The validity of expatriates’ visas in Kuwait is conditional to the validity of their passports, Acting Director General of Residency Affairs Department at the Interior Ministry Maj Gen Talal Maarafi said. This means that in case the passport expires, the visa will be considered expired by law. Falling into such a situation may result in punishments mentioned in Article 24 of the foreigners’ residency law, Maarafi said. The punishment may reach a maximum of three months in jail and a minimum fine of KD 300.

“It has been noticed that some expatriates who renew or extend their passports after they expire fail to register the new data with the Residency Affairs Department,” Maarafi said. “This subjects them to paying fines for violating the law.” The official urged expats to abide by the law and renew their passports in time before they expire, then update their data with the Residency Affairs Department.

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