Many expatriates in Kuwait are bracing for significant changes to visa and residency costs in 2025. The government has overhauled its fee structure for visit visas, residency renewals, and dependent sponsorships – the first major update in years. These changes affect virtually all expat workers and their families, sparking concerns about higher expenses for visiting relatives and renewing iqama (residence permits).

While officials say the reforms will streamline the system and boost state revenue, expats are worried about the immediate impact on their wallets. From a new KD 10 fee on every visit visa to doubled renewal fees for most residencies, the costs of living and bringing family to Kuwait are rising. Below we break down all the updated fees and rules, compare old vs new charges, and explain what they mean for you as an expat in Kuwait.

New Visit Visa Fees in Kuwait (2025)

Kuwait has introduced a flat KD 10 fee for all types of visit visas as part of the 2025 regulations. This applies to every entry visa, whether for tourism, family visits, business, medical treatment, or new employment. Previously, many of these visas were free or charged only a small stamp fee. Now, every visa issuance will cost KD 10.

• Tourist visit visas – KD 10
• Family visit visas – KD 10
• Business/commercial visit visas – KD 10
• Medical treatment visit visas – KD 10
• Work entry visas – KD 10
• Residency entry visas – KD 10

The visit visa can be extended once for another 3 months, and multiple-entry visas valid for 1 year are available (but each stay capped at 30 days).

Updated Residency Renewal Fees

The annual fees for renewing an iqama have increased for most expatriates:

• Government/private sector employees – KD 20/year (was KD 10)
• Students – KD 20/year
• Clergy/religious workers – KD 20/year
• Foreign investors & property owners – KD 50/year (was ~KD 10)
• Self-sponsored expats (Article 24) – KD 500/year (new category)
• Domestic workers – KD 10/year if sponsored by Kuwaitis

This means most working expats now pay KD 20 annually for their own residency. Specialized residencies like investors and self-sponsored pay significantly more.

Family Visa & Dependent Fees – What Expats Must Know

Bringing or keeping your family in Kuwait has become more expensive. Expatriates must earn at least KD 800/month to sponsor a spouse or children on a dependent visa.

Salary Requirement:

• Minimum income: KD 800 per month
• Degree requirement: Removed (salary only matters now)
• Exemptions: Teachers, nurses, imams, government engineers, and similar professions

Annual Residency Fees per Dependent:

• Spouse/children of private or government workers – KD 20/year (was KD 10)
• Spouse/children of investors or clergy – KD 40/year
• Spouse/children of self-sponsored expats – KD 100/year
• Parents or other relatives – KD 300/year (was ~KD 200)

Dependents like elderly parents require special approval, and the fees are significantly higher than for immediate family. Overstaying or falling below salary threshold can trigger cancellation of family visas.

Comparison Table: Old Fees vs New Fees

Work Permit Transfer Fee: KD 150 Standard Charge

Starting 2025, all work permit transfers across companies or sectors will require payment of a KD 150 fee. This applies to:

• Private to private company transfers
• Government to private or vice versa
• Local company to free zone or similar

Previously, transfer fees varied widely or were waived in many cases. The KD 150 rule now standardizes the cost for all types of employer transfers.

Other Important Rule Changes for Expats

• Residency stamping for newborns: Must be completed within 60 days of birth in Kuwait
• Health insurance: Mandatory health insurance required at the time of all visa renewals and new entries
• Converting visit visa to residency: Still allowed in some cases (e.g., for spouses/children or new work permit holders), but not for tourists. Official policy has not changed but enforcement varies.

Golden Visa & Long-Term Residency

While there is no confirmed launch of a UAE-style Golden Visa yet, Kuwait’s 2025 regulations introduced a new self-sponsored residency category (Article 24). It costs KD 500/year and is intended for retirees, investors, or those who want to reside in Kuwait independently without a sponsor.

Golden visa legislation has been discussed in Parliament, but no formal announcement or eligibility criteria have been issued as of November 2025.

Who Will Be Most Affected by the New Visa Fees?

