Factory visa transfer

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My residency is on an Article 18 factory visa (masna), but due to some problems my residence has not yet been transferred to any company. I got the news at that time (February 2016) that as per the current Labor Law factory visa can be transfer to factories only. And company to company respectively. But now I am getting the news that factory visa can be transferred to a company visa by paying a transfer fee KD 300.

I have also heard that this “window” is only open for a month or so. Can you please give me the correct information regarding transfer of my 18 factory visa (masna) so that I can do so. My current profession is technician and my sponsor is ready to give me a transfer. Is this visa transferable (release). Please give me detailed information.

Name withheld
Answer: Yes, according to the latest news, factory visas can now be transferred — but only after expiry of the original contract — to another sponsor on payment of KD 300. We would like to add, however, that while the announcement to this effect was made by a Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor official, its application is not being carried out.

People are still being turned back by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor because they say it’s “only for expatriates transferring from one government project (on its completion) to another government project with a different sponsor”.

The transfers are still subject to various conditions, on a case by case basis, and totally at the discretion of the Public Authority for Manpower. Very few cases are being approved for the transfers. So far there are so many contradictions on the subject that you only really know what is going to happen when you submit your application. So, just try your luck.

This news has been read 16708 times!