Kuwait launches digital services to streamline expat visa procedures

Kuwait has introduced two electronic services designed to simplify visa issuance, renewal and transfer procedures for expatriate workers in the civil sector.

The Interior Ministry’s General Department of Information Systems, working alongside the General Department of Residency, launched the platforms to handle Article 18 residency permits through the ministry’s website.

The services cover the processing of new permits, renewals and transfers for civil sector employees, as well as the conversion of worker residency status to temporary residency under Article 14, according to a ministry statement.

The digital initiative forms part of broader government efforts to reduce the administrative burden on applicants and accelerate Kuwait’s transition to integrated e-government services, the ministry added.

The new platforms eliminate the need for in-person visits to government offices in Kuwait for these categories of residency procedures.