Kuwait Lifts 19-Year Visa Ban on Pakistanis. Great news for Pakistanis! After nearly two decades, Kuwait has officially lifted its 19-year visa ban on Pakistanis, reopening doors for employment, family reunions, and tourism. The announcement marks a major diplomatic success between both nations and strengthens ties that have existed since 1963.
This decision allows Pakistani citizens to once again apply for Kuwait work, family, visit, tourist, and business visas — creating new opportunities for skilled professionals and families alike.
Why the Kuwait Visa Ban Was Imposed
In 2011, Kuwait stopped issuing visas to citizens of Pakistan, Iran, Syria, and Afghanistan. The reason given was security concerns due to unstable regional conditions at that time.
For years, Pakistani authorities continued diplomatic efforts to have the ban lifted. Even former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, during his visit to Kuwait in 2017, personally requested that Kuwait restore visa access for Pakistani nationals. However, the restriction continued for almost 19 years, affecting workers, families, and traders.
Timeline of Visa Developments
| Year | Key Event |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Kuwait imposed visa ban on Pakistan, Iran, Syria, and Afghanistan. |
| 2017 | Former PM Nawaz Sharif raised the issue during official visit but no breakthrough achieved. |
| May 2021 | Kuwait partially resumed visas for Pakistani families and businesspeople. |
| 2025 | Kuwait fully lifted the 19-year visa ban and resumed all categories including work and tourist visas. |
Kuwait Resumes Work, Family, and Business Visas
According to an official post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Government of Pakistan, Kuwait has now resumed the issuance of:
- Work Visas
- Family Visas
- Visit Visas
- Tourist Visas
- Business Visas
This historic move has been described as a “major diplomatic achievement” and a sign of deeper bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Kuwait.
Official Statement
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Zaffar Iqbal, confirmed the great news:
“Community members have already begun receiving approvals, marking a positive step forward,” he said.
He also revealed that both countries are in the final stages of signing a new labour Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will strengthen worker mobility and employment regulations.
What the New Visa Policy Means for Pakistanis
The resumption of Kuwait visas is expected to benefit thousands of Pakistanis looking for opportunities in the Gulf.
Below is a summary of what this new development means:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Eligible Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Work Visa | For skilled and semi-skilled workers in medical, oil, and construction sectors | Workers with valid job offers |
| Family Visa | To reunite families of expatriates living in Kuwait | Spouse and children of workers |
| Business Visa | For entrepreneurs and traders attending business meetings | Businesspersons with Kuwaiti partners |
| Tourist Visa | For short-term travel and tourism | Individuals visiting Kuwait temporarily |
| Visit Visa | For relatives or short stays | Friends or family of Kuwaiti residents |
Sectors Opening for Pakistani Workers
Kuwait’s Ministry of Labour and Human Resources has identified several key industries that require foreign workers, particularly from Pakistan.
High-Demand Sectors:
- Healthcare and Nursing
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Construction and Engineering
- Technical and IT Services
- Domestic and Support Services
In 2021, Kuwait had already agreed to issue technical visas for Pakistani professionals in medical and oil fields, and this full restoration further widens the employment scope.
Diplomatic Relations Between Pakistan and Kuwait
Pakistan and Kuwait have shared strong diplomatic relations since 1963. Both countries have cooperated closely on international platforms like:
- United Nations (UN)
- Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
- Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
Facts About the Pakistani Community in Kuwait:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| First Diplomatic Ties | October 1963 |
| Pakistani Population in Kuwait | Around 95,000 nationals |
| Key Employment Sectors | Health, construction, services, and oil industry |
| Language and Cultural Ties | Urdu widely understood among expat communities |
This reopening will likely increase the number of Pakistani professionals and families moving to Kuwait for better opportunities.
Reactions from Officials and Community
The decision was warmly welcomed by both governments and Pakistani expatriates.
Ambassador Dr. Zaffar Iqbal said that the move represents trust and growing partnership between the two nations.
Pakistani officials also called it a “win for foreign employment and diplomacy”, highlighting that it could generate millions in remittances and boost manpower exports to the Gulf.
Community members in Kuwait expressed happiness, noting that this step will finally allow families to reunite and businesses to flourish after years of separationEconomic Impact of the Visa Restoration
The restoration of Kuwait visas will create a positive economic impact for both countries.
For Pakistan:
- Increase in foreign remittances
- More job opportunities for skilled workers
- Strengthening of bilateral trade
For Kuwait:
- Access to trained manpower in healthcare, oil, and construction
- Reinforcement of labour supply for ongoing infrastructure projects
- Enhanced diplomatic goodwill and regional cooperation
According to economic experts, thousands of Pakistanis could soon benefit from new job openings in the Gulf state.
How to Apply for Kuwait Work Visa from Pakistan
Now that visas are open again, here’s how Pakistani citizens can apply for a Kuwait work visa legally and safely:
- Get a Job Offer: Secure employment through a registered Kuwaiti employer or agency.
- Receive Visa Authorization: The employer applies for your visa approval in Kuwait.
- Submit Documents: Provide your passport, medical test results, and police clearance.
- Apply Through Kuwaiti Embassy: Visit the Kuwait Embassy in Islamabad or consulate in Karachi.
- Wait for Stamping: The embassy stamps the visa once cleared.
- Travel to Kuwait: Upon arrival, follow immigration procedures and obtain your civil ID.
Note: Avoid unofficial or “free visa” offers — always use registered agencies approved by Pakistan’s Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC).
New Labour MoU — What to Expect
The upcoming labour memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to ensure:
- Protection of Pakistani workers’ rights
- Fair wages and working conditions
- Easier visa processing and renewal
- Digital tracking of work permits
Once finalized, it will simplify hiring processes and bring more transparency between employers and employees.
Conclusion
Kuwait’s decision to lift the 19-year visa ban on Pakistanis is a historic milestone. It symbolizes renewed friendship and growing cooperation between both nations.
With the resumption of work, family, tourist, and business visas, Pakistani professionals now have a golden chance to build better futures in Kuwait.
