Kuwait lifts 19-year visa ban on Pakistanis

Kuwait has lifted a 19-year visa ban on Pakistani citizens, opening the door to jobs, business, and tourism opportunities, officials said on Monday.

Mustafa Malik, spokesperson for the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, said Kuwait is now issuing work, family, visit, tourist, and commercial visas to Pakistanis.

“This marks a new chapter in Pakistan-Kuwait relations, thanks to the Kuwaiti government and our ministry,” Malik said.

Malik credited Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain for leading the diplomatic efforts.

According to Malik, the move will help Pakistan secure valuable foreign exchange as Pakistani workers take up jobs in Kuwait. “The Kuwaiti dinar is the strongest currency in the world, with one dinar equal to 914 Pakistani rupees,” he said.

Under the new policy, Pakistani citizens can apply for family visit visas, business visas, tourist visas, and work visas. Malik noted that applications can be submitted online, with processing times ranging from one minute to 24 hours.

Calling Kuwait’s decision “a historic moment,” Malik said it offers new hope and a fresh era in bilateral ties.

Malik also highlighted a May 2025 agreement between Pakistan and Italy. Through the efforts of Minister Hussain and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at stopping illegal immigration and creating legal job channels.

The agreement was signed at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad, between Hussain, Naqvi, and Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. Malik called the deal “a historic milestone,” making Italy the first European country to directly sign an MoU for Pakistani labor.

He said the success came after nine years of delays and one year of continuous diplomatic work. Under the MoU, Italy will set an annual job quota for Pakistanis.

Malik added that Pakistan’s federal government has also finalized an agreement with Belarus for training and employment of skilled workers.

Arab countries, too, are showing growing interest in hiring skilled Pakistani workers, he said.

According to Malik, the government is committed to ensuring dignified job opportunities for Pakistani workers worldwide.