Kuwait has introduced stricter residency regulations, imposing a cap on the time expatriate residents may be outside the country. Under the new rule, residents are no longer permitted to stay abroad for more than six consecutive months.
Local media, citing the Ministry of Interior of Kuwait, reported that the policy is part of the executive regulations of Kuwait’s residency law. The rule applies to most categories of residency permits, with limited exemptions.
Authorities said children of Kuwaiti women, property owners, and foreign investors are exempt from the six-month restriction. Officials described the move as part of broader efforts to tighten oversight while maintaining flexibility for specific groups.
Separate Provisions for Domestic Workers
The updated framework also outlines distinct rules for domestic workers. Under Article 20 of the regulations, domestic staff may remain outside Kuwait for up to four months. Extensions are possible only if the sponsor submits an approved leave request through the residency affairs departments or via the Sahel application.
لايجوز للأجنبي المرخص له بالإقامة في البلاد البقاء في الخارج بمدة تزيد عن 6 شهور، وينطبق هذا القرار على جميع مواد الإقامة.
ويستثنى من هذا القرار:
1-ابناء المواطنة الكويتية
2-مالك العقار
3-المستثمر الأجنبي
أما بخصوص العمالة المنزلية مادة " 20 "
تكون المدة المصرح بها خارج… pic.twitter.com/hD7DVkhrYU
— وزارة الداخلية (@Moi_kuw) December 29, 2025The Interior Ministry said the revised measures aim to improve compliance with residency laws as Kuwait continues to recalibrate its immigration policies.
Central Bank Issues Cash Authenticity Advisory
Separately, the Central Bank of Kuwait urged the public to remain vigilant when handling cash and stressed the importance of verifying banknote authenticity.
In an advisory, the central bank explained that genuine Kuwaiti banknotes include multiple security features. These include a visible watermark showing a falcon’s head when held to the light, colour-shifting wave symbols when tilted, and a security thread that reveals hidden text under illumination.
Authentic notes also contain raised printing and tactile markings designed to assist visually impaired users. Officials encouraged residents and businesses to check these features carefully to avoid counterfeit currency.
