Kuwait’s Interior Ministry has extended the amnesty for expats in violation of residency laws until 30 June, 2024.
The decision is based on instructions of deputy prime minister, defence minister and interior minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousuf Al-Sabah, who gave orders to extend the deadline given the fact that a large number of people were looking to avail the amnesty ahead of the Eid Al-Adha holiday.
The amnesty was originally set to expire on 17 June. It allows expats in violation of the residency law to legalize their status in Kuwait, or leave the country without paying fines or being blacklisted.
Fahad Al Yousef said in a statement: “This comes timed with the official holiday of Eid Al Adha and due to the high turnout among the expatriate violators of the residency law who wish to leave the country or readjust their status,” the ministry said in a statement.
Unlawful residents who have no travel document can get a new one issued and use it for departure, while illegals, who fail to readjust their status during the grace period, will face arrest, deportation from Kuwait and a ban on re-entry.
Kuwait’s total population is around 4.8 million including 3.3 million foreigners, and its employment policy is aimed at replacing foreign workers with its citizens.
