KUWAIT CITY, March 14: Expatriates can be granted residency for a maximum of five years, if the sponsor makes a request, an official at the General Immigration Department of the Ministry of Interior told Al-Shahid daily.
This will be applicable to family visa holders and those working in the private sector and will depend on the period specified in the work permit issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.
Citing the expatriate residence law, which stipulates relations between expatriates and the department, the source said Article 12 specifies that residency for family visa holders can be granted for five years on the condition that the passport is valid for the period.
For those working in the private sector, five years residence can be granted, in line with the period specified in the work permit issued by the ministry which is also based on the request of the concerned company or establishment sponsoring the expatriate.
The source said some amendments have been made to regulations which allow citizens of 34 countries to obtain visa on arrival. This was done to avoid negative implications on the society, he added.
Referring to women who come to the country on tourist or family visa, the source said these women should present clear evidence of relationship with the sponsor. In case, the visitor is a businesswoman, she should prove that she has funds to last the duration of her stay or an undertaking by a Kuwaiti sponsor — an individual or a company.