Kuwait to allow repatriation flights, amnesty underway for expats without valid visas

Airlines will be permitted to operate outbound flights from Kuwait to repatriate expats, the country’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced on Saturday.

Airliners can schedule flights to “several destinations” in accordance with the cabinet decision made on April 9, the official Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.

It comes as Kuwait continues with its amnesty campaign for expatriates who do not have valid residency permits in the country.

The initiative, in place from April 1-30, allows residency violators to leave the country without paying any fines and offers them a chance to return to the country later with the right documents.

Filipinos could apply from April 1-5 and Egyptians from April 6-10, while Bangladeshi nationals can apply from April 11-15, Indians from April 16-20, Sri Lankans from April 21-25 and other nationalities from April 26-30.

Special centres have been set up to assist those wishing to avail the amnesty.

Expatriates taking part in the scheme are also placed in housing facilities and offered meals until their departure, the Ministry of Interior said.

Following the first five days, the ministry said a plane with 300 Filipinos who applied for the amnesty left for Manila.

Philippine Embassy welfare officer Llewelyn Perez told local daily Kuwait Times that the process was very smooth.

However, she confirmed that some applications were rejected for various reasons.

“Unfortunately, some Filipinos were rejected, including those who have outstanding dues owed to local banks, individuals and telcos. They are not permitted to leave. Those with outstanding cases in the court are also being rejected,” she said.