KUWAIT CITY: An Amiri decree numbered 114/2024 has been issued, introducing a new law concerning the residency of foreigners in Kuwait, consisting of 36 articles spread across seven chapters. This new decree, unveiled on Thursday, replaces the long-standing decree 17/1959 which had been in effect for six decades and necessitated reforms to address existing gaps and legislative challenges.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the first chapter of the decree addresses the entry requirements for foreigners into Kuwait, mandating a valid passport or document from their home country authorities for entry and exit. Notably, citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are exempt from this requirement, as personal identification cards will suffice under the regulations set by Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior and agreements with respective states. The decree specifies designated ports for entry and exit as determined by Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior.
Chapter two focuses on the procedure for registering foreigners born i
n Kuwait, requiring residents to submit necessary documentation to secure residency papers or a departure deadline within four months from birth. Chapter three outlines the rules for obtaining residency permits, allowing Kuwaitis to request permits for non-Kuwaiti spouses and children, with specific provisions for Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaiti women who were married or widowed to Kuwaiti citizens.
The decree also addresses visit visas, stipulating that foreigners must leave Kuwait within three months unless they acquire a residency permit, and emphasizes employer obligations regarding domestic workers, including a requirement to notify the Interior Ministry of any absence within two weeks. It further outlines conditions for transferring residencies of domestic workers and the duration of regular foreign residency permits.
Chapter four introduces strict penalties for residency trafficking and related offenses, reflecting Kuwait’s strong stance against such crimes. Chapter five details
the provisions for the deportation and eviction of foreigners, granting the Minister of Interior authority to issue deportation orders under specified conditions and outlining the responsibilities of employers and sponsors in covering deportation expenses.
Chapter six specifies penalties for violations of the law, granting the Public Prosecution exclusive authority to investigate and prosecute residency trafficking crimes. It also includes provisions for reconciling certain violations. The final chapter, chapter seven, includes general provisions, listing those exempt from the law, such as heads of state, diplomatic personnel, and others deemed exceptions by the Minister of Interior. The decree also outlines the continuation of previous regulations until new ones are implemented within six months.
The comprehensive reform of residency laws reflects Kuwait’s efforts to modernize its legal framework in line with current realities and international standards, ensuring better regulation and management of foreig
n residents in the country.