Kuwait Visas For Pakistani Citizens Now Available
The visa ban was imposed in 2011 due to security concerns, but Pakistan's efforts to restore visa services have finally borne fruit, with community members already beginning to receive approvals. The move is seen as a significant development in Pakistan-Kuwait relations, with opportunities for work, family visits, and tourism now available to Pakistani citizens.
Kuwait has lifted a 19-year visa ban on Pakistani citizens, allowing the issuance of various types of visas, including work, family, visit, tourist, and business visas, in a move seen as a major diplomatic achievement for Pakistan.
The decision to lift the visa ban was made after Pakistan made several attempts to restore visa services, with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also pleading the case during his 2017 visit to Kuwait. Kuwait had imposed the ban in 2011 due to security concerns. The resumption of visas is expected to benefit thousands of Pakistani nationals who wish to travel to Kuwait for work, family visits, or tourism.
In related news, the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) has announced that it will send workers to Kuwait on June 5th, with the last date for job applications being May 31st. A private firm in Kuwait is hiring security guards who must be physically and medically fit, with a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in the security domain. The firm will provide free accommodation, transportation, and medical insurance, and will bear the visa issuance and residency costs.
Kuwait has also introduced clear guidelines for expatriates seeking family visit visas, aimed at ensuring transparency and compliance. The process includes specific financial requirements, documentation, and verification steps, with varying fees for sponsoring relatives and a one-month visit visa typically issued after a nominal fee payment of 3 KD.
The lifting of the visa ban and the introduction of clear guidelines for family visit visas are expected to strengthen ties between Pakistan and Kuwait, with around 95,000 Pakistani nationals already living and working in Kuwait. Pakistan and Kuwait are also finalizing a new labor memorandum of understanding, which is expected to further boost cooperation between the two countries.