The Residency Affairs Departments in the six governorates opened their doors on Sunday morning to receive applications from expatriates who are in violation of residency and labor laws and wish to benefit from the amnesty to amend their status, as per the conditions set by the Ministry of Interior. Al-Seyassah visited several residency affairs departments and noticed a significantly lower number of visitors on the first day, especially in Jahra, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, and Ahmadi departments compared to Hawally and Farwaniya departments. Security sources reported that the number of expatriates applying to amend their status on the first day did not exceed 500. This is attributed to the fact that some violators under Article 18 visas require obtaining a new work permit and a sponsor for a new company, which takes time. Coordination is in place between the Directorate General of Residence Affairs, the airport, and border crossings for the departure of violators without paying fines. Those in violation can pay their fines, leave the country, and return without facing repercussions. The amnesty, estimated to benefit around 120,000 residency law violators of various nationalities, allows them to amend their status by paying owed fines and avoiding legal prosecution. It is expected that the number of violators visiting departments will increase in the coming days to take advantage of the amnesty.

Meanwhile, an anonymous expatriate mentioned that some violators lack sufficient funds to pay fines, up to a maximum of KD 600, and face difficulties transferring sponsorships to new companies, leaving them stuck in their current situation. Another expatriate praised the Ministry of Interior for issuing the amnesty, considering it a humanitarian gesture tailored to the circumstances of violators. He emphasized the importance of the opportunity, especially for those who have been with their families for extended periods, allowing them to amend their status without fear of prosecution or deportation. The amnesty, effective for three months starting yesterday until June 17, offers violators the chance to leave the country without fines and return through new procedures. However, expatriates wanted in financial cases with final judicial rulings cannot benefit from the amnesty until these matters are resolved.

Documents required to benefit from the amnesty include a passport copy, civil ID copy, new work permit, sponsor’s card copy, signature authorization, and an application form.