The new visa and residency rules in Kuwait will impact:

• Mid-income expats with family: Especially those earning below KD 800, who cannot sponsor spouses or children anymore
• Workers with aging parents: Sponsoring parents now costs KD 300 annually, with stricter approval
• Frequent visitors: KD 10 applies for every short-term visit visa, even for medical or business purposes
• Investors or retirees: Higher fees (KD 50–500) for staying in Kuwait without employment sponsor

Overall, the changes increase costs for most expats – especially those maintaining dependents or switching jobs.

Practical Tips for Expats Planning Travel or Family Visits

• Budget for higher renewal and visit visa costs in 2025
• Confirm your monthly salary is officially recorded over KD 800 before applying for dependent visas
• Speak to your company PRO or mandoub before transferring or sponsoring dependents
• Consider annual health insurance renewal timing – it is now mandatory alongside residency
• Check visa types carefully before travel or conversion requests – visit visas may not convert easily

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When do the new Kuwait visa fees start?The new fee structure came into effect in 2025, after the executive regulations were published and approved by authorities.How much is the visit visa to Kuwait now?All visit visas now cost KD 10 regardless of type (tourist, family, business, medical, work entry, etc.).What is the new minimum salary to bring family to Kuwait?You must earn at least KD 800/month to sponsor a spouse or child on a dependent visa, with limited profession-based exemptions.How much is the fee to sponsor parents or other relatives?The dependent visa fee for parents and extended relatives is now KD 300 per year. Approval is subject to strict requirements.Are there any exemptions from the new fees?Yes – domestic workers employed by Kuwaiti citizens still pay KD 10. Teachers, medical staff, and clergy may have lower salary rules for family sponsorship.Can visit visas still be converted to residency in Kuwait?Yes, but only in limited cases (e.g., family reunification, approved job offer). Tourists and general visitors cannot convert.Will these fees change again soon?There’s no official statement yet. However, future fee adjustments or exceptions may be made based on government directives or economic needs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Ethiopia’s highest award, ‘The Great Honor Nishan of Ethiopia,’ by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The ceremony was held at the Addis International Convention Centre in Addis Ababa.

The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi stated that the award recognized Prime Minister Modi’s exceptional contributions to strengthening India-Ethiopia partnership and his visionary leadership as a global statesman.

The accolade marks a historic milestone in India-Ethiopia relations and underscores the deepening collaboration between the two nations in areas spanning investment, energy, education, and global governance.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ethiopia, his first bilateral trip to the country in 15 years, has been hailed as a significant step in advancing strategic cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and fostering people-to-people connections between the two countries.

In a landmark victory, senior journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty has been elected as the first woman president of the Press Club of India (PCI), one of the country’s most prestigious media institutions. Her panel achieved a resounding clean sweep, securing all office-bearer and managing committee positions with an emphatic 21-0 margin, signaling a strong mandate for inclusive leadership amid evolving challenges in the media landscape.

The elections, held on Saturday and with votes counted on Sunday, saw Pisharoty’s team dominate across the board. Afzal Imam clinched the General Secretary post with 948 votes, defeating Gyan Prakash’s 290. Jatin Gandhi secured the Vice President’s role with 1,029 votes, trouncing nearest rival Prahlad Singh Rajput by over 900 votes. Aditi Rajput was elected Treasurer unopposed, while P.R. Sunil took the Joint Secretary position without contest.

For the 16-member Managing Committee, Neeraj Kumar led with 932 votes, followed by Abhishek Kumar Singh (911), Jahanvi Sen (903), Ashok Kaushik (892), Kallol Bhattacharjee (882), Praveen Jain (878), Agraj Pratap Singh (865), Manoj Sharma (861), Nyanima Basu (851), P.B. Suresh (838), V.P. Pandey (833), Prem Bahukhandi (831), Sneha Bhura (829), Javed Akhtar (823), Rezaul Hasan Laskar (781), and Sunil Kumar (780). The diverse lineup spans print, digital, and broadcast journalism, underscoring a broad representational base.

