Kuwait revises fines for visa violators

Kuwait has introduced new regulations to strengthen compliance with residency rules for foreign nationals, imposing significant fines for violations such as overstaying visit visas or failing to renew residency permits.

The updated rules outline fines for various residency violations. Foreign nationals entering Kuwait under family joining, school enrolment, government work, private sector work, or other visas are required to secure a residency permit. If they fail to do so, they will face fines of KD2 per day for delays within the first month and KD4 per day thereafter, with a maximum fine of KD1200.

For workers whose residency is canceled due to the termination of employment and later reissued, the penalties are the same, with a maximum fine of KD1200. Domestic workers who fail to renew their residency or fail to obtain a residency permit will also face fines, with a maximum penalty of KD600.

The regulations also address expired residency permits. If a foreigner’s residency expires and they fail to leave the country, they will face fines of KD2 per day within the first month, increasing to KD4 per day thereafter, with a maximum fine of KD1200. Additionally, failure to notify authorities of a newborn within four months will result in fines of up to KD2000.

For individuals on temporary residency or visit visas, overstaying will lead to fines of KD2 per day within the first month and KD4 per day thereafter. The maximum fine for residency violations is KD1200, while the fine for overstaying a visit visa can reach up to KD2000.

These new regulations reflect Kuwait’s efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement and ensure strict compliance with its residency laws.