February 21, New Delhi – Kuwait is considering introducing a regulated freelance visa as part of broader labor market reforms. The proposal was announced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahd Al Yousef during discussions with representatives from the private sector.
The new scheme would allow expatriates to work independently without a traditional sponsor under a formal legal framework. The move aims to curb the trading of residency permits, address irregular labor practices, and manage rising wages in low-skilled sectors, where daily earnings have increased sharply.
The reform is expected to benefit Kuwait's large Indian expatriate community, estimated at over one million people. Initial plans indicate that the first phase will cover basic professions, with annual fees projected between 750 and 1,000 Kuwaiti dinars.