The Kuwait government is on the threshold of amending the residence system and work permits to promote openness and support economic diversification, by granting residence permits of between 5 to 15 years to expatriate investors, owners of companies and commercial projects, and CEOs in some businesses similar to residence permit regulations in force in some neighboring countries.
Reliable sources told Al-Qabas: “The government is moving to amend the residence system and work permits and diversify the forms of residency in the country, without the need for the sponsorship system, for some expatriates who serve the national economy.”
The source explained that these steps began in a practical manner, finally, with the concerned authorities identifying some aspects of the beneficiaries of the new residency system, which targets investment owners wishing to implement projects within the country or owners of existing projects, who hold residence permits according to the current system (Article 18), and will be granted “state-guaranteed” residence permits of up to 15 years.
While the source says “this step is tantamount to ‘doing away’ with the current sponsorship system it will strengthen the plan to attract investments to the country and grant freedom of movement to company owners, according to regulations and legal procedures that will be approved soon.”
He pointed out that “the amendment will also strengthen the mechanism of self sponsorship by facilitating procedures for those who wish, especially those who have resided in the country for a long period, provided great services, or worked in the government apparatus and had the financial ability to manage their affairs without the need to work,” noting that “this trend is still under discussion in the relevant authorities, especially the Ministry of Interior and the Public Authority for Manpower.”