Kuwait Tightens Expat Medical Checks Under Revised “Wafed” Framework

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Kuwait’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi, has issued a ministerial decree implementing the updated regulations of the “Wafed” program approved by the Health Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, aimed at strengthening medical examination procedures for expatriates and enhancing public health protection.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health said the updated framework, consisting of 54 articles, introduces improved operational mechanisms and electronic linkage between relevant authorities to speed up and increase the accuracy of medical screening processes for expatriates. It also strengthens oversight of accredited overseas medical examination centers and prohibits engagement with unapproved entities to ensure greater transparency and service quality.

The regulations include updated standards for clinical, laboratory, radiological examinations, and preventive vaccinations, along with strict criteria for accrediting and evaluating medical centers abroad. They also establish clear rules governing the validity and authentication of medical certificates to facilitate visa and residency procedures.

The Ministry affirmed that the “Wafed” program serves as a preventive system conducted before arrival in Kuwait to verify expatriates’ medical fitness, followed by a second examination upon arrival at approved testing centers in the country, in line with national health requirements.