Kuwait limits overseas stay for foreign residents

Kuwait has revised its residency regulations, placing a strict limit on how long foreign residents can remain outside the country. According to a report by Gulf News, under a new ministerial decision issued by the Ministry of Interior, foreigners will no longer be allowed to stay abroad for more than six months, with limited exemptions for specific categories.The new rule is part of the executive regulations of Kuwait’s residency law and applies to all types of residency permits. According to the update, foreign residents who remain outside Kuwait for more than six consecutive months risk losing their residency status.Limited exemptions under new rulesThe Interior Ministry has granted exemptions to certain groups, including children of Kuwaiti women, property owners, and foreign investors. These categories will not be subject to the six-month absence limit. Officials said the decision aims to regulate residency status and ensure compliance with legal requirements while maintaining flexibility where needed.Separate provisions have been introduced for domestic workers. Under Article 20, domestic staff may stay outside Kuwait for a maximum of four months. This period can be extended only if the sponsor submits an approved leave request through the relevant residency affairs departments or via the Sahel application.The Interior Ministry said the revised measures are intended to streamline residency management and improve oversight of expatriate residency, as Kuwait continues efforts to update and enforce its immigration framework.