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Visa renewal restrictions get tougher for senior expats in Kuwait

10 August 2021

The Kuwaiti government has announced that it will restrict the visa renewal for Kuwaiti expats over 60 years of age who are not graduates. However, this restriction will not be applicable to officials over 60 who are working in the government sector.

The Central Administration of Statistics reveal that at present there are 6000 expats working in the government sector. Out of these, at least 1800 are over 65 years of age. The retirement age is 65 years in some parts of government sector in Kuwait, while it is 75 in other areas.

Earlier, the Kuwaiti government passed a law that required expats over age of 60 years and those without a graduation to leave the counter after their current visa expires, but later this rule was withdrawn.

Instead, the new rule by the authorities said that the visa could be renewed annually for a fee of 2000 dinars.

Those who renew their visa by paying such a fee will have to possess health insurance. So, in addition to the Dh.2000 fee for renewing the visa, the health insurance fee also needs to be paid.

In September 2020, the HRA (Human Resources Authority) ordered that work permits should not be renewed after 60 years for expats who hold only a secondary school education or below. This regulation got effective on 1st January 2021.

However, later the cabinet decided to amend the law, due to the strong protests from locals themselves. A final decision in this matter is yet to be announced. Meanwhile, it is said that this provision is not applicable to government employees.
 

Robin Vinod

Writer/blogger who writes on topics such as travel, real estate, employment and everyday life on GCC countries.

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