Long queues as MOI resumes accepting visit visa applications
Residency departments across the six governorates experienced a significant surge in applicants on the first day of accepting visit visa requests, signaling the anticipation surrounding the Ministry of Interior’s decision to reopen visit visas, which had remained suspended since June 2022.
Despite appointments being reserved for application submissions via the “Meta” platform, a large turnout was observed, reports Al-Jarida daily.
According to information from the Ministry’s Residency Affairs Sector, over 8,300 applications were submitted on the opening day, with 1,763 successfully accepted and granted visas. However, some applications were deemed incomplete and required further information, while others were rejected outright.
Sources revealed that unlike previous procedures that imposed a maximum age limit of 70 years for visitors, family and business visit visas now have no age restrictions.
Family and business visit visas are valid for one month and are non-renewable. Violating this period may result in a “security restriction” being placed on both the visitor and their sponsor. Sponsors holding residence permits under Article 24, without a salary certificate, are prohibited from sponsoring family visits.
Entry to the residency departments was permitted only with prior appointments made via the “Meta” platform. The departments in Hawalli, Capital, Jahra, and Ahmadi governorates saw the highest number of visitors.
Director-General of Residency Affairs, Brigadier Ali Al-Adwani, has delegated authority to governorate directors and their assistants while ensuring compliance with ministerial decision instructions and conditions, with no exceptions permitted.
Concerns were raised regarding printing offices located within residency departments, where visitors must obtain a copy of a new pledge to adhere to terms and conditions pertaining to the visit. Some visitors complained about the offices selling the “pledge” for half a dinar per sheet.
