Kuwait lifts visa ban on Pakistanis after 19 years

ISLAMABAD: In a major diplomatic achievement, Kuwait has officially lifted a 19-year-old visa ban on Pakistani citizens on Monday, according to the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis.

The Kuwait has resumed work, family, visit, tourist and business visas for the Pakistani, the Ministry confirmed.

The announcement was made by Mustafa Malik, the focal person for the ministry, who described the move as a “historic movement” in Pakistan-Kuwait relations. He said the development would unlock new opportunities for employment, trade and tourism between both the countries.

“The credit goes to the Kuwaiti government and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis for their tireless effort to restore the visa access for the itani nationals,” Malik stated.

Kuwaiot had suspended visa services for the Pakitani citizens nearly two decades ago, citing administrative reasons. With the ban now lifted, thousand of skilled Pakistani worker will once again be able to seek employment in Kuwait, contributing to the Pakistan’s foreign reserves through remitances.

Malik underscores the significance of the development, noting that the Kuwaiti Dinar is the strongest currency in the world, with one dinar equivalent to Rs 914. he said this makes overseas employment in Kuwait particularly valuable for the Pakistani workers.

All the visa applications will be processed through an online portal, designed to speed up the process. The ministry stated that depending on the category, ‘visa approvals may take anywhere from one minute to a maximum of 24 hours