Kuwait to Launch Freelance Visa Within Two Months; Family Visas for Children of Single Parents to Reopen
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 16 — Kuwait to Launch Freelance Visa Within Two Months; Family Visas for Children of Single Parents to Reopen | iiQ8 – Big changes are on the way for Kuwait’s labor and residency system.
In a dialogue meeting with private sector representatives, Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, laid out a series of reforms aimed at tightening labor enforcement while making life easier for compliant employers.
The message was clear: violations will face stricter consequences — but legitimate businesses and workers will see smoother procedures.
A New Freelance Visa: KD 750–1,000 Fee
One of the most talked-about announcements was the introduction of a dedicated residency category for freelancers.
According to the minister:
- The new “freelancers” residency permit will be launched within two months.
- Fees will range between KD 750 and KD 1,000, payable to the government.
- The goal is to reduce visa trading and illegal employment practices.
This move is expected to give independent professionals a legal pathway to work without relying on informal sponsorship arrangements — a long-standing issue in the market.
For many expats working independently or across projects, this could offer much-needed flexibility. At the same time, authorities hope it will close loopholes that have been misused in the past.
Tougher Action Against Labor Violations
While reforms are being introduced, enforcement is also being tightened.
Sheikh Fahd made it clear that employers will be held fully responsible for their workers. If a company is found employing workers illegally — or allowing them to work for sponsors other than their registered employer — strict penalties will follow, including possible criminal action.
He revealed that 39,000 illegal workers were deported last year as part of intensified inspection campaigns.
Inspections have also targeted:
- Delivery app companies
- Health institutes operating in violation
- Unlicensed establishments employing illegal workers
- Subcontracting arrangements involving foreign entities
The overall direction is firm: compliance is no longer negotiable.
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Family Visas for Children Under 18: Reopening for Single Parents
In a development that will bring relief to many families, the minister confirmed there is no objection to reopening dependent visas for children under 18 sponsored by single parents.
Although full procedural details are still expected, the announcement signals a shift toward greater flexibility in family residency matters.
For many expat residents who faced limitations in sponsoring their children, this change could make a significant difference.
Equal Driver’s License Rules Under Review
Another important update involves driver’s license regulations.
Amendments are being prepared to ensure licenses are granted equally to university graduates and non-graduates. The move aims to remove disparities in eligibility and create a more consistent system.
Protecting Workers and Kuwait’s Reputation
Beyond enforcement, the government is focusing on strengthening worker protections.
Sheikh Fahd emphasized the importance of:
- Ensuring proper salary deposits
- Safeguarding workers’ financial rights
- Maintaining Kuwait’s international reputation
Authorities have been enhancing digital monitoring systems to track compliance more efficiently.
Nursery Closures Following Safety Violations
Public safety was also addressed. Nine nurseries were closed after a child’s death at an unlicensed facility employing illegal workers.
Further inspections are underway to ensure similar violations are identified and corrected promptly.
Managing Summer Electricity Load
With summer approaching, authorities are studying plans to reduce electricity strain by suspending certain factory activities during specified hours.
More details are expected as the proposal develops.
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Kuwait to Launch Freelance Visa Within Two Months; Family Visas for Children of Single Parents to Reopen
Digital Progress at the Public Authority for Manpower
Rabab Al-Osaimi, Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower, shared updates on administrative improvements.
Since 2018:
- 25 million transactions have been processed.
- 15 million of those were completed through automated systems.
Digital integration with other government entities is ongoing, including coordination with the Ministry of Interior on salary deposit monitoring.
Inspection strategies are also being updated regularly, with weekly service enhancements introduced to improve efficiency.
Possible Labor Law Amendments Ahead
Al-Osaimi confirmed that amendments to the labor law are under study. Workshops will be organized to gather input from stakeholders while preserving the strengths of the current legislation.
A proposal is also being examined that would allow workers to transfer between contracts regardless of the type of contract under which they were recruited. Final approval is pending.
The Bigger Picture
Taken together, these announcements suggest a dual approach:
Stronger enforcement — alongside structural reform.
For expats, this may mean more legal pathways, particularly through the upcoming freelance visa and family visa reopening.
For employers, it means increased accountability but also more streamlined services.
As implementation unfolds over the coming weeks, both businesses and residents will be watching closely.
Top FAQs
- When will the new freelance visa be available?
The freelance residency category is expected to be implemented within two months, according to the Minister of Interior.
- How much will the freelance visa cost?
The fee will range between KD 750 and KD 1,000, payable to the government.
- Who can benefit from the freelance visa?
It is designed for independent professionals seeking a legal framework to work without traditional sponsorship structures. Specific eligibility criteria are expected to be announced soon.
- Are family visas reopening for all dependents?
The minister confirmed there is no objection to reopening dependent visas for children under 18 sponsored by single parents. Further procedural details are awaited.
- What happens if employers violate labor laws?
Strict penalties will apply, including possible criminal action. Employers are fully responsible for ensuring their workers comply with residency and labor regulations.
- Will driver’s license rules change?
Yes. Amendments are being prepared to ensure licenses are granted equally to university graduates and non-graduates.
- Can workers transfer between contracts?
A proposal is under study that would allow transfers regardless of recruitment contract type, pending approval.
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