Conversion of visits to residency under Articles 17, 18, 20, and 22 is not available to all entrants and does not cover all nationalities

A security source told Al-Anbaa that converting visits into residence permits under Articles 17, 18, 20, 22, and others is not available to all entrants, nor does it currently cover all nationalities. The source noted that approval for such conversion requires meeting specific conditions and obtaining the consent of the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Director General of the General Directorate of Residency Affairs. Additionally, certain categories require approval from the senior leadership of the Ministry of Interior.

The source confirmed that it is not possible to convert a visit visa into a work residence permit under Article 18, whether for a spouse or children. He clarified that converting a visit into a work residence is limited to visits issued by government entities, authorities, or public institutions, provided that the applicants hold higher academic qualifications and specialized technical expertise, as well as domestic workers and those in similar categories. In cases where their residence permits expire, sponsors have the right to issue a visit visa for them and convert it into a residence permit.

Individuals who entered Kuwait on a work entry visa, initiated the procedures to obtain a residence permit, and then left involuntarily, remaining abroad for a period not exceeding one month, are also permitted to re-enter on a commercial visit visa and convert it into a work residence permit. The source added that commercial visit visas can only be converted under specific conditions and with the approval of the senior leadership of the Ministry of Interior.