Results were declared Sunday evening by PCI Chief Election Officer M.M.C. Sharma and his team on the Press Club’s lawn, amid a gathering of journalists. Pisharoty, addressing the crowd, attributed the win to members’ faith in her panel’s vision: “This victory reflects the confidence of the Press Club members in the thinking of her panel and its long-term commitment to the values of independent, fair, and responsible journalism.”

Outgoing President Gautam Lahiri expressed gratitude to members and voiced optimism about the new team’s direction: “I was confident that the new team would make the Press Club more inclusive, responsive, and in tune with the challenges of the times.”

The decisive outcome highlights robust support for Pisharoty’s leadership at a pivotal moment for Indian journalism, as the industry grapples with issues of press freedom, ethical standards, and institutional resilience. The incoming administration is poised to prioritize journalist welfare and reforms, fostering a more equitable space for the fraternity in the national capital.

The Ministry of Justice has announced the launch of a new digital service enabling users to obtain the full text of court judgments through the unified government electronic services application, Sahel, as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance digital transformation and streamline procedures for litigants.

In a statement issued today, the ministry said the service allows individuals to access the complete text of rulings directly through the application, without the need to visit courts, for submission to government bodies and entities that require official judgments, reports Al-Jarida daily.

The ministry stressed that the initiative aims to save time and effort for litigants by reducing visits to court facilities, accelerating the completion of transactions, and easing administrative burdens.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to expanding user-friendly digital services that simplify procedures and remove obstacles facing the public.

It noted that on November 18 it had also launched the “Family Insurance Fund Certificates” and “Court of Cassation Citation” services via the Sahel app, further supporting its goal of delivering efficient and accessible electronic services.

Anahat Singh applied the finishing touches as India created history by defeating top seeds Hong Kong China in the final to win the Squash World Cup 2025 title at the Express Avenue Mall in Chennai on Sunday.

The win marked India’s maiden Squash World Cup title, improving on their previous best finish of a bronze medal at the 2023 edition.

The Indian squash team, seeded second, did not lose a single match en route to the title.

After blanking Switzerland and Brazil by identical 4-0 margins in the group stage ties, India dominated South Africa and two-time winners Egypt 3-0 in the quarter and semi-finals, respectively, to earn a title clash at the mixed-team squash event.

On Sunday, veteran Joshna Chinappa, 79th in the PSA rankings, gave India the perfect start as she stunned world No. 37 Lee Ka Yi 3-1 (7-3, 2-7, 7-5, 7-1) in the opening women’s singles rubber.

Asian Games medalist Abhay Singh, India’s best-ranked men’s singles player at world No. 29, followed up perfectly as he did not drop a beat and outplayed the 42nd-ranked Alex Lau 3-0 (7-1, 7-4, 7-4) in 19 minutes to give India a 2-0 lead.

Playing to seal off a win and a historic title, the 17-year-old Anahat Singh stepped up and handled the pressure spectacularly.
Up against world No. 31 Tomato Ho, the Indian squash player, ranked 28th, was clinical as she picked up a 3-0 (7-2, 7-2, 7-5) win in the third rubber, ensuring India did not need men’s singles national champion Velavan Senthilkumar to enter the court against Henry Leung in the final match.

“An unbelievable evening, what more can I say?” Abhay Singh said. “I am so privileged to be able to do this with some really legendary teammates and what an end to the year and what a week.”

The victory also made India only the fourth nation after Australia, England and Egypt to win the Squash World Cup title in its five editions. This was also the third straight time that the meet was held in Chennai.

Squash is all set to make its Olympic debut at LA 2028.

Attorney General Saad Al-Safran has announced the creation of the Banking Affairs Prosecution Office, a specialized body dedicated to investigating banking-related crimes.

The move is described as one of the most significant steps in recent years to protect Kuwait’s banking system.

The new office will primarily focus on cases of electronic fraud, bank forgery, and issuing checks without sufficient funds, reports Al-Anba daily.

According to a statement from the Public Prosecution Office, the initiative comes in response to rapid financial transformations, making such a specialized entity an urgent necessity to strengthen confidence in banking transactions.

Attorney General Al-Safran emphasized that the office will mark a qualitative leap in combating banking crimes and enhancing the efficiency of investigative and prosecutorial procedures.

