Kuwait to introduce new freelance visa within two months to curb residency trafficking

Kuwait is preparing to introduce a new government-regulated freelance residency visa within the next two months, as part of a broader reform drive to combat visa trading, illegal employment and abuse of residency permits.

The announcement was made by Sheikh Fahd Al‑Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, during a dialogue meeting organised by the Public Authority for Manpower with private-sector representatives.

New visa aims to close loopholes in labour market

According to officials, the planned freelance visa will allow individuals to work independently under a legally recognised framework, rather than relying on shell companies or commercial licences that are often used to mask illegal employment practices.

Authorities believe the new permit will help dismantle organised networks involved in residency trading and provide a transparent alternative for flexible and independent workers operating in the country.

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Visa fees set between KD 750 and KD 1,000

The government confirmed that the new freelance residency permit will be issued under a government-controlled system, with fees ranging between KD 750 and KD 1,000.

Officials said the fee structure is designed to ensure proper regulation, oversight and accountability, while preventing abuse of the system by brokers and illegal intermediaries.

Strong action against visa trafficking and misuse

Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef stressed that Kuwait is determined to apply the law equally to all parties involved in residency violations. He explained that authorities are targeting networks that sell and exploit residency permits and profit from workers operating outside legal frameworks.

He also highlighted that long-standing challenges in the labour sector are linked to the misuse of commercial licences and fictitious business arrangements. In some cases, company licences registered in the names of citizens were reportedly exploited by foreign operators for financial crimes, including money-laundering activities.

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Freelance visa to replace dependence on fictitious sponsors

Under the proposed system, individuals will be able to carry out freelance work legally without being tied to non-existent employers or front companies.

Officials said the move will reduce dependency on illegal sponsorship arrangements and improve labour market transparency while ensuring that independent workers remain properly regulated.

Wider administrative reforms under consideration

In addition to the new visa category, the government is reviewing administrative measures aimed at strengthening oversight and reducing conflicts of interest. These include the possible rotation of staff in sensitive departments involved in labour and residency services.

The freelance visa initiative is also part of a wider package of labour-market reforms focused on simplifying procedures for businesses, improving regulatory transparency and protecting workers’ rights.

The issue of increasing employment opportunities for Kuwaiti nationals in the private sector is expected to be discussed by the Council of Ministers of Kuwait as part of these reforms.

Digital services and automation expanding

For her part, Rabab Al‑Osaimi, Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower, confirmed that the authority is moving ahead with digital transformation projects and service upgrades in coordination with the Ministry of Interior of Kuwait.

She noted that more than 65 percent of the authority’s services are now processed electronically and that tens of millions of transactions were completed through digital platforms last year.

The authority is also working to introduce artificial intelligence tools on its website to help employers, respond to enquiries and accelerate transaction processing.

Enforcement campaign highlights scale of violations

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef revealed that a large-scale enforcement campaign is already underway to clean up the labour market.

He said that last year alone, approximately 39,000 foreign nationals were administratively deported for violating residency and labour regulations. In addition, more than 3,000 company licences were cancelled due to non-compliance.

He also disclosed that several nurseries were shut down for breaching regulations and illegally employing domestic workers in violation of labour and safety laws.

The minister urged commercial licence holders to report absentee and violating workers in order to protect themselves from legal liability and safeguard their contractual rights.

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A major shift for flexible work in Kuwait

Officials believe the introduction of the freelance residency permit will mark a significant shift in how flexible and independent work is regulated in Kuwait.

By creating a structured and government-supervised pathway for freelancers, authorities aim to reduce illegal labour practices, curb residency trafficking and align the country’s labour system with evolving market needs.

Source: Official statements reported by the Public Authority for Manpower and the Ministry of Interior, Kuwait.