Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior announced that fines for violations of the new expatriate residency law will take effect today, January 5, 2025. The move aims to strengthen compliance with residency laws and regulations.
A post on the ministry’s Facebook page outlined the fines as follows:
Reporting newborn births
Newborn births must be reported within four months. Late reporting incurs a fine of KWD2 per day, up to a maximum of KWD2,000.
Failure to obtain a residence permit
This applies to expatriates entering on visas for purposes such as work, study or medical treatment who fail to obtain residence permits. The fine is KWD2 per day during the first month and KWD4 per day thereafter, capped at KWD1,200.
Overstaying a visit
Overstaying the permitted duration of entry visas, such as family or tourist visits, incurs KWD10 per day, up to KWD2,000.
Temporary residence and departure-notice violations
Violations of temporary residence rules or delays concerning departure notices incur KWD2 per day during the first month and KWD4 per day thereafter, up to KWD1,200.
Expired residence without departure
Expatriates and domestic workers whose residence expires without renewal or departure face a fine of KWD2 per day, capped at KWD1,200.
Leaving employment without regularizing legal status
Where a residence permit is cancelled because the holder has left employment, fines are calculated under the same rules, up to KWD1,200.
The Ministry of Interior urged expatriates and employers to regularize their legal status to avoid fines and to visit residency offices promptly to update permits or resolve violations. Further information is available at www.moi.gov.kw.
Read the announcement on the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior’s Facebook page.