The selection of staff for the Banking Affairs Prosecution Office will be based on strict criteria, prioritizing professional competence and practical experience.

The goal is to build a capable system that can effectively confront modern banking crimes, which are evolving at an increasingly rapid pace.

For the first time, the office will also prepare periodic analytical studies and reports monitoring banking crime methods. These reports aim to develop practical solutions to mitigate such crimes, positioning the office as a key source of information and analysis in the field.

In addition to investigations, the office will launch legal awareness programs targeting both institutions and individuals. These initiatives will focus on cybercrime awareness, detailing the procedures taken against offenders, and keeping pace with evolving methods of electronic fraud.

The office will also implement initiatives to track emerging crime patterns and intervene promptly to reduce their impact on the financial sector.

This move is viewed as a major step toward securing the national economy, enhancing the integrity of financial transactions, and creating a stable and secure economic environment for individuals and businesses alike.

The Banking Affairs Prosecution Office is slated to begin operations in 2026, ushering in a new phase of professional and robust action against financial crimes in Kuwait.

Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi affirmed on Saturday that the land designated for the Kuwait Geopark project is unique, stressing that efforts are underway to invest in the site in an attractive and sustainable manner that reflects its environmental, geological and historical significance.

Al-Mutairi made the remarks during an inspection visit to the Kuwait Geopark site, which is supervised by the Ministry of Information and implemented by the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) in partnership with the Tourism Projects Company, the Earth Sciences Association, and a number of state entities, reports Al-Rai daily.

The visit was to review progress on the ongoing works and monitor preparations at the site, as part of national efforts to highlight Kuwait’s natural and cultural heritage and promote cultural and educational tourism.

The minister emphasized that the project seeks to transform challenges into opportunities through cooperation among all stakeholders, noting that government agencies and the private sector are jointly implementing an integrated national project based on a site of exceptional environmental importance.

He added that a range of activities will be launched within the Geopark to translate the project’s vision into a tangible reality.

Al-Mutairi said early indicators show that the site will become an attractive destination in Kuwait, explaining that the project reflects the country’s environmental and climatic nature and is linked to land with distinct geological characteristics.

He noted that the Geopark will serve as a unique destination for tourists from within and outside Kuwait, offering scientific content and diverse services to create a new desert-themed tourism experience that distinguishes Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

He described the project as an ambitious and promising start, stressing the Ministry of Information’s commitment to expanding partnerships and enabling all parties to contribute their expertise. He reiterated the ministry’s dedication to strengthening Kuwait’s tourism ecosystem in cooperation with government bodies, the private sector and civil society through high-quality, distinctive projects.

Mohammed Al-Abduljalil, Deputy CEO for Planning and Innovation at the KOC, said the Geopark site holds exceptional historical value due to its association with archaeological sites dating back to the Ubaid civilization, which flourished between approximately 5500 and 4900 BC.

He noted that this period represents one of the oldest civilizations in the Arabian Gulf region and reflects early human settlement and cultural interaction along the Gulf’s coasts, giving the site profound historical and human significance.

Al-Abduljalil explained that KOC is responsible for supervising and implementing construction and development works at the site, drawing on its extensive technical and field experience in managing desert and environmental locations.

He added that the company is committed to executing the project according to the highest environmental and technical standards, ensuring the preservation of the site’s geological nature and the protection of its historical landmarks as part of its social and national responsibility.

Located north of Kuwait Bay, the Kuwait Geopark project is a national initiative aimed at reinforcing Kuwait’s position as a global destination for geology, archaeology, natural heritage and human history.

The project is envisioned as an open-air museum and a “living memory” of the country’s environmental and cultural legacy.

The project also seeks to enhance Kuwait’s international standing through inclusion in the global network of geoparks affiliated with UNESCO, while highlighting the historical depth that forms a core part of Kuwait’s national identity.

In addition, it aims to develop eco-tourism and geo-tourism as promising economic sectors that support income diversification, protect natural and geological heritage, raise public awareness through education and interactive experiences, and stimulate scientific research and innovation in earth sciences, environmental studies and cultural heritage.

