ISLAMABAD: Kuwait has officially resumed issuing all major types of visas to Pakistani citizens after a 13-year gap, in a major step towards improving relations and meeting its labour needs, Gulf media reported .
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Zafar Iqbal, confirmed the development and said 125 Pakistani nurses had recently arrived in Kuwait. This is part of a larger plan to bring 1,200 Pakistani healthcare workers to the Gulf country.
Kuwait had stopped issuing visas to passport holders from Pakistan, Iran, Syria, and Afghanistan in 2011 due to security concerns. With the ban now lifted, Pakistanis can apply for work, family, visit, tourist, and commercial visas.
The move has been welcomed by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis. A spokesperson said it would open new doors for employment, trade, and tourism, while also helping Pakistan earn more foreign exchange.
Ambassador Iqbal also said that visa approvals for Pakistani citizens have already begun this month, reactivating a key route for travel and jobs.
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He added that Pakistan and Kuwait are close to signing a new labour agreement to make the hiring process smoother. “Some parts of the agreement are already being implemented before the formal signing,” he told Arab News.
Diplomats believe the latest development is likely to strengthen bilateral ties and create opportunities for thousands of Pakistani workers and professionals.
