Kuwait has officially lifted its 19-year visa ban on Pakistani citizens and resumed issuing a wide range of visas, including work, family, visit, tourist, and business categories.
The visa restrictions were initially imposed in 2011 due to security concerns and had affected citizens of Pakistan, Iran, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Over the years, Pakistan made several diplomatic efforts to have the ban lifted. In 2017, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif personally appealed for the restoration of visas during an official visit to Kuwait. However, a complete resumption remained pending until now.
On Tuesday, the Government of Pakistan confirmed the development through an announcement on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a major diplomatic achievement and a step towards deeper bilateral cooperation. The move is being widely welcomed by Pakistani expatriates and those seeking job and business opportunities in Kuwait.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Zaffar Iqbal, stated that members of the Pakistani community have already started receiving visa approvals. He also shared that both countries are in the advanced stages of finalising a new labour memorandum of understanding, aimed at increasing employment opportunities and cooperation in technical fields.
Kuwait had earlier relaxed its visa policy in May 2021 by resuming visa issuance for Pakistani businessmen and families, and for technical workers in the oil and medical sectors. However, the latest announcement marks the complete restoration of visa services for all major categories.
Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Kuwait were established in October 1963. Since then, the two countries have shared friendly ties and collaborated on various international platforms including the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Financial Action Task Force. According to Kuwaiti government estimates, approximately 95,000 Pakistani nationals currently reside in Kuwait.
The resumption of visas is expected to increase employment opportunities for Pakistani workers, ease family reunification, and facilitate greater business and tourism exchanges between the two nations.
