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Kuwait lifts 19-year visa ban on Pakistanis, opening doors to jobs and market opportunities

Kuwait has officially lifted its 19-year-old visa ban on Pakistani citizens, unlocking a wave of employment and economic opportunities across key sectors, including healthcare, oil, and skilled trades.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Monday, June 9, 2025

Kuwait: Kuwait’s decision to restore visa access marks a pivotal shift in its foreign labor policy, allowing Pakistani nationals to now apply for work, family visit, tourist, dependent, and commercial visas. The move is expected to significantly boost employment prospects for thousands of skilled Pakistani workers, especially in healthcare and oil-related industries. An initial batch of 1,200 nurses from Pakistan is already being recruited to meet Kuwait’s rising demand for qualified professionals.

The visa resumption reflects Kuwait’s confidence in Pakistan’s improved security landscape and signals a renewed commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic ties. Experts say this development will usher in a new era of labor mobility, business collaboration, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors will now have better access to Kuwaiti markets, while families long separated by visa restrictions can reunite more easily. Tourists, too, will benefit from the relaxed entry rules, encouraging travel and connectivity.

All visa categories will be processed through Kuwait’s streamlined online platform, making the application process faster and more efficient. Additionally, a new labor Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is in the works to ensure the protection and regulation of Pakistani workers in Kuwait.

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