Bank transactions will be impossible
According to the report, the accounts will be frozen and they will not be able to withdraw money from ATMs or send money home. This will make the lives of tens of thousands of expatriates in distress unable to renew their visas. The biggest challenge is when it comes to money transactions that can only be made through a bank account. The problem facing the banks is that with the expiration of the visa, the Kuwait ID will also expire. Banks will not be able to provide bank accounts to those who do not have a Kuwaiti ID. This has put banks and expats alike in crisis.
There is no clarity about temporary visa holders
It is not clear whether the banks will take the same stance on holders of temporary three-month visas for non-renewable visas. The Kuwaiti government has decided to issue temporary visas to expatriates over 60 and those without a degree. However, it is not clear whether holders of temporary visas will be able to obtain a Kuwaiti ID. According to the Public Authority of Manpower, the temporary visa regime will continue until the government makes a final decision on whether to renew their visas.
One year without decision on visa renewal
From January 1, 2021, the Public Authority of Manpower banned the renewal of visas for expatriates over the age of 60 and those without a degree in Kuwait. The decision was based on the assessment that allowing the elderly expatriates to stay in the country would be a liability to the public exchequer. However, many came to the scene saying that the decision was discriminatory and that it was unfair to treat expatriates who had spent a significant part of their lives in Kuwait. The government had directed the fatwa committee under the ministry to study the issue and submit a report in the wake of strong protests against the decision. The committee, meanwhile, declared the Manpower Authority’s decision illegal.
Relief for expats is still a long way off
The fatwa committee’s decision was hailed as a great relief to expatriates, but the ban on visa renewals has not been lifted for more than a year. Although the Manpower Authority has considered allowing the renewal of the visa by imposing a 500 dinar health insurance fee and a 500 dinar fee, no final decision has been taken in that regard. Although there is no legal impediment to this, the final decision on the matter was indefinitely delayed. Meanwhile, the authorities have given permission to temporarily renew the visa for three months. At the same time, expatriates are in crisis as those on temporary visas are barred from returning home.
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Mother arrested for killing newborn baby
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