KUWAIT: The ministry of higher education on Wednesday affirmed it is closely monitoring the situation of a number of Kuwaiti students in the United States whose academic journey has been disrupted following the cancellation of their student visas by US authorities. In a statement, the ministry said it has been following up on the matter since it first emerged, adding that its cultural offices in Washington and Los Angeles have begun compiling the names of the affected students.
The offices are also coordinating directly with the universities concerned to verify the students’ academic status. The ministry stressed that each case will be handled individually to ensure the continuity of the students’ education. It further reiterated its commitment to maintaining open and direct communication with those affected, providing the necessary support to help them resume their studies.
The ministry said the move is part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard the academic progress and stability of Kuwaiti students abroad. This development comes amid widespread reports that hundreds of foreign students in the US have had their visas revoked without prior notice. Many said they were informed of the cancellations via email, without any explanation regarding the reasons or motives behind the decision.
On Tuesday, the US Embassy in Kuwait said visa applicants will undergo “extensive security screening” that includes checks against counterterrorism databases, noting that visas would be rejected for applicants deemed to “pose a threat” to the country. “US national security is our top priority,” the embassy said in a statement on X. “Every visa applicant undergoes extensive security screening including checks against law enforcement and counterterrorism databases.”
The embassy reiterated that a visa won’t be issued until all security concerns are fully resolved. “Prohibiting travel by those who might pose a threat is key to protecting US citizens at home,” it added. — Agencies
