Kuwait is preparing to introduce a formal freelance visa system that would allow expatriates to work independently without relying on a traditional sponsor, marking a significant shift in how foreign labor is managed in the country.
The proposal was disclosed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahd Al Yousef during discussions with representatives from the private sector. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to restructure the labor market and confront long-standing issues tied to residency permit trading.
Officials have linked the planned reform to ongoing concerns over loosely monitored employment practices. Authorities say gaps in enforcement have fueled residency brokerage and contributed to wage distortions, particularly in some lower-skilled occupations where daily rates for basic tasks have reportedly exceeded KD25.
Under the envisioned framework, freelancers would operate within a regulated and legally supervised structure. Supporters of the plan argue that establishing clear rules could enhance accountability, ensure more consistent service standards and reduce opportunities for worker exploitation. Others have pointed to oversight weaknesses in the current system, saying they have led to uneven quality and limited responsibility.
Initial details indicate that the rollout would begin with selected simple professions. The annual cost of the visa is projected to fall between KD750 and KD1,000, with renewals subject to compliance with regulatory conditions.
Prospective applicants would need to provide verified residential information, an approved email address and complete personal documentation, alongside additional requirements that authorities are expected to outline once the implementing regulations are finalized.
