Kuwait is one of the popular work destinations in the world. This Middle East country attracts a lot of foreign workers who account for 70% of its population. Many Indians travel to Kuwait to work there. Indian citizens require a Kuwait work visa/permit to be able to take up a job there.

Kuwait Work Visa/Permit

The work visa/permit in Kuwait is issued under Article 17 and 18 of the country’s immigration laws. Article 17 is for Public Sector Employees and Article 18 is for Private Sector Employees.

Process:

If you are an Indian who has secured a job in Kuwait, then your employer has to first get for a work permit from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour. Your employer has to submit your personal details to avail this permit. You will have to send a copy of your passport to your employer, which they have to show to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour. A NOC (No Objection Certificate) has to be availed from the General Administration of Criminal Investigation at the Interior Ministry.

Once your employer receives the work visa/permit, they have to send the same to you (the employee) along with the NOC. After you receive the 2 documents, you have to first go for a medical test in India. The test has to be done at a clinic recognized by the Kuwaiti Consulate. The medical centre will require you to display the original visa. It will conduct a blood test and a x-ray. This medical report will prove that you have a good health and you do not have any epidemic diseases. Apart from this you also have to get a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the RPO (Regional Passport Office).

Documents Needed

You need the following documents to get the Kuwait Visa stamped in India:

• Air ticket (One way).
• Medical Report.
• Passport with ECNR.
• Original Visa.
• Original work agreement. This agreement has to be signed by both the employer and the employee.
• Photograph with blue or white colour background.
• PCC.
• Driving license and experience certificate for drivers. These have to be attested by the External Affairs Ministry.
• Experience certificate for cooks. It has to be attested by the External Affairs Ministry.

To get the visa stamped on the passport, you have to approach a travel agent who has been authorized by the Kuwaiti Consulate in India.

Note – The travel agent will not stamp the visa and he/she does not have the right to approve/cancel the applicant’s entry to Kuwait. Approval or Denial of entry is the sole discretion of the Kuwait Embassy.

Fingerprint Registration

On entering Kuwait, you (the employee) have to get your fingerprints registered for security clearance and residence at any one of the 4 registered fingerprint departments in the country. To get your fingerprint registered, you have to submit the following documents:

• Typed application form.
• Original Visa and a copy.
• Original Passport and a copy.
• 4 photographs.
• Original medical report and a copy.
• Original insurance receipt and a copy.
• Letter for work permit from the Ministry of Social Affairs & Labour.