ShareKUWAIT: In 2024, Kuwait witnessed key reforms and events that impacted the lives of its expatriate population. From important policy amendments to diplomatic agreements and a tragic incident, the year brought notable changes for expats in the country.
Restrictions on 60+
Restrictions on expats aged 60 and above were scrapped in December 2024, three years they were first introduced. Under the restrictions, expats over 60 without a university degree were required to pay KD 250 annually and obtain comprehensive health insurance costing at least KD 500, along with other fees, totaling approximately KD 900. Now, these expats will pay KD 70 annually for government health insurance and other standard fees, aligning with other expat workers.
New residency laws
On November 28, 2024, new residency law was approved for foreigners in Kuwait, which introduced several reforms aimed at addressing gaps in the previous system. Expats now have the option to renew their residency status for longer periods —five years for employees, 10 years for children of Kuwaiti women and property owners, and 15 years for investors—reducing the frequency of renewals. The legislation introduces clearer regulations for visit visas, extending the stay period to three months. Residency permits for domestic workers may be canceled if they leave the country and remain abroad for over four months without prior approval. The law also strengthens anti-trafficking measures with stricter penalties for violations, including illegal employment and overstaying.
Kuwait’s 2024 amnesty program
Over 65,000 people benefited from an amnesty program ran by the government for those violating residency laws. The program provided individuals an opportunity to rectify their status through a grace period from March 17 to June 17, 2024. It offered a pathway for violators to pay fines and return to the country under new procedures if they left during the period. Following the deadline, the ministry launched extensive security campaigns across the country, booking those who were found to have not amended their residency status.
3-Year driving license
In September 2024, Kuwait extended the validity of driving licenses for residents to three years, up from the previous one-year term, for both new issuances and renewals. New regulations were also introduced for vehicle inspections: private vehicles and motorcycles now require their first inspection after three years instead of two, followed by inspections every three years. After eight years, vehicles must undergo annual inspections. Additionally, valid compulsory insurance is now mandated for the entire duration of the license.
Resolution with the Philippines
Following a prolonged period of diplomatic tensions, Kuwait and the Philippines reached a significant agreement in June 2024 to resume the recruitment of Filipino workers, particularly domestic laborers. The relationship between Kuwait and the Philippines regarding the recruitment and treatment of Filipino domestic workers has been marked by several key events. In 2018, the discovery of the body of Joanna Demafelis led to diplomatic tensions and a temporary ban on Filipino workers entering Kuwait. The ban was lifted in May 2018 after both countries signed a bilateral labor agreement aimed at protecting workers’ rights. However, in 2023, the murder of Jullebee Ranara once again heightened tensions, leading the Philippines to suspend the deployment of new workers to Kuwait.
Tragic Mangaf building fire
In the early hours of June 12, 2024, a devastating fire broke out in a residential building in Mangaf, Kuwait, tragically claiming the lives of at least 49 expat laborers, predominantly from India. The incident has ignited widespread calls for stricter enforcement of housing safety standards to protect vulnerable foreign laborers.
Authorities placed blame on greedy property owners who disregarded building safety standards. Municipal officials were suspended, and representatives of the company where the laborers worked were referred to prosecution. A nationwide inspection of commercial housing properties, where most foreign workers reside, was launched. Real estate companies and employers issued fire safety notices to their tenants and employees.
