Kuwait’s family visa to have positive impacts on commerce, economy, and security

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KUWAIT CITY, Jan 29: In a significant policy shift, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Acting Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, has announced the reopening of the option for expatriates to bring their families to Kuwait. The move, which follows a period of suspension since August 2022, aims to attract skilled workers and enhance social stability. Applications are now being accepted under new conditions, including a minimum salary requirement of 800 dinars and the necessity for applicants to hold university qualifications relevant to their professions.

The decision has garnered positive reactions from various sectors, with leaders expressing optimism about the potential economic and social benefits. Azzara Al-Husseini emphasizes that Kuwait lags behind other Gulf countries in terms of expatriate openness, affecting sectors such as food, restaurants, and cafes. She sees the move as a catalyst for economic growth, offering good security, social, and health implications, and attracting talents for comprehensive development.

Ibrahim Al-Awadhi, head of the Real Estate Union, praises the decision, stating that the biggest beneficiary will be the investment real estate sector, with expectations of increased occupancy rates. He notes that the decision will revitalize commercial activities, urging the state to pump investments into various sectors, including health and education, to provide new revenues.

Fahd Al-Arbash, head of the Restaurants Union, sees the decision as rational and expects various commercial and economic repercussions. Al-Arbash emphasizes the importance of giving advantages to experienced individuals, making Kuwait an attractive destination. The return of family-joining visas is predicted to impact sectors like local restaurants, mall tourism, consumption, and real estate positively.

Khaled Mirza, CEO of Aqar Real Estate Investments Company, anticipates that opening family enrollment will stimulate various economic sectors, especially real estate, contributing to increased demand for the investment and commercial sector. He emphasizes the close link between the activity of the investment sector and the openness of expatriates to bring their families.

Some voices caution against the fear of demographic imbalances, asserting that recent events have already led to an influx of single individuals and an increase in violations and crimes. However, business leaders argue that the decision is a positive step toward attracting skilled workers, fostering stability, and promoting overall economic growth.

The business community views the decision as a catalyst for activating various sectors to attract talent and investments, providing numerous benefits commercially, economically, and security-wise. The move is seen as a positive step toward correcting the course for the state and ensuring the consolidation of skilled workers’ survival, ultimately benefiting society.

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