ISLAMABAD: Kuwait has officially resumed issuing a broad range of visas to Pakistani citizens, marking a significant step to strengthen bilateral ties and meet critical labour demands, Gulf media reported on Monday.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Zaffar Iqbal, confirmed that the Gulf state had recently welcomed the arrival of 125 Pakistani nurses as part of plans to bring 1,200 healthcare professionals to Kuwait.
Kuwait had halted visa issuance to passport holders from Pakistan, Iran, Syria, and Afghanistan in 2011 over security concerns. The ban has now been lifted to allow work, family, visit, tourist, and commercial visas for Pakistanis.
The Overseas Pakistanis Ministry’s focal person welcomed the move, highlighting its potential to create employment, trade, and tourism opportunities, while boosting foreign exchange earnings for Pakistan.
Dr. Iqbal further revealed that Pakistani visa approvals have started this month, reopening a crucial travel and employment channel between the two countries.
He also noted that Pakistan and Kuwait are finalizing a new labour memorandum of understanding to facilitate smoother worker mobility and cooperation, with some provisions already being implemented ahead of the formal signing.
