Kuwait has revoked the controversial residency renewal policy targeting expatriates aged 60 and above without a university degree. Sheikh Fahd Al-Youssef, the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, announced the cancellation of Article No. 1 of the Public Authority for Manpower Decision No. 294 of 2023.
Previously, this policy mandated expatriates in this category to pay a hefty fee of 250 Kuwaiti Dinars (KD) along with insurance costs, amounting to around 900 KD annually, to renew their residency permits. This significant financial burden had drawn criticism for its impact on non-degree-holding expatriates who contribute to Kuwait’s workforce.
With the new directive, the system will revert to the earlier framework, enabling workers aged 60+ without university degrees to renew their work permits or transfer employment without incurring the additional fees. This move aims to simplify the process and reduce financial strain on this segment of the expatriate community.
The policy change reflects Kuwait’s efforts to balance its labor market reforms while addressing concerns raised by its diverse expatriate workforce. It is seen as a positive step toward inclusivity and economic relief for older workers in the country.
