My brother is in Kuwait on a visit visa and he has found a job. Can he transfer to the sponsorship of a firm without having to leave the country?

Name withheld

Answer: If your brother is here on an ordinary visit visa he can’t transfer the visa to a work permit. He can, however, transfer to a work permit if he is in the country on a commercial visit visa and he is a university degree holder.

Dependent

I am holding a valid residence permit under Article 22 and I had enquired from you about my transfer and you had answered me it was very easy. But I have heard that the government has stopped transferring visas of Article 22 to Article 18. So I am very much worried since this is my last year of my family visa (Article 22). I have been here since my birth. So could you guide me whether the government will allow me to transfer my visa or not.
Name withheld

Answer: Transfer of residence from dependent visa into work visa is allowed in your visa because you have been in Kuwait for more than three years. Just contact the Labour Department with your would-be sponsor and there will be no problem.

The Arab Times invites questions on all aspects of Kuwaiti law. If you face a problem, or need specific advice on any legal matter, from commercial and investment law to divorce and labour, send questions to the Managing Editor, Arab Times, P.O. Box 2270, 13023  Safat, Kuwait, or Fax to 24818267