In a significant development for Pakistan-Kuwait relations, the Kuwaiti government has officially resumed issuing work, family visit, dependent, tourist, and commercial visas to Pakistani citizens. The announcement was made by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Zaffar Iqbal, on Saturday.
The move is seen as a major step toward enhancing bilateral ties and addressing Kuwait’s labor market demands. “The Kuwaiti government aims to strengthen relations with Pakistan and fulfill its critical workforce requirements by facilitating visa access for Pakistanis,” said Dr. Iqbal.
Boost to Healthcare Sector: 1,200 Nurses Expected
Dr. Iqbal also revealed that Kuwait is set to welcome 1,200 Pakistani nurses as part of efforts to support its growing healthcare sector. “An initial batch of 125 nurses was scheduled to arrive last week, but their deployment was delayed due to housing arrangements. Special teams are working to resolve the issue, and we anticipate their arrival shortly,” he stated.
Visa Approvals Restarted This Month
Pakistani citizens began receiving visa approvals across multiple categories earlier this month. The resumption marks the restoration of vital labor and travel channels between the two countries, after a period of restrictions.
New Labor Agreement Underway
Ambassador Iqbal also confirmed that Pakistan and Kuwait are in the final stages of signing a new labor memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement is expected to streamline worker mobility, enhance protections, and promote long-term cooperation.
“Some elements of the MoU are already being implemented informally to accelerate progress,” he added.
Background and Significance
The resumption of visa services is expected to have a positive impact on employment opportunities for Pakistani workers, especially in healthcare, construction, and commercial sectors. It also supports thousands of families and business travelers who rely on accessible travel between the two countries.
With over 100,000 Pakistanis currently residing in Kuwait, the reactivation of visas is a welcome development for expatriates and their families.
