Kuwait is a small yet flourishing nation in the Arabian Gulf. It has been an attraction point for tourists and foreigners who want to live there. The recent developments in the country have offered numerous employment opportunities. Plus, it’s a golden opportunity for startups, as the nation and its spending power are growing rapidly.
It can be your new place to call home. Their growing economy is fueled by oil wealth. Kuwait attracts thousands of expatriates each year. Before you move to Kuwait, you must have a clear knowledge of its legal framework. An idea about its cultural norms, and social traditions will make your journey easier. Let’s find out some unique Kuwait rules that foreigners need to know to live in Kuwait.
1. Residency Regulations
Do you want to live or work in Kuwait? This is something you must be already aware of: the visa regulations. There are numerous types of visas available, including work visas, family visas, visit visas, and student visas. You should get one that suits your demands.
- Work Visas (Iqama): To get a work visa, a foreigner must have a job offer from a Kuwaiti employer who will act as their sponsor. You must submit the necessary documents, such as a passport, national ID of your country, medical certificate, and police clearance. Depending on your work, more documents can be required. It will take a few days or even weeks to get approved. Then, the employee receives an Iqama, which is a residency permit linked to their employment.
- Family Visas: Expatriates with valid residency permits can sponsor their immediate family members. These include spouses and children – siblings are not included in this list. Keep in mind that sponsoring individuals must fulfill minimum salary requirements that usually fall from KWD 450-600 per month. The values may vary according to the family size.
- Visit Visas: Visit visas are issued for short-term stays and are valid for up to 3 months. They are used for tourism, business meetings, or visiting family members in Kuwait.
Don’t forget that overstaying a visa can result in hefty fines. This is a legal crime that may lead to deportation and possible bans on re-entry.
2. Employment and Labor Laws in Kuwait
Employment has to be sorted out before you move to Kuwait; after all, without earning, you cannot stay there for long. Kuwait has defined some labor laws to protect the rights of employers and employees, but they come with certain regulations that foreigners must follow.
- Contractual Agreements: Employment contracts in Kuwait must be in Arabic and highlight the details such as job roles, salaries, working hours, and benefits. Even though English versions are common, the Arabic version is recommended.
- Working Hours and Overtime: The standard working week in Kuwait is 48 hours. Mostly, it is divided into six 8-hour days. Being an Islamic country, during Ramadan, working hours are cut back to 36 hours per week. Overtime pay is provided at 1.25 to 1.5 times the normal wage – as obligated by the laws.
- End-of-Service Benefits: Foreign employees are granted an end-of-service gratuity once their contract ends. It is calculated according to the length of service and final salary.
Kuwait’s labor market heavily relies on expatriates, as they make up more than 70% of the total population. Yet, the government’s “Kuwaitization” policy has been introduced to favor the localities rather than foreigners. This can impact job opportunities for foreigners in multiple sectors.
3. Social Behavior
Since you are visiting a new country, you must be respectful of their social traditions. This is only possible if you know what is considered appropriate in their cultural terms. Kuwait is more liberal than most of its Gulf neighbors, but it still follows some conservative values that come from Islamic traditions.
- Dress Code: Modesty is paramount. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, and men should avoid wearing shorts in public places. Western attire is acceptable in private spaces, but in public areas, you must respect their local traditions.
- Public Behavior: Public displays of affection, even if it is towards your better half are not common. Kissing or holding hands is frowned upon and can bring up fines or legal action. Plus, swearing, and making offensive gestures can cause legal issues.
- Drugs: The import, sale, and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited in Kuwait. If alcohol or any type of drugs are found, you will experience intense penalties. It is mostly classified as imprisonment and deportation. Even trace amounts of illegal substances can cause serious legal trouble.
- Social Media Usage: Kuwait has stringent cybercrime laws. Criticizing the government, or religious figures on social media is another common issue. If found guilty, you will be compelled to pay fines, or in severe cases, deportation is the outcome. It is advisable to maintain a respectful and neutral online presence.
4. Driving
Driving in Kuwait is a convenient way to go anywhere around the city, but you must be aware of some Kuwait rules and regulations. They are mostly similar to the ones being followed by other countries – but it’s better to have a look.
Foreigners must have a valid residential permit in Kuwait to apply for a local driver’s license. Certain professions and salary thresholds are required. You must pass written and practical driving tests.
Talking about the driving laws,Kuwait has strict traffic laws. Violations of any of these can result in hefty fines and imprisonment. Even deportation is possible for serious offenses. Speed limits are followed strictly and driving under the influence is a criminal offense.
Kuwait has a developing public transportation system; many expatriates rely on private vehicles for daily traveling. Carpooling services and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem are also highly utilized.
5. Financial Regulations
To open a bank account, expatriates must provide a valid residency permit and a salary certificate from their employer. Kuwait has a well-developed banking sector with local and international banks.
The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) is the country’s official currency and is one of the highest-valued currencies in the world. It’s important to familiarize oneself with currency exchange rates and transaction fees.
In a Nutshell!
Living in Kuwait can be an exciting part of your life because of their unique traditions and cultures. However, before you make this decision, you must learn about the Kuwaiti rules and traditions. This is paramount to avoid legal troubles. No matter why you are moving to Kuwait, you should be mindful of their laws.