Kuwait reopens visas for Pakistanis after 19 years

KARACHI: Kuwaiti government has officially resumed issuing a wide range of visas to Pakistani nationals, in a significant step towards bolstering bilateral relations and addressing critical labour needs, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Zaffar Iqbal, announced, Gulf News reported.

The Pakistani Ambassador also announced plans to bring 1,200 Pakistani nurses to Kuwait’s healthcare sector, which faces rising demand. An initial group of 125 nurses was slated to arrive last week but faced delays due to housing challenges. “Special teams are actively resolving the issue, and we expect the nurses to arrive in the coming days,” Dr. Iqbal said.

Starting this May, Pakistani citizens have begun receiving approvals for various visas, including work, family visit, dependent, tourist, and commercial categories, restoring a vital channel for travel and employment between the two countries.

Dr. Iqbal also revealed that Pakistan and Kuwait are in the final stages of signing a new labour memorandum of understanding (MoU), designed to streamline worker mobility and cooperation. “Some provisions are already being implemented ahead of the formal signing,” he noted.

With over 93,000 Pakistanis residing in Kuwait, the community plays a vital role in healthcare, education, and other sectors. “Our citizens are exemplary and respected contributors,” Dr. Iqbal said.