Summary
Kuwait is launching a freelance residency permit within two months, allowing skilled foreign workers to operate independently for an annual fee of KD 750-1,000. This initiative aims to curb illegal visa trading by redirecting payments to the government and offering a more flexible residency model.
Synopsis Kuwait is launching a freelance residency permit within two months, allowing skilled foreign workers to operate independently for an annual fee of KD 750-1,000. This initiative aims to curb illegal visa trading by redirecting payments to the government and offering a more flexible residency model.
Kuwait is set to introduce a freelance residency permit that will allow foreign workers to operate independently without a traditional employer sponsor, officials confirmed, as reported by Arab Times Kuwait. The new scheme, expected to roll out within the next two months, will carry an annual fee of KD 750 to KD 1,000.
Government aims to curb visa trading The announcement was made by Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who said the initiative is part of broader labour market reforms. “Instead of paying visa traders, pay the government some KD 800–1,000,” he said, highlighting the government’s aim to curb illegal visa trading and redirect payments to the state.
Who can apply The freelance visa will target skilled foreign workers, including professionals, consultants, and small-scale entrepreneurs, who wish to operate independently. The new system marks a significant shift from Kuwait’s traditional sponsor-based (kafala) residency model toward more flexible and transparent residency options.
Full eligibility criteria and the official application process have not yet been released. However, applicants are expected to submit passport documentation, professional credentials, and other required forms through the Ministry of Interior’s channels, as per Arab Times Kuwait report.
Residency will be issued upon payment of the annual fee and will be subject to renewal under the new framework. Authorities said the final regulations will clarify eligibility, documentation requirements, and family sponsorship conditions. Once implemented, the freelance visa is expected to provide a legal pathway for independent work while strengthening government oversight of the labour market.
The government has urged prospective applicants to monitor official announcements from the Ministry of Interior for confirmed guidelines and procedures. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.
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