Expats hail family visa opening, but salary cap rankles

Kuwait’s large expatriate community heaved a sigh of relief as the government resumed issuing family visas, although the minimum salary requirement of KD 800 has left many in low-income categories distressed. The exemption from the salary requirement for those engaged in 14 types of jobs has also been greeted with much joy and excitement.

“It is a big relief for many expats like me who have been waiting for long to reunite with their families,” said Yousef Ibrahim, an Indian expat working in a restaurant in Farwaniya. Ibrahim had sent his wife and two children back to India immediately after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and had been waiting for a positive decision on family visas for the last two years.

Many other expats also couldn’t hide their excitement as they spoke to Kuwait Times. “The waiting was never in vain,” said Dr Hameed Nawaz, a professor at a private university in Kuwait. Dr Nawaz, however, commented that the condition of salary cap for eligibility has sent a negative message about the whole purpose of the important decision. “You need to look at the issue from a humanitarian point of view. More than 70 percent of the expats in Kuwait draw less than KD 800 a month. They also have families back home... they also long for a family reunion,” he said.

Under revised Article 29, applying for a dependent or family visa for newcomers requires a monthly salary of not less than KD 800, a university degree and a profession that matches the degree. However, a salary below the required amount does not prevent parents residing in Kuwait from bringing their children under the age of five.

“I am happy that I can apply for a visa for my husband and child now,” said Samar El-Mousa, a staff nurse at a private clinic in Sharq.

Expatriates who do certain jobs are exempt from these requirements, subject to conditions drawn up by the General Administration of Residence Affairs. According to Article 30, there are 14 types of jobs under this category. These include judges, advisors, engineers, doctors, teachers, nursing and medical staff among others.

“Undoubtedly, there will be a positive impact on Kuwait’s economy as well,” said Wilson D’Souza, who works for a travel agency. “Opening family visas will help boost both the aviation and hospitality sectors in the country. Growing traffic in and out of Kuwait will definitely enhance revenues of local airlines, hotels and restaurants and generate new jobs in multiple sectors. There will be a positive impact on Kuwait’s retail sector as well with a significant jump in consumer spending,” said D’Souza. Kuwait’s aviation and travel industry have been gradually recovering from a setback they sustained following the outbreak of the COVID pandemic.