The Ministry of Interior in Kuwait has introduced a new regulation requiring expatriate children to obtain explicit approval from their father before leaving the country. This new rule, implemented by the General Administration of Ports – Airport Passports Department, mandates that guardians sign a statement prepared by the Passports Department, ensuring their consent for the child's departure.

Under this regulation, expatriate children cannot leave Kuwait without their father's approval, even if they are accompanied by their mother or another relative. The rule is now in effect at all ports of departure, making it a mandatory requirement for all expatriate children.

A Ministry spokesperson clarified that the primary purpose of this regulation is to prevent potential issues arising from marital disputes. Specifically, the rule aims to prevent situations where a mother might travel abroad with her children without the father's consent, potentially leading to legal complications or custody disputes.

The new regulation applies uniformly across all ports in Kuwait, ensuring that no child leaves the country without the father's explicit approval and signature. This requirement applies regardless of whether the child is traveling with their mother or another guardian.

The Ministry emphasized that this regulation is designed to protect the rights and responsibilities of both parents, particularly in cases where the father legally sponsors the child within the country. The rule addresses concerns about children in the father's custody being taken abroad without his consent, which is considered a legal infraction under the new regulations.