Latest Kuwait News
Expatriates permitted to convert commercial visas into work permits
Beginning next year, expatriates can obtain work permits by transferring their commercial visa. This new regulation follows suspension of the current system from this month, in order to introduce amendments to impose stringent immigration criteria.
Work is now underway to introduce new controls and conditions for obtaining commercial visas, thereby preventing violations during the process of converting visas into work permits.
One of the conditions to obtain commercial visas is that all applicants should be university degree holders. This, however, is inadequate without a verifiable proof of this qualification.
The decision to change the old system by Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MSAL) follow concerns that the continued immigration of unskilled expatriate workers may negatively affect the demographic composition of Kuwait.
Kuwait is home to a population of 3.3mn, out of which, 2.2mn are expatriates from Asia. The unskilled labourers group currently constitute majority of the population in Kuwait.
Social Bookmarking
Read more news
> New daily flights connect Kuwait and Doha
> Domestic workers cannot travel without sponsors
> Kuwait to move ahead with Metro Rail project
> Kuwait pavilion launched in Global Village Dubai
> Ban on transfer of commercial visas to work permit lifted
> Waiting list for housing in Kuwait touches record numbers
> Avenues Mall turning into top shopping and leisure destination
> 360 Mall wins coveted ICSC Gold Award
> Interior Ministry plans granting citizenship to eligible illegal residents
> Labour Ministry working on self-sponsorship law for expatriates