Kuwait Banks Block All Transactions for Those Missing Residency Deadline

06/11/2025

Kuwait Banks Block All Transactions for Those Missing Residency Deadline

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 6: Banks in Kuwait have begun freezing the accounts of customers whose Kuwaiti nationality was withdrawn under Article 8 of the Nationality Law and who failed to correct their residency status before the Ministry of Interior’s deadline of August 31. A full block has been placed on all banking services for these individuals, particularly female customers who missed the deadline to continue receiving the special benefits offered under the “Kuwait Benifits” category.

Sources explained that once an account is frozen, the customer cannot complete any banking transaction. The freeze includes the following restrictions:

All bank cards are deactivated.
Withdrawals from the account are completely stopped.
Deposits, new loans, and financing are not allowed.
All electronic services—such as online banking and mobile apps—are disabled.
Customers cannot view their balance, access account statements, or transfer money between accounts.
Banks will not accept checks linked to frozen accounts.
Customers cannot buy shares or make investment transactions.
The freeze usually extends beyond bank accounts to include investment portfolios, funds, stocks, and any assets managed by private or government entities. Any money earned from selling property, stocks, or other assets will still be transferred to the frozen bank account, where it cannot be accessed.

Despite the freeze, some limited transactions are still allowed:

Customers can receive end-of-service payments or other entitlements, and transfers from other local or international accounts—if their personal information at the bank is updated.
Deductions for government dues or loan installments will continue to be taken from the frozen accounts, especially if the same bank is the creditor.

The Ministry of Interior stressed the importance of completing residency and status adjustments for individuals who lost their nationality, noting that the aim is to ensure they can continue benefiting from the facilities and advantages provided under the “Kuwaiti treatment” system.