New requirements for commercial visa applications

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Ministry of Interior has introduced new document authentication requirements for foreign nationals submitting commercial visa applications.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals submitting bachelor’s degrees will be required to follow additional document authentication requirements when applying for commercial visas.

• Implementation date: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/ permits affected: Commercial visas.
• Who is affected: Foreign nationals with bachelor’s degrees applying for commercial visas.

Additional information: The new requirements are as follows:

• All nationals residing in a non-GCC country must have bachelor’s degrees attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Kuwait in their country. Additionally, the original degree must be sent to Kuwait for attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• All nationals residing in GCC countries must submit attested copies of degrees and copies of residency documents, and have the degree attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Kuwait in the GCC country.

Background: The Ministry of Interior implemented new requirements for Egyptian nationals in November after determining that many degrees issued in Egypt were forged. Shortly thereafter, the requirements were expanded to all bachelor’s degree holders submitting commercial visa applications.

Analysis & Comments: The changes introduce additional document authentication requirements for degree holders and will lengthen preparation time for affected applicants.

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