Expatriate workers must meet higher minimum salary to sponsor family members

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Kuwait has increased the minimum salary required for foreign nationals to sponsor their family members.

What does the change mean? A foreign worker must earn at least 450 dinars (about US$1,485) per month to sponsor their spouse and children. Additionally, the salary must derive solely from the job for which the residency visa was issued.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate.
• Visas/permits affected: Family visas.
• Who is affected: Foreign residents in Kuwait seeking to bring their spouse and children to Kuwait.
• Business impact: Expatriate employees in junior positions making less than the minimum salary threshold should be aware that they will be prevented from sponsoring their spouse and children. Residents already in Kuwait who do not meet the minimum may request an exemption.
• Background: The interior minister announced the increase in the threshold salary requirement Oct. 12. Previously, the minimum monthly salary for an expatriate employee to sponsor family dependents was 250 dinars.

BAL Analysis: The increase is aimed at limiting the number of foreigners in Kuwait, who make up about nearly 70 percent of the population. Employers should note that the policy will affect a greater number of foreign employees at the lower end of the salary scale.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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