Article 16 Defines New Rules for Government Guests, Workers, and Families
KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait has introduced clearer rules allowing certain visit visa holders to switch to residency under Article 16. The policy identifies five situations where converting a temporary visit visa into a standard residence permit is permitted, mainly to address compelling or practical needs. The authorized categories are:
1. Government Delegations and Visitors:
Anyone arriving in Kuwait on an official visit to a ministry, government agency, or public institution can apply to change their visa into a residency permit. Applicants must hold a university degree or a recognized technical qualification. Approval must be granted by the Director General of the General Administration of Residence Affairs.
2. Domestic Workers and Related Occupations:
Household workers and others employed in similar service roles are also eligible to switch their visit status to regular residency, provided they comply with existing regulations.
3. Family Visit Visa Holders
Visitors who enter Kuwait for tourism or to visit relatives may convert their visas if they are joining an immediate family member who is legally living in the country.
4. Returning Workers:
Employees who initially came to Kuwait on a work visa and had already begun residency procedures, but were forced to leave temporarily due to urgent circumstances, may convert their visit visa when they return. This option is valid only if they were outside Kuwait for less than one month.
5. Special Considerations:
In exceptional cases not directly covered by the above categories, the Director General of the General Administration of Residence Affairs has the authority to approve visa conversions, after reviewing the specific situation.
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