Kuwait mandates KD150 fee to convert visit visas to residency permits

Kuwait has officially introduced a KD150 ($490) fee for expatriates seeking to convert various types of visit visas into regular residency permits. The decision, issued by the Ministry of Interior on Sunday, 2 August, marks a shift in the country's immigration policy as it seeks to regulate the labor market and streamline administrative procedures. The new regulation applies to several categories of visitors, including those on family or commercial visit visas who wish to transition to work or residency status without exiting the country. Previously, such conversions were restricted or required complex exemptions; the new fee provides a formal financial framework for the transition. Eligibility and Application Requirements According to the Ministry of Interior, the KD150 fee is a processing charge that must be paid in addition to the standard residency issuance fees. The policy specifically targets foreign nationals who entered the country on short-term entry permits and have secured employment or meet the requirements for family sponsorship. Applicants must ensure all medical tests and security clearances are completed before the status change is approved. The ministry stated that the move aims to reduce the need for "visa runs"—where individuals leave and re-enter the country to change their legal status—thereby reducing administrative pressure on airport and border authorities. Impact on Expatriate Workforce The policy change affects hundreds of thousands of expatriates…