Kuwait’s acting PM calls 60+ expat ban a ‘humanitarian disgrace’

• Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah emphasized that many expats, who were either born in Kuwait or have lived here for most of their lives, deserve justice and appreciation for their contributions, as some view Kuwait as their first home and do not wish to leave.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, strongly condemned the restrictions imposed on expatriates aged 60 and above, calling them a “disgrace in Kuwait’s humanitarian history” in an interview with Al-Jarida newspaper.

The minister added that “Kuwait has always been a safe haven for all those working here.”

Sheikh Fahad was referring to a decision made about three years ago, which imposed a complete ban on expats aged 60 and above without a university degree from obtaining or renewing their residence permits. This led many expats to leave the country permanently. The policy was later relaxed, allowing such expats to renew their permits for a special fee of KD 250, along with mandatory health insurance from a private insurer costing around KD 500, plus other charges.

Local media have reported that the government plans to lift the curbs on elderly expatriates without degrees, allowing them to renew their residence permits, transfer to the private sector, or be sponsored by their children. However, the minister did not confirm or deny these reports.

“There are expats who were born in Kuwait or have spent most of their lives here, working with dedication and honor,” the minister said. “We must do justice to them, appreciate their contributions, and allow them to live here.” He added that some expats consider Kuwait their second homeland, while others view it as their first home and don’t wish to leave.

Sheikh Fahad emphasized that His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, has issued directives to protect the rights and interests of expatriates working in Kuwait, ensuring they receive their full wages. He added that His Highness the Amir has also made it clear that companies failing to pay expat salaries should face legal action.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior reported the apprehension of 396 violators of residency and labor laws, along with the deportation of 568 individuals between November 17 and 21.

In a statement, the ministry confirmed that these actions are in line with Sheikh Fahad’s directives and part of a broader effort to intensify security operations across all governorates to apprehend lawbreakers.

The ministry reaffirmed its pledge to intensify security campaigns across the country to identify and apprehend all violators of residency laws and stressing accountability applies to both workers and employers.

Final approval pending to lift residency restrictions for expatriates over 60

Amid a campaign launched by Al-Jarida newspaper, including a headline on November 3 titled “The Decision on 60-Year-Old Expatriates Towards Correction,” it was suggested that there are plans to make significant amendments to the Public Authority for Manpower’s decision No. 34/2022.

The decision applies to expatriate workers aged 60 and above who hold a high school diploma or less, or its equivalent. The campaign highlighted that, after three years of implementation, the decision has had deep and ongoing negative repercussions on the labor market.

Additionally, Al-Jarida newspaper learned that the Public Authority for Manpower’s Board of Directors agreed two days ago to cancel the previous decision and has submitted a proposal to Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef for approval.

According to sources from the Public Authority for Manpower, the old system will be reinstated, allowing workers aged 60 and above with less than a university degree to renew their work permits or transfer them to another employer. This will be done without the 900 dinar fee previously required, which included a 500 dinar annual health insurance policy.

The sources also indicated that the Board of Directors has canceled the requirement for this group to have a university degree in order to transfer or renew their permits without paying the prescribed fees.

They emphasized that the cancellation of this decision reflects the political leadership’s serious commitment to advancing the market and addressing the issues caused by the “Kuwait Closure” phase, which led to a severe shortage of skilled expatriate workers across various sectors.

Additionally, the decision aligns with recent corrective actions taken by Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef to rectify distortions in the market and steer it back on the right path.