More than 400,000 migrants working in Kuwait who have valid visas are stranded in their countries and are not able to return to Kuwait. In fact, Kuwait has banned travel to about 32 countries and these valid visa holders are from the same 32 countries. Now, it is their own that they cannot come back even after they have valid visas.
Till 23rd August, the number of migrants with valid residency permits outside the country was 426,871. The expiry residency holders cannot return to Kuwait unless new visas are issued to them. On these restrictions, the Kuwait Interior Ministry says it is preparing to amend the existing residence law. Due to which new visas are not being issued. He also disclosed that all new visas for foreigners have been suspended till further notice and the process of issuance will resume only after clearance from the Health Ministry.
Major General Anwar Al Barjas said, residence and work visa holders whose contract or residence visa expired before January 1, 2020 can go out of the country without paying any penalty. They will be allowed to return to a new visa, while those who have not gone out of the country will have to face legal proceedings and pay over-stay fines and they will be thrown out of the country and not allowed to come back again.
