2024 Amnesty Program In Kuwait

  In 2024, Kuwait introduced a significant three-month amnesty program coinciding with Ramadan, aimed at expatriates who had violated the country’s residency laws. This initiative provided a much-needed lifeline for foreign workers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), allowing them to rectify their status without incurring immigration fines. Now that the amnesty period has ended, let’s delve into the details of this program and its impact on OFWs and other expatriates in Kuwait.  

Purpose of the Amnesty Program

The primary objective of Kuwait’s amnesty program was to address the status of foreign workers who had overstayed their residencies or whose Civil IDs had expired. The Kuwaiti government recognized the challenges faced by these expatriates and offered them an opportunity to either regularize their residency or leave the country without facing severe penalties.  

Benefits for Overstaying Foreigners

The amnesty offered several benefits to overstaying foreigners, including OFWs:

• Departure Without Fines: Overstaying foreigners and their family members were allowed to leave Kuwait during the amnesty period without paying immigration fines.
• Resolution of Travel Bans: Those with travel bans or pending criminal complaints were permitted to depart only after resolving these issues.
• Residency Adjustment: Expatriates could adjust their immigration status to continue their residency in Kuwait if they desired.

 

Returning After Departure

Expatriates who left Kuwait during the amnesty period were allowed to return, provided they complied with the country’s entry requirements. This provision ensured that those who took advantage of the amnesty to leave could potentially return to Kuwait for work or other purposes in the future.  

Consequences After the Amnesty Period

The amnesty period ran from March 17, 2024, to June 17, 2024, and had been extended until June 30, 2024. Expatriates who have not regularized their status or chosen to leave face serious consequences. Those who refuse to depart are subject to arrest and permanent deportation, emphasizing the importance of taking advantage of the amnesty.  

Assistance for OFWs

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) played a crucial role in assisting OFWs during the amnesty period. The DMW’s Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Kuwait provided comprehensive support, including:

• Information and Guidance: The MWO provided detailed information and guidance on the amnesty process, ensuring that OFWs were well-informed about their options.
• Repatriation Facilitation: The DMW prepared to facilitate the repatriation of OFWs who chose to return to the Philippines during the amnesty period.
• Passport Renewal: For overstaying Filipinos without a valid passport, the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait facilitated the application for new passports necessary for regularization or repatriation.

 

Contact Information for OFWs

For additional information and assistance, OFWs in Kuwait could reach out to the MWO-Kuwait through:

• Hotlines:
  • 6040-3858
  • 6558-5355
  • 9403-9063
• Email: mwo_kuwait@dmw.gov.ph

These channels were crucial for providing timely support and resolving any queries related to the amnesty program.  

Reflecting on the Amnesty Program’s Impact

The 2024 amnesty program in Kuwait was a significant initiative that provided expatriates, including OFWs, with an opportunity to rectify their residency status or leave the country without facing harsh penalties. With the support of the DMW and the MWO in Kuwait, many OFWs were able to navigate the amnesty process successfully. As the amnesty period, which was extended to June 30, 2024, concluded, those who did not comply now face the risk of arrest and permanent deportation. This program underscored the importance of adhering to residency laws and the valuable support systems in place for OFWs in Kuwait.

By focusing on the amnesty program, Kuwait demonstrated its willingness to address the challenges faced by expatriates and provided a pathway for regularization and repatriation. This initiative was a beacon of hope for many OFWs, allowing them to resolve their residency issues and plan for a better future.  

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