The Kuwaiti government has officially resumed issuing a broad range of visas to Pakistani nationals, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations and addressing Kuwait’s labor demands on Monday.

Mustafa Malik, spokesperson and focal person for the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, confirmed that Kuwait has started granting work, family, visit, tourist, and commercial visas to Pakistanis.

This visa resumption is expected to open up numerous employment, trade, and tourism opportunities for thousands of Pakistanis in Kuwait. The visas can be applied for online, with processing times ranging from one minute to 24 hours.

In a related development in May 2025, efforts by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi led to the signing of an MoU between Pakistan and Italy aimed at preventing illegal immigration and providing employment opportunities for Pakistanis. Italy has become the first European country to directly sign such an MoU to recruit Pakistani workers.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Zaffar Iqbal, confirmed plans to bring 1,200 Pakistani nurses to support Kuwait’s healthcare sector, which is experiencing rising demand. Although the first group of 125 nurses faced delays due to housing issues, “Special teams are actively resolving the issue, and we expect the nurses to arrive in the coming days,” Dr. Iqbal stated.

After a 19-year hiatus, Pakistani citizens are once again receiving approvals for multiple visa categories, restoring an important channel for travel and employment between the two countries. Dr. Iqbal also revealed that Pakistan and Kuwait are nearing the final stages of signing a new labour MoU to facilitate worker mobility and cooperation. “Some provisions are already being implemented ahead of the formal signing,” he noted.

Highlighting the deep-rooted ties, the ambassador said, “The bond between Pakistan and Kuwait predates both nations’ modern statehoods.” He recalled how Pakistani engineers and workers played a key role in Kuwait’s infrastructure development during the 1960s and 70s.

With over 93,000 Pakistanis living in Kuwait, they contribute significantly to healthcare, education, and various other sectors. “Our citizens are exemplary and respected contributors,” Dr. Iqbal emphasized.

The ambassador pointed out the strong economic collaboration between the two countries, particularly in food security, agriculture, housing, and infrastructure—areas aligned with Kuwait’s Vision 2035 goals. Kuwaiti investors are among the largest Gulf investors in Pakistan, holding assets including hotels, which reflects strong confidence in the Pakistani market.

Dr. Iqbal also recalled Pakistan’s military support during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and praised the enduring defense ties forged through shared sacrifice. He highlighted frequent high-level engagements between Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Kuwait’s leadership in recent months.

“Kuwait plays a key role in regional peace-building and international diplomacy,” the ambassador added, noting the close cooperation at the United Nations. He acknowledged Kuwait’s instrumental support in Pakistan’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, which received overwhelming global backing.