Large numbers of expatriates submitted applications in the six governorates, but hundreds were rejected for not complying with the ministerial decision.

Those who meet the conditions for family reunification, including a salary of 800 dinars, may bring their wives and sons under 18 years of age.

Girls under the age of 21 must pay the transfer fee of 150 dinars, health insurance, and stamps for Article 22 residency.

Transfer to Articles 17, 18, 20, 22, and others

is not available to all expatriates and does not include all nationalities at present and requires the approval of the Director General.

Visit visas issued by government agencies, bodies, or public institutions may be converted to work residency, provided that the holder has a higher academic qualification or technical specialization.

Domestic workers and those in similar categories can convert their visit visas to residency, as can those who entered the country on a work visit visa and left under duress.

a security source, confirmed that the conversion of visit visas to residency permits (Articles 17, 18, 20, 22, and others) is not available to all expatriates and does not include all nationalities at present, noting that approval for the transfer requires fulfilling specific controls and the approval of the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Director General of the General Directorate of Residency Affairs. There are also some categories that require the approval of the senior leadership in the Ministry of Interior.

The source stated that large numbers of expatriates applied to the residency affairs departments in Kuwait's six governorates, mistakenly believing the decision applied to everyone. The source confirmed that hundreds of applications were rejected for failing to comply with the ministerial decree.

The source explained that converting visit visas to residency permits is divided into two categories: The first category is for those who meet the requirements for family reunification, specifically a minimum salary of 800 dinars. These individuals are permitted to bring their wives and sons under 18 and daughters under 21, provided they pay the 150 dinar transfer fee, health insurance, and stamps for Article 22 residency.

The second category includes expatriates who

do not meet the salary and university degree requirements. These individuals can bring their children under five years old, provided their wives are residing in the country. These individuals can also benefit from the recent ministerial decision, provided the wife has a valid residency permit in the country that expired less than a year ago. In this case, the husband can bring her in and pay the aforementioned fees. The source confirmed that approval is within the authority of the Director General of Residency Affairs. The source emphasized that it is not possible to convert a visit visa to a work permit under Article 18, whether for the wife or children. He clarified that converting a visit visa to a work permit is limited to visas issued by government agencies, public bodies, or institutions, provided the holders are highly qualified individuals with technical specializations, as well as domestic workers and those in similar categories. Furthermore, anyone who entered Kuwait on a work visa, initiated residency procedures, and then left involuntarily for a period not exceeding one month, is entitled to return on a business visit visa and is permitted to convert it to a work permit.