Kuwait Stricter Penalties for Residency Violations
Kuwait Stricter Penalties for Residency Violations
Kuwait is set to introduce stricter penalties for foreigners who violate residency laws, according to reports by Al-Seyassah daily. The proposed changes, expected to be discussed in an upcoming parliamentary session, aim to impose harsher punishments on individuals who overstay their visit or breach residency regulations.
The new residency law proposes penalties including imprisonment for up to one year and/or a fine ranging from KD 1,000 to KD 2,000 for foreigners who stay in Kuwait without proper residency permits. Additionally, the duration of a visitor’s stay will be extended to three months, up from the previous one-month limit, with the possibility of renewals subject to approval from the Ministry of Interior.
Key Changes in Kuwait’s Residency Law
Under the new law, foreign visitors who overstay their authorized visit or remain in Kuwait illegally will face serious consequences. According to Article 27 of the proposed law, individuals who violate Article 11, which governs the duration of stay for expatriates visiting Kuwait, could face heavy fines and prison time. Article 11 states that expatriates entering Kuwait with the intention of visiting must leave within three months unless they acquire a valid residence permit from the Ministry of Interior.
Kuwait Stricter Penalties for Residency Violations
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The revised law also includes increased fines for violations related to residency documentation. For example, fines for overstaying the visa are set to increase to KD 2 per day. There are also increased fines for failing to register a newborn within the required time frame. Under the new regulations, the fine for not registering a newborn within the first month will be KD 2 per day, escalating to KD 4 for each additional day of delay. According to Article 6, expatriates who have a child born in Kuwait must submit the newborn’s passport or travel document to the Ministry of Interior within four months to either obtain a residence permit or be granted a grace period to leave the country.
Penalties for Unauthorized Employment in Kuwait
In addition to penalties for overstaying and improper documentation, the new residency law also introduces a KD 3,000 fine for expatriates working for a sponsor other than their official employer, in violation of residency requirements. This penalty is detailed in Article 31, which addresses unauthorized employment and the enforcement of residency conditions.
Kuwait’s proposed residency law amendments are designed to tighten enforcement of immigration rules and address violations more strictly. By introducing higher fines and extended penalties for expatriates violating residency terms, the government aims to ensure better compliance with residency and employment regulations.
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Kuwait Stricter Penalties for Residency Violations

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Kuwait Stricter Penalties for Residency Violations | iiQ8 News