Kuwait announces January 1 as public holiday for New Year 2026

Kuwait’s Civil Service Bureau has announced that all ministries, government bodies, public institutions, and agencies will remain closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026, on the occasion of the New Year holidays.

According to foreign media reports, official working hours will resume on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

However, entities with special operational requirements will determine their holiday schedules through the concerned competent authorities, in line with public interest considerations.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced new regulations related to residency and visit visas for expatriates.

According to Gulf News, under the newly introduced administrative regulations, a monthly fee of 10 Kuwaiti dinars has been set for entry and visit visas. The new fee structure came into effect on December 23, 2025.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the Ministry of Interior said that entry and residency visas for foreign investors are issued under Law No. 116/2013 upon the request of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA).

Under the regulations, eligible foreign investors may be granted ordinary residence permits for up to 15 years, in accordance with rules set by the Council of Ministers.

Such permits are issued based on an official request from KDIPA confirming that the applicant meets all required conditions.

The executive regulations also introduce a four-month grace period for the registration of births of foreign nationals.

After the expiry of this period, fines will be imposed starting at two Kuwaiti dinars per day during the first month, increasing to four Kuwaiti dinars per day thereafter.

The law further outlines new provisions concerning domestic workers.

According to the regulations, domestic workers must be at least 21 years old and not older than 60.

Entry permits for domestic workers will be issued upon the employer’s request in coordination with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.