Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has officially resumed the issuance of family visit visas, which had been suspended since August 2022, under a new set of stricter criteria. This policy change aims to streamline the visa application process while ensuring that only eligible foreign nationals can avail of this opportunity.
Applicants interested in obtaining a family visit visa must now schedule an appointment with the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Residency via the Meta Portal. At this appointment, they are required to submit all necessary documents, complete the application form, and pay a visa fee of KWD 3. The criteria for eligibility have been updated significantly: a sponsor must earn at least KWD 400 (approximately USD 1,300) to invite their wife and/or children, and KWD 800 (approximately USD 2,600) to invite other relatives, including parents, siblings, and in-laws. This marks a considerable increase from the previous salary requirement of KWD 250 and expands the eligibility to more distant family members, which was not the case before.
Another notable change is the stipulation that foreign nationals on visit visas must have a confirmed return ticket within one month of the visa application on Kuwait Airways or Al Jazeera Airways. This requirement aims to ensure that visitors use national airlines, potentially to bolster the local aviation sector. Additionally, in the absence of direct flights from the national carriers, applicants are advised to book a transit flight via countries where these carriers operate.
Visa holders are also obligated to sign a written pledge not to convert their family visit visas into a residence permit and to adhere to the 30-day visit limit. This measure is likely intended to prevent the misuse of visit visas and ensure that visitors comply with the stipulated duration of stay.
The resumption of family visit visas, coupled with the introduction of other relaxed immigration rules such as the resumption of certain types of residence visas, positions Kuwait as a more attractive destination for employment. It allows expatriates living in Kuwait to reunite with their family members, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for foreign nationals.
Pros:
Applicants interested in obtaining a family visit visa must now schedule an appointment with the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Residency via the Meta Portal. At this appointment, they are required to submit all necessary documents, complete the application form, and pay a visa fee of KWD 3. The criteria for eligibility have been updated significantly: a sponsor must earn at least KWD 400 (approximately USD 1,300) to invite their wife and/or children, and KWD 800 (approximately USD 2,600) to invite other relatives, including parents, siblings, and in-laws. This marks a considerable increase from the previous salary requirement of KWD 250 and expands the eligibility to more distant family members, which was not the case before.
Another notable change is the stipulation that foreign nationals on visit visas must have a confirmed return ticket within one month of the visa application on Kuwait Airways or Al Jazeera Airways. This requirement aims to ensure that visitors use national airlines, potentially to bolster the local aviation sector. Additionally, in the absence of direct flights from the national carriers, applicants are advised to book a transit flight via countries where these carriers operate.
Visa holders are also obligated to sign a written pledge not to convert their family visit visas into a residence permit and to adhere to the 30-day visit limit. This measure is likely intended to prevent the misuse of visit visas and ensure that visitors comply with the stipulated duration of stay.
The resumption of family visit visas, coupled with the introduction of other relaxed immigration rules such as the resumption of certain types of residence visas, positions Kuwait as a more attractive destination for employment. It allows expatriates living in Kuwait to reunite with their family members, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for foreign nationals.
Pros:
- Reunites families by allowing foreign nationals working in Kuwait to invite their relatives.
- Expands eligibility to more distant family members, enhancing the scope of who can visit.
- Boosts the national airlines by mandating travel via Kuwait Airways or Al Jazeera Airways.
- Introduces stricter criteria to ensure that only eligible and genuine visitors apply, aiming to prevent misuse.
- The increased salary requirements may limit the eligibility for many potential sponsors, making it difficult for lower-income expatriates to bring their families.
- The mandatory use of national airlines could increase travel costs and complicate travel plans, especially if direct flights are not available.
- The strict prohibition against converting visit visas into residence permits may deter longer stays or transitions, impacting family decisions and plans.Top of Form
Does anyone know why they've decided to increase the salary requirement that much?
. But, it's cool they're reopening the doors for families. 