The first phase of the Kuwait Geopark covers an area of 20 square kilometers, while the second phase will extend to 1,000 square kilometers. Planned facilities include geological and heritage activity centers, cafés, restaurants, handicraft shops, and a dedicated stargazing platform.

Site managers have completed securing and surveying the area, repairing the outer wall, installing the main entrance gate, and planting more than 1,500 native plants, including ghaf, awake, tamarisk, acacia, sedge and wild jujube, in addition to sowing sedge seeds across the site.

The Al-Sabah Archaeological Collection, under Kuwait’s Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyah, participated on Friday in the opening of the “Networks of the Past” gallery in Mumbai, India, reinforcing Kuwait’s growing presence on the global cultural stage.

The gallery, titled “Networks of the Past: A Study Gallery of India and the Ancient World,” is hosted by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum and forms part of an international cultural initiative that reinterprets human history through the lens of interconnected civilizations.

In a statement to KUNA, Secretary-General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters Dr. Mohammed Khaled Al-Jassar, who headed the Kuwaiti delegation, said the council was proud to support Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyah, describing it as a key ambassador of Kuwait’s cultural diplomacy worldwide.

He also expressed appreciation to Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi for supporting the preservation and promotion of Kuwait’s cultural heritage.

Al-Jassar noted that the Al-Sabah Collection has gained distinguished international recognition for its artistic and historical significance, praising the efforts of Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyah and its Director General Sheikha Hessa Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah for making rare artifacts available to leading global museums.

The exhibition traces pivotal stages in the development of human civilization, beginning with the Indus Valley, passing through ancient Egypt, Greece and China, and culminating in the cultural exchanges that shaped the ancient world.

Kuwait’s contribution is described in the exhibition’s official materials as part of an international network that includes institutions such as the British Museum, Berlin Museums and the Rietberg Museum in Zurich, following more than four years of collaboration.

Sheikha Hessa Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah emphasized that participation in the Mumbai exhibition reflects the vision of the late Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to share beauty, art and human heritage with the world through a strong international presence.

Kuwait’s contribution includes the loan of 11 rare artifacts from the Al-Sabah Collection, regarded as key material evidence of cultural exchange in the ancient world. Among them are a gilded tablet from the Oxus Valley dating to the 4th century BC, a silver dish from the Eastern Hellenistic period, and silver and glass vessels from eastern Iran spanning several historical eras.

The Kuwaiti delegation will also take part in a series of cultural and educational activities accompanying the exhibition, further strengthening Kuwait’s role in international cultural cooperation and dialogue.

The Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport, Eng. Khaled Al-Osaimi, announced that the Authority, in coordination with the General Traffic Department, will open the Fifth Ring Road tunnel bridge at dawn next Tuesday.

The new opening will serve motorists coming from Al-Jahra toward Damascus Street northbound, allowing them to pass directly through the tunnel located between the Al-Surra and Qortuba areas.

Al-Osaimi stated that the step comes as part of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow, ease congestion on major routes, and accelerate the completion of vital road projects across the country.

Kuwait’s water network recorded a significant loss of 107 million imperial gallons yesterday after a sudden leak forced the shutdown of the water distillation units at the Al-Zour North (Phase One) station.

According to informed sources, emergency maintenance teams immediately located the fault, assessed the damage, and began repair operations to bring the station back to its production levels agreed with the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy.

The sources emphasized that the temporary gap between water production and consumption is being covered through Kuwait’s strategic water reserve, ensuring that the public will not experience supply disruptions. The sources, added that repairs are expected to be completed today, allowing the distillers to resume normal operation, according to Al-Rai daily.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy is awaiting the final approval of the Civil Service Bureau on its newly proposed organizational structure. Once endorsed, the structure will be formally adopted by the Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, who also serves as Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizeem.

Sources within the ministry revealed that the proposed structure includes major changes, such as merging the electricity transmission networks sector with the monitoring and control centers sector, and combining the water operation and maintenance sector with the water projects sector.

