under the New Law
- Residency Permits
- Fines for delays:
- KD2/day within the first month.
- KD4/day after the first month.
- Maximum fine: KD1,200.
- Fines for delays:
- Absconding Cases
- Workers with canceled residency due to job termination:
- Same penalties as residency delays.
- Workers with canceled residency due to job termination:
- Domestic Workers
- Failing to renew or obtain a residency permit:
- KD2/day for delays.
- Maximum fine: KD600.
- Failing to renew or obtain a residency permit:
- Expired Residency
- Failure to leave Kuwait after expiration:
- KD2/day within the first month.
- KD4/day thereafter.
- Maximum fine: KD1,200.
- Failure to leave Kuwait after expiration:
- Newborn Notifications
- Failing to register a birth within four months:
- KD2/day within the first month.
- KD4/day thereafter.
- Maximum fine: KD2,000.
- Failing to register a birth within four months:
- Temporary Residency
- Overstaying duration:
- Same fines as residency delays.
- Overstaying duration:
- Visit Visas
- Overstaying:
- KD10/day for each day.
- Maximum fine: KD2,000.
- Overstaying:
Applications of the Law
- Applicable to various visa categories, including family visits, tourism, and commercial purposes.
- Ensures adherence to rules for temporary, domestic, and long-term residencies.
This reform demonstrates Kuwait’s commitment to improving its immigration system while deterring violations with stricter penalties. Foreign nationals must now prioritize compliance to avoid severe financial repercussions.
