In a significant shift aimed at making the country more accessible to foreign professionals and visitors, the Government of Kuwait has announced sweeping changes to its visa regulations, including the removal of the graduate degree requirement and the extension of permitted stay durations.
The latest policy adjustment, which was confirmed by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior, is part of ongoing efforts to simplify entry procedures, attract skilled workers, and stimulate sectors such as tourism, healthcare, and construction. Under the revised guidelines, foreign nationals applying for various categories of visas, including work and visit permits, will no longer be mandated to present a university degree as a prerequisite — a major departure from previous rules that often excluded capable applicants without formal higher education.
Furthermore, the maximum period of stay for certain visa types has been extended, although specific timelines differ based on the visa category. For instance, visit visa holders—both family and commercial—are now allowed to stay for a longer duration, offering more flexibility to travellers and businesses alike.
Kuwaiti officials say the decision is designed to align with the country’s broader national development goals, particularly its Vision 2035 economic diversification strategy, which aims to reduce over-reliance on oil by attracting global talent and investment. The relaxed visa rules are expected to benefit applicants from several developing nations, including Nigeria and other African countries whose skilled workforce has often found Middle Eastern entry requirements restrictive.
Authorities also emphasised that the new policy would help address labour shortages in specific industries while improving bilateral relations with countries whose citizens frequently contribute to Kuwait’s growing economy.
Analysts have welcomed the move as progressive and timely, especially as Gulf countries increasingly compete to attract global talent and expand their influence in sectors beyond oil and gas. Travel and recruitment agencies operating in the region have also lauded the changes, noting that the scrapping of academic barriers opens the door for more applicants with hands-on skills, vocational training, and relevant work experience.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior noted that implementation of the new visa rules is already underway, with embassies and consular offices instructed to begin processing applications under the updated framework. Prospective visitors and workers are advised to consult official sources to understand the specific documentation and eligibility criteria now in place under the revised policy.
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