The restructuring also introduces several new departments, abolishes some existing ones, and merges others. The ministry expects the new structure to be approved next week, after which it will begin finalizing nominations for the position of Director General, followed by filling vacant supervisory posts.

In parallel, Undersecretary Dr. Adel Al-Zamel issued an administrative decision delegating three key disciplinary powers to Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs, Ahmed Al-Nama to refer ministry employees to administrative investigation, adopt the results of those investigations and impose all disciplinary penalties with the exception of dismissal from service.

These measures underscore the ministry’s push to strengthen internal oversight and streamline organizational procedures during a period of structural transition.

Despite the diversity of their commercial activities, these businesses share a common struggle that includes intensified competition, shifting consumer behavior, declining purchasing power, reduced spending, and a persistent lack of support and incentives.

According to information obtained by Al-Qabas, the past few months have witnessed a significant wave of SME closures. Economic conditions have proven unfavorable for sustaining operations, prompting thousands of companies to seek the cancellation of their commercial licenses.

Sources warn that unless there is an improvement in the business climate, an even larger exodus from the market is expected.

Official figures reviewed by Al-Qabas show that since the beginning of the year, more than 3,000 companies have submitted requests to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to cancel their commercial licenses and either dissolve or liquidate their entities.

In the past two months alone, the Ministry’s Companies Sector approved the dissolution and liquidation of more than 600 companies.

Most of these businesses fall under the SME category and operate as limited liability companies or single-person enterprises.

Many belong to sectors that are particularly sensitive to changes in consumer spending, such as restaurants and cafés, sweets and pastry shops, general trading companies, delivery service providers, building contracting firms, wholesale and retail businesses, women’s salons and tailoring services, as well as children’s clothing and small boutique stores. Sources note that these sectors have been among the most frequent applicants for license cancellations due to rising operational costs and stagnant revenues.

Entrepreneurs interviewed by the daily emphasize that the absence of meaningful incentives has made survival increasingly difficult.

Business owners registered under Chapter Five—a program designed to support entrepreneurs—say they receive minimal benefits, especially when it comes to securing accessible financing or loans to sustain their operations.

They also point to the high government fees associated with transactions and permits, strict regulatory oversight, and punitive fines that many describe as excessive or disproportionate. On top of these challenges, many SMEs are still burdened by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which drained financial reserves and weakened their ability to recover or absorb new economic shocks.

Sources indicate that several factors are driving the rise in business shutdowns, dissolutions, and liquidations among SMEs.

The Municipal Council has approved a new proposal submitted by several council members calling for the cancellation of licenses for private schools operating in residential areas by the end of the 2027/2028 academic year.

The decision entails revoking all approvals and licenses previously granted by the municipality to private schools located within private housing.

These institutions will be required to cease operations, with the Ministry of Education responsible for implementing the closures.

The move aims to regulate educational facilities and ensure that schools operate in appropriate and dedicated premises that meet safety and infrastructure standards.

In a bid to advance sustainability targets and accelerate renewable energy initiatives, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy has directed government agencies to compile a comprehensive inventory of all current and planned renewable energy projects.

The ministry underscored the importance of implementing the directive that requires government buildings to meet their electricity needs by generating at least 10 percent of their maximum load through renewable sources, in line with national efforts to increase clean energy production.

Officials highlighted the need for full compliance with the technical standards governing grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. These guidelines, which serve as the official reference for PV installations, must be applied to all ongoing projects and disseminated to both governmental and private entities affiliated with ministries, reports Al-Rai daily.

Informed sources revealed that the ministry has circulated a dedicated form for agencies, containing a structured table for listing their renewable energy projects. Each entity has been asked to appoint a liaison officer to coordinate with the ministry, facilitate communication, and ensure that project data is submitted promptly and updated accurately.

The ministry also recommended that maintenance requirements for photovoltaic systems be incorporated into the technical-sector contracts of every government entity. This measure aims to guarantee the continuous operation and optimal efficiency of solar installations.

