Al-Diwan Al-Amiri News
Local News
Amiri decree issued new law concerning foreigners' residency
28-11-2024
Amiri decree 114/2024 concerning the residency of foreigners was issued on Thursday containing 36 articles of seven chapters.
The previous decree 17/1959 had been in effect for six decades and required reforms to close the gaps in the law in addition to addressing the concurrent legislative challenges.
The first chapter of the residency dealt with the entry of foreigners into Kuwait, indicating that foreigners must have in their possessing a valid passport or document from the authorities of their country to enter and leave the country.
GCC citizens were exempted from needing a valid passport to enter and leave Kuwait, saying that personal identification cards would suffice in accordance with Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior regulations and agreements with respective states.
Foreigners must enter and leave Kuwait through ports specified by Kuwait's Ministry, one of the articles of chapter one stressed.
Chapter two of the law is concerned with notifying competent authorities of foreigners born in Kuwait, saying that residents must provide the passport or travel documentation to attain residency papers or a leave deadline with the whole process given a period of four months from birth.
Chapter three is connected with rules and regulations of foreigners residence, saying that residents, eager to reside in Kuwait, must obtain residency permits from the Interior Ministry.
One of the articles allowed Kuwaitis to request residency permits for their non-Kuwait wives and husbands, children. In case of a Kuwaiti women, the residency paper would not be given if they obtain citizenship according to article eight of the Amiri Decree 15/1959 from their previous marriage to a Kuwaiti citizen.
Non-Kuwaiti women, previously married or widowed to Kuwaiti citizens, have the right to ask for residency if they had children from a Kuwaiti national.
Foreigners who are in Kuwait on a visit visa must leave the country within a period that did not exceed three months unless they have obtained a residency permit from the Interior Ministry.
Another article of the reformed law was on domestic workers and their likes, which insisted that employers must notify the Interior Ministry of helpers' absence within two weeks.
Transferring residencies of domestic workers was also touched on. If a helper left the country and stay over fourth months without prior approval of the authorities, this residency permit would be annual by the Interior Ministry.
The chapter also included an article on regular foreign residency, which did not exceed five years. A ten-year permit could be given to children of Kuwaiti female nationals, real-estate owners, or categories assigned by the Interior Ministry.
Chapter four included penalties against residency trafficking and related crimes, which the State of Kuwait strongly prohibits against and set some harsh rules and regulations against such crimes.
Chapter five contains provisions relating to the rules for the deportation and eviction of foreigners, one of its articles empowers the Minister of Interior to issue a deportation order of any foreigner even if they hold a valid residence permit, in the cases provided for in the articles of the Act.
One of its articles states that a foreigner whose deportation order has been issued can be detained for a period not exceeding 30 days, and is renewable if such detention is necessary, since there are some who have obstacles preventing them from leaving the country.
Another article obliges the breadwinner or employer to bear the expenses of deporting or removing a foreigner from Kuwait, and anyone who employs, resides or harbors a foreigner to bear all the expenses of his deportation or expulsion. Chapter six contains penalties for violating this law One of its articles states that the Public Prosecution has exclusive jurisdiction to investigate, act, and prosecute crimes resulted from residence trafficking.
An article of this chapter also stipulates the cases in which reconciliation with the accused may be made if he violates some of the provisions of this law or the regulations and decisions implementing and the basis for reconciliation.
Chapter seven is about General provisions.
One of its articles specifies those who are excluded from this law, heads of State and their families, heads and employees of diplomatic missions and their families, on condition of reciprocity, holders of diplomatic and political passports, on condition of reciprocity, and those whom the Minister of Interior deems an exception with special permission for considerations related to international courtesies.
Article (34) stipulates that the regulations and executive decisions issued under Amiri Decree No. 17 of 1959 shall continue to operate until the necessary regulations and decisions are issued for its implementation by the Minister of Interior within six months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Article (35) refers to the repeal of the aforementioned Amiri Decree No. 17 of 1959, and any provisions contrary to this law.
Article (36) mandates the ministers, in their own capacity, to implement this law and refer to its publication in the Official Gazette.
Kuwait Amir congratulates Mauritania on Nat'l Day
28-11-2024
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent Thursday a cable of congratulations to President of Mauritania Mohammad Ould Cheikh Ghazouani on his country's National Day.
In the cable, His Highness the Amir wished the president good health and further development and prosperity for Mauritania and its people.
Kuwait Amir congratulates newly-elected Uruguay Pres.
26-11-2024
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent Tuesday a cable of congratulations to President-elect of Uruguay, Yamandu Orsi, on winning the elections.
His Highness the Amir wished success and wellbeing to the President, and the friendly people of Uruguay further progress and prosperity.
Kuwait Amir condoles with martyr Abdullah Al-Farsi's family
24-11-2024His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent on Sunday a cable of condolences to the family of firefighter Warrant Officer Abdullah Al-Farsi, who passed away while on duty. In the cable, His Highness the Amir expressed sincere condolences to the martyr's family and prayed to Almighty Allah to bestow the deceased with mercy.
Kuwait Amir congratulates Albania on Nat'l Day
28-11-2024
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent on Thursday a cable to President of Albania Bajram Begaj, congratulating him on the National Day of his country.
His highness the Amir expressed wishes of good health to the president, and further growth and prosperity for Albania and its people.
Kuwait Amir receives letter from Palestinian Pres.
26-11-2024
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received a letter on Tuesday from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
The letter on bilateral ties and developments of the current situation in occupied Palestinian lands, as well as efforts to achieve regional security and stability, was received by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya during his reception of Palestinian Ambassador to the country Rami Tahboub.
Kuwait Amir congratulates Suriname on nat'l day
25-11-2024
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent on Monday a cable of congratulations to the President of Suriname Chan Santokhi on the occasion of his country's national day.
His Highness the Amir wished the President and his people more progress, development, and welfare.
Kuwait Amir congratulates Sheikha Naima for receiving Arab Sports Pioneers Award
24-11-2024
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a congratulatory cable on Sunday to Sheikha Naima Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Chairperson of Kuwait Women's Sports Federation and Honorary Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for Women's Sports in the GCC.
In the cable, His Highness the Amir congratulated Sheikha Naima on receiving the UAE's "Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Women Sports Award" in the category of Arab Sports Pioneers.
His Highness the Amir praised the distinguished honor she received in appreciation for her efforts in enhancing women's sports in Kuwait and the GCC, wishing her continued success.