Kuwait has officially lifted its 19-year-old visa ban on Pakistani citizens, resuming the issuance of multiple visa categories including work, family, business, tourist, and visit visas. The announcement was confirmed by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis on Monday.
Speaking to the media, Mustafa Malik, the focal person for the ministry, hailed the decision as a historic breakthrough in Pakistan-Kuwait bilateral relations, paving the way for enhanced trade, tourism, and employment opportunities for Pakistanis.
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“This is a historic moment,” Malik said. “The credit goes to the Kuwaiti government and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis for their tireless efforts in restoring visa access for Pakistani citizens.”
Kuwait had suspended visa services for Pakistanis nearly two decades ago, citing administrative concerns. The lifting of the ban now enables thousands of Pakistani professionals and skilled workers to once again pursue job opportunities in the Gulf state, contributing to Pakistan’s remittance-driven economy.
Highlighting the financial benefits, Malik noted that the Kuwaiti Dinar is currently the strongest currency in the world, with one dinar equivalent to Rs914, making employment in Kuwait especially lucrative for overseas Pakistanis.
Under the new arrangement, Pakistani nationals can now apply for the following visa categories:
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Work visas
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Family visit visas
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Tourist visas
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Business visas
All applications will be processed through an online portal, ensuring a swift and transparent system. The processing time is expected to range from as little as one minute to a maximum of 24 hours, depending on the visa type and documentation.
“This development will not only benefit Pakistani families through reunification and economic growth, but also deepen our ties with Kuwait,” Malik added.
The news has been widely welcomed by overseas Pakistanis and labor market stakeholders, especially as Pakistan seeks to expand its foreign employment footprint in the Gulf region.
