By YaHind.Com News Desk
In a landmark decision to foster family reunification and bolster tourism, Kuwait has rolled out sweeping reforms to its family visit visa policies, effective August 5, 2025. The changes, announced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, mark a significant shift in Kuwait’s immigration framework, making it easier for expatriates to bring their loved ones to the country. The updated policies, integrated into the revamped ‘Kuwait Visa’ platform, reflect Kuwait’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for tourism and commerce under the Kuwait Vision 2035 initiative.
The most notable change is the extension of family visit visa validity to an initial three-month period, with the option to extend up to one year, provided visa regulations are met. This is a substantial improvement over the previous one-month limit, offering families greater flexibility to spend time together. Additionally, the minimum salary requirements—previously set at KD 400 for sponsoring spouses and children and KD 800 for extended relatives—have been entirely removed. This opens the door for a broader range of expatriates, particularly those with lower incomes, to sponsor their families. The eligibility criteria have also been expanded to include relatives up to the fourth degree of kinship, such as cousins, further easing restrictions for extended family visits.
Another key reform is the elimination of the requirement to book flights exclusively with Kuwaiti airlines like Kuwait Airways or Al Jazeera Airways. Visitors can now choose any airline, simplifying travel logistics and potentially reducing costs. Sheikh Fahad emphasized that these changes respond to long-standing feedback from citizens and expatriates, aiming to address challenges faced by families seeking to reunite. “We are building a huge airport and want to bring back all airlines that have left the local market,” he said, underscoring Kuwait’s commitment to enhancing accessibility.
To streamline the application process, the Ministry of Interior has encouraged the use of the Mata app, which allows expatriates to book appointments and submit documents digitally, reducing congestion at Residency Affairs departments. Required documents include a completed visa application form, copies of the sponsor’s civil ID and passport, proof of relationship, and a confirmed return flight ticket. The Ministry has also introduced stricter compliance measures, with fines and potential bans for visitors who overstay their visas. Monitoring will be facilitated through the Sahel application, and sponsors must sign a pledge ensuring visitors do not attempt to convert their visit visa into a residency permit.
These reforms follow a two-year suspension of family visas that began in August 2022, a period marked by stringent immigration controls. The liberalization of visa policies, including the resumption of issuance for skilled workers and other categories, signals Kuwait’s shift toward a more open approach to global engagement. The Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al Mutairi, highlighted the role of tourism in Kuwait’s development strategy, announcing the upcoming “Visit Kuwait” platform to promote the country as a global destination.
The visa fee structure is currently under review and awaits approval from the Council of Ministers. Expatriates are advised to stay updated via the Kuwait Ministry of Interior’s official portal for the latest guidelines and application procedures. With these changes, Kuwait is poised to strengthen its position as a welcoming destination for families and tourists alike.
Sources: Agencies