By strengthening oversight, standardizing technical practices, and expanding solar generation in public facilities, the ministry seeks to enhance Kuwait’s clean energy output and support the broader national transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

Kuwait is witnessing a sharp rise in attempts to hack and steal social media accounts, particularly on WhatsApp, following a warning issued by the National Cyber Security Center about the growing sophistication of recent attacks.

Security researchers at the University of Vienna revealed a vulnerability in WhatsApp that exposed the data and phone numbers of an estimated 3.5 billion users worldwide.

Cybersecurity experts told Al-Rai that the number of victims inside and outside Kuwait continues to grow and that the vulnerability remains active.

Experts noted a significant evolution in the methods used by attackers, explaining that some victims are now hacked without any interaction, such as clicking on links or opening messages.

Hackers are said to be exploiting a technical weakness in WhatsApp that allows account takeover with no action required from the user.

Specialists stressed that the most effective line of defense remains the activation of the two-factor authentication feature, which adds a protective layer that cannot be bypassed through the current vulnerability.

Dr. Anwar Al-Harbi, head of the Electronic Media and Public Relations Committee at the Kuwait Information Technology Society, confirmed a clear rise in account-hacking attempts targeting users in Kuwait.

He attributed this increase to the widespread use of social media platforms, declining security awareness among some users, and the continuous development of attack techniques.

Al-Harbi noted that major platforms still lack intelligent detection systems capable of proactively identifying malicious links, suspicious messages, or attempted breaches, a gap that leaves millions vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity expert Hussein Al-Nakkas also pointed to a surge in electronic fraud attempts in recent months, warning that hackers are exploiting both technical vulnerabilities and common user mistakes.

He emphasized that protection does not require complex measures, but rather simple, consistent practices, such as enabling two-factor authentication, avoiding unknown links, using strong and unique passwords, refraining from sharing sensitive personal information, and regularly updating devices and applications.

These steps, he said, are essential to reducing exposure to cyber threats.

Mohammed Al-Rashidi, head of the cybersecurity committee at the Electronic Media Union, described the WhatsApp vulnerability as particularly dangerous because it allows hackers to access accounts without the victim providing codes or clicking any link.

He explained that the use of artificial intelligence in discovering system vulnerabilities has made it easier for attackers to exploit weaknesses, while users’ failure to install regular updates increases their susceptibility.

Al-Rashidi stressed that the flaw is not the users’ fault and that WhatsApp is expected to introduce a fix, but until then, enabling two-factor authentication remains the only guaranteed protection.

Cybersecurity specialist Shrouq Al-Sayegh said Kuwait has seen a noticeable expansion in cyberattacks that exploit users’ trust in well-known applications.

She noted that social engineering tactics have grown more advanced, with attackers impersonating technical support or official institutions to trick victims into handing over verification codes.

She added that delays in updating devices have left many users exposed to attacks that can be carried out without any action from the victim, relying solely on outdated vulnerabilities.

Recent statistics underscore the scale of the problem. Kuwait counted 4.2 million social media users in 2024, representing about 84 percent of the population, with WhatsApp used by more than 92 percent of university students.

The Ministry of Interior’s Cybercrime Department received roughly 330,000 reports by the end of last year, and an estimated 500 cyber cases reach the judiciary each month.

Experts warn that without stronger awareness and consistent digital hygiene, the number of victims—both locally and globally—will continue to rise.

The Indian government has imposed temporary fare caps across domestic routes to contain runaway airfares caused by the massive disruption in IndiGo’s operations, which led to more than 1,000 flight cancellations on Friday alone and left thousands of passengers stranded at airports.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) invoked its regulatory powers on Saturday to curb “opportunistic pricing” after ticket prices on key routes surged to several times the usual levels.

Airlines must now adhere to the following non-business class fare ceilings (excluding taxes and airport charges):

• ₹7,500 for routes up to 500 km (e.g., Delhi–Jaipur, Delhi–Chandigarh)
• ₹12,000 for 500–1,000 km (e.g., Delhi–Bhopal, Delhi–Jammu)
• ₹15,000 for 1,000–1,500 km (e.g., Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Kolkata)
• ₹18,000 for routes over 1,500 km (e.g., Delhi–Chennai, Delhi–Bengaluru)

These caps apply to all airlines, regardless of whether tickets are bought directly or through online travel platforms.

