Ministry offers residency violators chance to settle status by June 17

• Individuals, who are unable to pay the fine or amend their status, are permitted to depart from any of the country’s designated ports without incurring fines. . They are also allowed to return again under new procedures.

The Ministry of Interior announced that residency violators will be allowed to rectify their status by paying the fine during the period from next Sunday until June 17, in accordance with the regulations and procedures governing such actions.

The General Department of Security Relations and Media of the ministry stated in a press release that this action was taken on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan and coinciding with His Highness the Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad assuming leadership, emphasizing the State of Kuwait’s enduring commitment to humanitarian roles across all levels and fulfilling its noble mission as a hub for humanitarian endeavors.

The statement explained that a grace period has been granted to individuals who violate the residency law and its executive regulations from March 17, 2024, until June 17, 2024. These individuals, who are unable to pay the fine or amend their status, are permitted to depart from any of the country’s designated ports without incurring fines. They are also allowed to return again under new procedures.

The ministry added, “Violators are allowed to amend their status after paying the fine, following the controls and procedures governing such actions.”

The ministry pointed out that individuals who violate the residency law and fail to amend their status or leave the country within the mentioned period will face legally prescribed penalties. They will not be licensed to reside, will be deported from the country, and will not be permitted to return.

It stated that violators of the residency law facing administrative or judicial obstacles must apply to the General Administration of Residence Affairs to assess the requirements for obtaining residency. This assessment should be in accordance with the legal provisions and established rules during the mentioned period.

Additionally, a security source stated that the number of residency law violators exceeds 110,000 individuals of various nationalities. The source also confirmed ongoing efforts to prosecute beggars and street vendors. It was noted that tracking violators extensively through campaigns is likely to cease during the deadline period.

However, the Ministry of Interior will implement strict measures post-deadline to pursue any violator who does not benefit from the grace period, issuing decisions accordingly. The source mentioned that the maximum fine payable by the violator is 600 dinars.

The source described the new deadline as a significant opportunity, coming approximately four years after the last similar deadline. It stressed the importance for all violators to take advantage of this opportunity.

Earlier this month, Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Acting Minister of Interior, announced the decision to provide violators with a chance to rectify their status.