Kuwait Stops Automatic Visa Extensions And Restores Rules
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has terminated the exceptional visa and automatic absence permit extensions implemented during the Iran conflict, effective September 1, 2026. Official residency status will now be governed strictly by the Sahel application, replacing all previous paper-based procedures.
- Automatic extensions for visitor visas have ceased
- Residents abroad are subject to original legal timelines
- Sahel app is the sole official reference for expiration dates
- Standard 6-month limit for time spent outside Kuwait reinstated
Changes to Visitor Visas and Absence Permits
Under the new mandate, automatic extensions for existing visitor visas—including family, work, and medical visits—have ceased. Residents currently abroad are now subject to original legal timelines for absence permits. Individuals who departed the country on or before August 31, 2026, retain their previous exceptional status, though their specific return deadlines are now reflected in the Sahel residency status certificate.
The Ministry of Interior emphasizes that the residency permit status certificate generated via the Sahel app is the sole official reference for expiration dates. Residents remaining abroad beyond these dates risk residency permit violations. The standard rule regarding the 6-month limit for time spent outside Kuwait has been reinstated.
Rules for Domestic Workers and New Residency Options
For domestic workers under Article 20, including helpers, drivers, cooks, nurses, and babysitters from nations such as India, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Ethiopia, the threshold remains strictly 4 months. Absence exceeding these limits without prior authorization may result in permit cancellation.
Separately, Ministerial Decision No. 1410/2026, issued September 2, 2026, and published in the gazette on September 6, introduced Article 7-bis. This provides 10-year residency permits for individuals whose Kuwaiti citizenship was revoked but who hold another nationality, exempting them from annual renewal fees. Spouses and parents of these individuals are subject to a 10 Dinar annual fee, while other relatives face a 300 Dinar fee. This category is exempt from the 6-month absence rule, similar to children of Kuwaiti women, property owners, and investors under Law 116/2013.
Exit Permits and Family Renewals
Private sector employees are reminded that, with the exception of dependents, they must obtain an exit permit authorized by their sponsor via the Sahel or Ashal portals before departing Kuwait. Furthermore, the requirement of an 800 Dinar monthly salary for family residency renewals remains in effect. The Ministry of Interior advises all expatriates to verify their status exclusively through the Sahel app and ignore outdated documentation.