It looks like repercussions of the Corona crisis have succeeded in modifying demographics. The total number of expats who have valid residence permits and are outside Kuwait are about 365,000 and those whose residence have expired are 147,000.

There has been a decrease in the number of expats in Kuwait in the past few months where a huge number of expats left Kuwait, besides this residence of expats were not renewed by their sponsors or they didn’t wish to return.

The number of expats holding valid residence is around 2.65 million whereas before the Corona crisis there were 3.3 million reports Al Rai.

The sources stated that residence violators were about 132,000. It is expected that 40,000 expats will take advantage of a deadline granted by the Ministry of Interior and legalize their status from next month from 1st Dec to 31st Dec.

The Ministry of Interior and the Public Authority for Manpower are looking for a mechanism to find a solution to disputes between the workers and sponsors and come up with specific solutions that will lift the block/case of the absconding expats. Thousands of residence violators have legal issues with their sponsors. It will be a challenge for them either to legalize their status or leave the country.

To resolve the issue the Residency affairs department will work during morning and evening periods to facilitate the procedures for those who wish to legalize their status and take advantage of the decision which will begin from next month. Plans are underway for a mechanism in how to handle a large crowd turnover and limit the visitors so that with utmost health safety precautions will be taken.

SOURCE: ARABTIMES KUWAIT