They remain effective “until fares stabilize or until further review,” MoCA said.

IndiGo—India’s largest carrier with over 60% market share—suffered one of its worst operational breakdowns after struggling to comply with new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules requiring longer pilot rest periods and stricter night-flying limits, according to Indian news reports.

In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation granted IndiGo temporary concessions until February 10, including easing caps on night landings and relaxing night-flying hour limits. Despite this, disruptions persisted, and more than 800 flights were cancelled Saturday.

The airline said it had restored over 95% of its network and expected to return to normal operations between December 10 and 15.

Even after the government order, many airline websites continued to display fares above the limits, especially on high-demand routes such as Delhi–Mumbai. Industry sources said booking systems were still being recalibrated and changes would reflect progressively.

MoCA warned airlines against “steep or unusual upward revisions” on affected routes and promised strict enforcement of the caps. Air India said it had already voluntarily capped economy fares on its domestic non-stop flights to cushion passengers from price spikes.

With last-minute fares soaring to seven or eight times the normal rates, the public outcry grew louder. The government said the fare caps aim to protect vulnerable travelers—including students, senior citizens, and patients—who urgently need to fly.

Meanwhile, Delhi airport reported gradual resumption of operations, though IndiGo flights remain affected. The airline has apologized to passengers, citing a “serious operational crisis.”

The crisis continues to ripple through India’s aviation sector, revealing how deeply dependent the country’s air travel network is on the operations of a single dominant carrier.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has highlighted Kuwait as one of 11 Arab countries in the Middle East witnessing notable growth in energy-sector employment, according to its Global Energy Employment 2025 report.

The agency said emerging markets and developing economies are set to drive the next wave of job creation in the global energy landscape, reflecting their expanding role as hubs of fast-growing energy demand, reports Al-Rai daily.

The IEA noted that employment remains most concentrated in regions with established energy industries and supply chains. In the Middle East, South Korea and Canada, more than 4% of the workforce is employed in the energy sector — almost double the global average of 2%.

Global Employment Trends

The agency reported that 2024 saw continued expansion in global energy-sector jobs, supported by strong investment in energy infrastructure. Employment in the sector grew by 2.2%, nearly twice the 1.3% growth in the global economy, bringing total energy jobs to 76 million worldwide.

The electricity sector has now become the largest source of employment in global energy for the first time, surpassing fuel supply. Over the past five years, electricity-related jobs — including generation, transmission, distribution and storage — have grown by 3.9 million, accounting for three-quarters of new energy-sector positions.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy remained the main driver of new electricity jobs, contributing half of the total additions since 2019. Nuclear power, grid expansion and energy-storage technologies made up another quarter of new roles, despite challenges such as rising material costs and shortages of skilled workers.

Sector Challenges

The report pointed to persistent difficulties in the offshore wind market, which slowed job creation and led to layoffs in the turbine-manufacturing sector, where employment fell by 6% last year.

It added that the accelerating shift toward electrification is transforming job opportunities in related industries. Employment in vehicle manufacturing rose significantly, driven by nearly 800,000 new jobs in the electric-vehicle (EV) sector.

Other energy end-use segments recorded a 2% rise in jobs, with electrification in buildings and industry playing a major role. This growth reflects both the retraining of existing workers — such as heating technicians transitioning to heat-pump installation — and entirely new roles in areas like battery production and industrial electrical systems.

Fossil Fuel Outlook

Oil-fired power generation currently employs around 210,000 workers, the lowest share among fossil-fuel-based electricity sources. The Middle East continues to play a central role, accounting for nearly 30% of global oil-fired power generation jobs.

The IEA projects that employment in oil-fired generation will fall to 126,000 workers by 2035, driven by expanded natural gas and solar PV capacity in the Middle East and the spread of pay-as-you-go solar systems and microgrids across Africa.

Overall, the agency expects total employment in the electricity-generation workforce to range between 522,000 and 1.4 million workers by 2035, with the Middle East and Africa leading the expansion.