The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through Administrative Circular No. 11 of 2024, clarified that the restriction on individuals holding Article 18 (Private Company Visa) from establishing, renewing, or amending companies and institutions is temporary and specifically applies to amendment and renewal procedures. The ministry emphasized that existing licenses remain valid and are not affected by this restriction.**

In an official post on its social media platform “X,” the ministry confirmed that current licenses continue to be in effect and reassured that coordination with government agencies is ongoing to revise regulatory controls for foreign partners and managers. A senior source within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reiterated that the temporary suspension of expatriate licenses under Article 18 is intended only until the necessary amendments and renewals are completed. The source also assured that existing licenses are unaffected, and the ministry is actively collaborating with other government entities to update regulations governing foreign partners and managers to strengthen the Kuwaiti economy. Additionally, the source highlighted that the ministry is fully committed to assisting license holders and facilitating their procedures at any time, underscoring that the ministry’s goal is to organize, not disrupt, business activities.