Kuwait(The COW News Digital)Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has issued a formal clarification regarding family sponsorship visas, putting to rest widespread rumors circulating on social media and in some media outlets.
According to Arab media, officials confirmed that reports about pardons or exemptions for those violating Article 22 of the residency law are entirely false. The ministry stated that no such amnesty has been granted and that violators will not be allowed to stay in the country even if they attempt to change their visa status.
In an official statement, the ministry emphasized that all announcements related to residency regulations or any policy changes are made exclusively through the ministry’s authorized media channels and platforms. Citizens and residents were urged not to rely on unverified information and to wait for official announcements to avoid confusion.
Authorities further revealed that strict legal actions have recently been taken against those who breached the rules of Article 22. These actions included deportation of foreign nationals who violated sponsorship regulations, as well as penalties for their sponsors.
Article 22 allows expatriates residing in Kuwait to sponsor their immediate family members under specific conditions, one of which is meeting the minimum income requirement set by the state. Officials warned that those who deliberately underreport their income to obtain family visas will face legal consequences.
The clarification comes amid growing concern among expatriate communities after rumors spread suggesting that the government was planning to forgive past violations. Many foreign workers were reportedly misled into believing they could regularize their residency status without penalties.
The ministry’s statement aims to reinforce the government’s commitment to upholding Kuwait’s residency laws and ensuring that only qualified individuals meet the criteria for sponsoring dependents.
This move is part of Kuwait’s broader efforts to regulate its labor market and maintain demographic balance while ensuring that expatriate residency aligns with the country’s legal and economic framework.
Residents have been advised to consult official government portals or visit immigration offices for accurate information about their visa status and legal requirements for family sponsorship.
