Kuwait not to renew visas of expats with outstanding debts

Kuwait City: In what could have a major bearing on the expatriate community, Kuwait has introduced a new rule, barring them from renewing their residency documentation until they clear all debts owing to the government.

The new norm came into force on Sunday, September 10, and is applicable to services like renewing visas and changing sponsorships.

The Ministry of Interior made it clear that the expats should settle their outstanding debts to various government offices and departments, including water, electricity, and traffic bills before they could renew their residency permits in the country. Foreign citizens should also produce the document regarding the remittance of insurance fees via the Health Ministry.

Earlier, the country had implemented a travel ban on expats having outstanding debts. Separate offices have been opened to facilitate the expatriates reaching the airport, land, and port entrances to settle the dues then and there.

The change in law was jointly formulated by various government offices, including Transport, Hydro-electricity, and Legal Affairs, based on the directives of the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Khalid Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The expats could clear the outstanding debts through official websites of the relevant government agencies, or by utilizing the ‘Sahel’ application.