DUBAI: Kuwaiti authorities have dismissed reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets about pardons for expatriates violating family sponsorship visas.
According to Arab media, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior clarified that claims about waiving penalties under Article 22 of the family sponsorship law are “completely baseless.”
The ministry said that foreigners violating Article 22 would not be allowed to remain in the country by changing their visa status.
It stressed that any announcements regarding residency laws or ministerial decisions are only made through official platforms and urged the public not to believe unverified reports.
Last month, the ministry said that strict legal action was taken against expatriates who violated Article 22, with offenders and their sponsors deported from Kuwait.
What is Article 22?
Article 22 allows expatriates residing in Kuwait to sponsor their family members under specific conditions, including a minimum income requirement. Those who deliberately understate their income to obtain visas face legal action.
In May this year, Kuwait lifted a 19-year ban on visas for Pakistani citizens.
Overseas Pakistanis’ focal person Mustafa Malik had said Kuwait has resumed issuing work, family, visit, tour, and commercial visas to Pakistanis, providing a significant opportunity for skilled workers.
“With the reopening of visas, thousands of Pakistanis will now be able to work and do business in Kuwait,” he said, adding that all visa categories can be applied for through online platforms.
Earlier, Kuwait stripped nearly 42,000 people of their nationality.
Launched under the rule of Kuwait’s new monarch, Emir Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the policy claimed to target foreigners who illegally obtained Kuwaiti citizenship.
Malik also noted that Italy is expected to allocate job quotas for Pakistanis following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries.
He further stated that other Arab nations have also expressed interest in hiring skilled Pakistani workers.
The focal person said that employment opportunities in Kuwait will help Pakistan earn valuable foreign exchange. “Pakistani citizens no longer need to endure long procedures for visas, as Kuwait is now issuing visas through an online platform,” he said