Article 16 Outlines Visa Conversion Rules for Government Visitors, Workers, and Families

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 23: Article 16 outlines five specific scenarios in which a visit visa may be converted into a regular residence permit in Kuwait. These provisions are designed to address exceptional or practical circumstances that justify a change in visa status. The eligible cases include:

????Government Visit Visa Holders: Individuals who enter Kuwait on a government visit visa to any ministry, public authority, or institution may convert their visa to a residence permit, provided they hold a university degree or a specialised technical qualification. This conversion requires the approval of the Director General of the General Administration of Residence Affairs.

????Domestic Workers and Similar Categories: Domestic workers and individuals employed in similar roles may also convert their visit visas to regular residency, in accordance with current regulations.

????Family Visit Visa: A visit visa (whether issued for family visit or tourism) may be converted if the purpose is to join an immediate family member legally residing in Kuwait.

????Work Visa: Individuals who entered Kuwait on a work visa and began the process of obtaining residency, but were compelled to leave the country for urgent reasons, may convert their visit visa upon return. This is permitted only if their time abroad did not exceed one month.

????Other Exceptional Circumstances: The Director General of the General Administration of Residence Affairs may approve additional cases for visa conversion at their discretion, based on the merits of each situation.