Kamal Ghorui
As per the latest development, Kuwait is considering to introduce a regulated freelance visa, which is in line with its broader efforts to reform its labour market and curb the long-standing trade in residency permits. As per the reports by newsonair, the proposal was announced by Sheikh Fahd Al Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Kuwait, during a meeting with private sector representatives. The planned scheme would allow expatriates to work independently without requiring a traditional sponsor, and under a regulated legal framework.
Tackling residency trade and labour irregularities
Officials say the initiative is aimed at addressing persistent problems linked to unregulated labour practices, residency brokerage and rising wages in certain low-skilled sectors. In some cases, daily earnings for basic services have reportedly exceeded 25 Kuwaiti dinars, highlighting distortions in segments of the labour market. The existing sponsorship system in Kuwait forces foreign workers to be sponsored by a particular sponsor, which has been criticized for allowing unregulated sponsorship and the illegal trading of work permits. The freelance visa, in this case, would serve as a paradigm shift, as it will let people to work on their own within predetermined legal framework. Read more: Tourism revival in J&K: All sites expected to reopen by May, 9 new destinations planned, says CM Omar Abdullah
Potential impact on Indian expatriates
The measure could have significant implications for the large Indian community in Kuwait, which is the country’s biggest expatriate group. According to official estimates, approximately 1.05 million Indians live and work in Kuwait. A freelance permit could provide greater job flexibility for skilled and semi-skilled workers, enabling them to take up independent assignments without relying on informal sponsorship arrangements. It may also reduce vulnerability to middlemen and residency brokers, who have historically played a role in irregular labour setups. Read more: Karnataka: Safaris resume operations in Bandipur, Nagarahole from today under tight guidelinesInitial plans suggest that the first phase of the scheme would focus on basic professions. Annual fees are expected to range between 750 and 1,000 Kuwaiti dinars. Further details regarding the operation of the new visa will likely be made clear as the proposal draws closer to being implemented. Although it is still in the proposal stage, the freelance visa proposal indicates that Kuwait is moving towards modernizing its labor system and implementing a more regulated system that has been criticized for its loopholes and abuse.
