In Kuwait City, the government has communicated a significant update regarding family visit visas for expatriates working in the country. The directive emphasizes that individuals intending to bring their families on a family visit visa should exclusively opt for two specific airlines.
In the Gulf region, it is a common practice for individuals working in these countries to bring their families to reside with them. Family visit visas are typically granted by respective countries to facilitate this arrangement. However, Kuwait, a prominent destination for Indian expatriates, ceased issuing family visas in 2022 due to a surge in illegal stays beyond the visa expiration.
In response to the evolving situation, the Kuwaiti government has announced a resumption of family visas with a set of new regulations, effective from this month onward.
According to the fresh guidelines, sponsors applying for visas for spouses and children must have a minimum monthly wage of 400 Kuwaiti dinars, while the requirement is 800 Kuwaiti dinars for other relatives. Those granted family visas under these conditions are permitted to stay in Kuwait for a maximum duration of one month. Notably, the government is now issuing family visit visas only upon receiving a written assurance that it will not be converted into a residency visa.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in Kuwait has issued a specific order concerning entry through family visas. As per this directive, individuals arriving in Kuwait on family visit visas are explicitly permitted to travel on flights operated by two designated airlines—Al Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways.
A stern warning has been issued, indicating that individuals arriving on family visit visas through airlines other than these designated carriers will face repatriation to their country of departure. This stringent measure underscores the government’s commitment to regulating and monitoring the influx of visitors through specific airline channels, ensuring compliance with the newly established regulations.