Visa fees move to help cut illegal entry

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 25: The new decision to raise residency and visit fees of all types, issued by the Ministry of Interior and published in the official gazette “Kuwait Al-Youm”, set to take effect on December 23, has been widely welcomed by citizens, who insisted that the fee increase is not excessive. Lawyer Ali Al-Wawan stated that the new fees represent a necessary legislative step to regulate the residency market and organize visits, particularly given the rise in violations. He explained that the aim of the decision is not to collect money, but to regulate entry and protect the state from misuse.
The increasing number of cases involving marginal workers and the misuse of residency permits makes the decision essential. The new fees are intended as a regulatory measure, not a form of punishment, filling a legislative gap and promoting fairness between legal residents and violators. Lawyer Al-Wawan affirmed that the decision serves the public interest and ensures that residency or visit visas do not become a loophole for abuses or a burden on state services. Meanwhile, Lawyer Inaam Haidar said the new fees would reduce pressure on public services and ensure entry for those with a genuine desire to visit or reside. She stressed that the decision is expected to positively impact the labor market without harming legitimate visitors.
Lawyer Haidar explained that, in recent years, family visits have often been exploited as a means of bringing in illegal workers. The new fees aim to restore order and form part of a comprehensive strategy to reform the demographic structure.