Kuwaiti authorities are planning to introduce a new freelance visa to control the labour market and stop the illegal trade of residency permits. This system will provide freedom to foreign workers to work independently without a traditional sponsor.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousaf announced the new development after meeting with private sector representatives. After the move to introduce a freelance visa by Kuwaiti authorities, several individuals in business circles and on social media platforms are discussing it.
The initiative aims to deal with problems with unregulated work, illegal residency trading, and high daily wages. Several critics said that there are flaws in the current system, and some individuals think that the launch of a freelance visa will make the system more transparent, protect workers and enhance service quality.
Requirements for a freelance visa
According to the guidelines provided by the Kuwaiti authorities, in the initial phase, more focus will be on basic professions. As per the new guidelines, the applicants will pay around 750KD to 1000KD annually to keep the visa active. At the same time, all the applicants will need to register their home address, provide an approved email, submit clear personal data and other documents and conditions set by the authorities.
According to a media report by an international media outlet, the Kuwaiti authorities will release the complete details about the newly launched freelance visa in the next two months.
