KUWAIT: Kuwait has scrapped its long-standing restrictions on tourist visas for foreigners living in other Gulf states, drawing both praise and concern from the public.

A ministerial decision issued Sunday by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah allows any foreigner with a valid Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) residency of at least six months to receive a tourist visa at the border. The regulations, published in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm, take effect immediately.

The new rule cancels a 2008 regulation that limited visa-on-arrival privileges to certain professions, including doctors, engineers, lawyers, judges, university professors, and business executives. It also banned those holding travel documents other than passports from entering the country. Under the previous system, foreign residents in GCC countries who didn’t fall into those categories — such as service workers or their families — were ineligible for a tourist visa on arrival in Kuwait.

Airport struggles

Most welcomed the decision as a win for tourism and the economy. “This is a bold step, no doubt,” said Hamza Al-Ostad. “It would stimulate the economy and address past imbalances” while benefiting Kuwait financially, politically, and in tourism. “No to hate speech — Kuwait is the land of the Arabs, opening its heart to everyone. You are welcome here, honored and respected — before our homes, you’re welcome in our hearts,” he wrote.

However, some raised practical concerns about infrastructure readiness. With Kuwait International Airport’s immigration counters already limited and long queues common, there are worries the new decision could increase pressure on airport facilities. “We need more counters for issuing visas and receiving tourists — not like the current situation. This is a big matter and part of tourism marketing,” one commenter wrote on Twitter.

A Qatar-based user compared the change to Europe’s Schengen visa, saying it “allows residents to visit their families and relatives” while boosting tourism and supporting airlines, hotels, and restaurants.

Banned nationalities

Others expressed concern about the potential for increased congestion and residency violations. “Get ready for overcrowding and the buildup of expatriate communities and residency violators — meaning their residencies will expire, and they’ll stay on illegally,” wrote Dhaari Mahamad Al Anjiri. He stressed the importance of respecting residency and state laws to prevent further congestion in Kuwait’s small territory.

Kuwait has long struggled with residency permit abuses, where brokers import labor under the pretext of project needs that often lack real substance. Critics argue this undermines economic goals by diverting labor from productive uses and contributing to social and financial challenges. To combat this, Kuwait intensified crackdowns and passed stricter residency laws in November 2024, with the Interior Ministry regularly conducting enforcement campaigns.

Questions also remain over whether the new policy will affect entry restrictions on certain nationalities. Previously, holders of Iraqi and Palestinian passports were not eligible for visas, even as GCC residents. Some commenters raised concerns about whether Zionist entity passport holders living in GCC countries could be allowed entry. Kuwait has long maintained a strong stance against normalization with the entity. The country enforces a strict boycott at both government and public levels, banning all sporting and commercial dealings. Zionist entity financial instruments are also prohibited, and Zionist entity citizens are not allowed to enter the country.

“So will Israelis living in some Gulf countries be allowed into Kuwait?” asked Ahmad Al-Failakawi. Another user, Abdullah Alaiban, wrote: “No word about the Zionists in the countries that have normalized relations?!” The Interior Ministry has yet to clarify how these restrictions will be applied under the new visa rules.

At a glance

GCC residents eligible: Foreign nationals with valid residency permits in any Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country for at least six months can now obtain tourist visas on arrival in Kuwait.

Previous restrictions: The old 2008 rule limited visa-on-arrival eligibility to certain professions (for example: Doctors, engineers, lawyers, judges, professors, business executives). The new ministerial decision cancels these restrictions.

Passport exceptions: Under previous regulations, residents holding Iraqi or Palestinian passports were not eligible for tourist visas, even if they had valid GCC residencies. It remains unclear if the new policy changes this.

Zionist entity nationals: Kuwait maintains a strict ban on entry and dealings with Zionist entity passport holders, consistent with its longstanding boycott policies. The new visa policy does not officially change this stance.

KUWAIT: As part of its year-long efforts to support health and humanitarian initiatives under the umbrella of its social responsibility and ESG program, Burgan Bank organized its annual blood drive at its headquarters for its employees and their families, in cooperation with the Central Blood Bank – Blood Transfusion Administration Services. The campaign aimed to raise awareness of the importance of regular blood donation and encourage a culture of giving back, especially when it comes to efforts that can save the lives of others.

On this occasion, Zahra Boarki, Senior Manager – Internal Communication at Burgan Bank, stated: “In line with Burgan Bank’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility and its role in supporting sustainable national initiatives, we continue to organize our annual blood drive in cooperation with the Central Blood Bank, reinforcing our healthcare system’s strategic blood reserve and ensuring its readiness to meet patients’ needs, especially in emergencies.

“Our ongoing commitment to this campaign and others reflects our firm belief that, as a proactive and responsible corporate citizen, the bank’s role goes beyond providing banking services to include supporting community initiatives aimed at making a tangible positive impact on the lives of members of society. We continue to seek to support vital sectors and industries, including the healthcare sector in line with Kuwait Vision 2035.” She also added: “We are proud of the large turnout and wide engagement at this year’s blood donation campaign.

Throughout this campaign, we focused on promoting a culture of giving among employees and cementing their role as active partners in supporting the healthcare sector. We believe that involving employees in such initiatives reflects the bank’s commitment to give back to the community and reinforces a sense of teamwork within the workplace, contributing to building a sustainable corporate culture that begins with the employee and extends to the community.”

The campaign is part of a year-long series of community efforts and initiatives organized by Burgan Bank, reaffirming its role as a proactive partner in supporting sustainable development goals and a key contributor to national efforts in the areas of health, education, environment, and more. With this campaign, the bank renews its invitation to all members of society and institutions to embrace the culture of regular blood donation, given its significant impact in saving the lives of thousands of patients and those in need of blood.

KUWAIT: Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI) concluded its 2025 summer internship program with the annual Science Poster Day on August 7, 2025, celebrating the achievements of 36 participants, including both university students and recent graduates, who presented a variety of impactful research projects developed during their training.

Organized under the guidance of DDI’s expert scientific and medical teams, the event provided a platform for participants to showcase the knowledge and practical skills gained during their three-month internship, which focused on diabetes and related health research.

The event was attended by Dr Faisal Hamed Al-Refaei, Acting Director General of DDI, along with researchers, doctors, and staff from the institute. Dr Al-Refaei praised the quality of the presentations and emphasized DDI’s ongoing commitment to supporting young researchers through immersive, hands-on experiences in an advanced scientific setting. “We are proud to support and nurture emerging scientific talent in an integrated and collaborative research environment,” said Dr Al-Refaei. “Whether still studying or recently graduated, these individuals represent the future of scientific innovation in Kuwait and beyond.”

This annual initiative, launched by DDI and supported by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), aims to enhance the research capabilities of students and graduates in scientific and medical fields, while inspiring the next generation of healthcare and research professionals.