KUWAIT CITY, Dec 22: The Health Insurance Department processed approximately 70,000 transactions over the past two days, as large numbers of residents rushed to complete their procedures ahead of the scheduled increase in service fees.

According to the source, the health insurance renewal fee, set by the Ministry of Interior, was increased from KD 10 to KD 20, effective today, in line with the provisions of the newly implemented law. The announcement prompted a surge in applications from individuals seeking to benefit from the lower fee before the increase took effect.

The source said that residency affairs departments across all six governorates witnessed heavy congestion on Monday, as applicants crowded service centers to complete various transactions. The most common in-person procedures included residency renewals, family visa applications, and the submission of non-marriage certificates, which require physical attendance.

Priority was given to cases where residency permits were close to expiration, as well as to applicants who had previously submitted their requests electronically and were instructed to complete the remaining procedures in person.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior announced the temporary suspension of all electronic residency services for a period of four hours, from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM, to carry out technical updates and system upgrades aimed at improving performance and efficiency.

Despite the high volume of demand, the source confirmed that the automated electronic system continued to receive applications in an orderly manner, with technical support teams deployed at residency departments to address any technical issues that might arise, particularly given the unprecedented system traffic.

The source also pointed out that, under current regulations, expatriates are permitted to renew the residency permits of their dependents up to six months before the expiration date, a provision intended to ease administrative pressure and prevent last-minute congestion.