India is not a country you simply visit. It is a country you experience often in ways you did not expect.

You can begin a journey in the shadow of the Himalayas and, days later, find yourself surrounded by coconut palms in Kerala. You can walk through a centuries-old fort in Rajasthan, watch wildlife in a national park, sit quietly in a Himalayan monastery or lose yourself in the colours and sounds of an Indian market.

Few countries can offer such extraordinary variety within a single destination. That is perhaps India’s greatest tourism advantage. It doesn’t offer just one holiday. It offers a lifetime of journeys.

More than monuments

For decades, India’s tourism image was built around a handful of famous attractions the Taj Mahal, the forts and palaces of Rajasthan, the beaches of Goa and the backwaters of Kerala. Those places remain enormously popular. But the India that travellers are discovering today is much bigger than its most photographed landmarks. Increasingly, people are coming to India not simply to see something, but to experience something.

They want to eat where locals eat. They want to stay in a heritage home. They want to learn about traditional crafts, walk through historic neighbourhoods, experience a festival, travel through the countryside or simply spend time with people whose lives may be very different from their own.

India’s tourism story is gradually shifting from seeing places to experiencing them. And that change matters far beyond tourism.The economic power of a visitor. Tourism can sometimes appear to be about hotels, airlines and sightseeing.

In reality, its reach is much wider. Think of a traveller arriving in India. They book a room, take a taxi, eat at a restaurant, buy something from a local shop, hire a guide and perhaps purchase a handmade product to take home. Each of those transactions supports someone. It may be a family running a homestay in Ladakh, a boatman taking visitors through Kerala’s backwaters, a camel guide in Rajasthan, a tea estate worker in Assam or an artisan in Kutch.

Behind every holiday is therefore an entire network of people whose livelihoods are connected to tourism. That is one reason tourism has become such an important economic engine for India. And unlike industries concentrated in major cities, tourism can bring economic activity to smaller towns, villages and remote regions that may have fewer opportunities.

A tourist may see a beautiful destination.

For a local family, that visitor can represent income, opportunity and a reason for the next generation to continue a traditional livelihood. One country, countless journeys. Perhaps the easiest way to understand India’s tourism appeal is simply to look at the range of experiences available.

For adventure seekers, there are Himalayan trekking routes, white-water rivers, paragliding opportunities and the coral-rich waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

For wildlife lovers, India’s forests offer encounters with Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, snow leopards and hundreds of bird species.

For history lovers, the country is almost an open-air archive.

Ancient temples, Mughal monuments, medieval forts, colonial buildings and archaeological sites tell stories spanning more than five thousand years of civilization.

And then there are the quieter experiences the ones that may not make the front page of a travel brochure but often stay with people the longest.

When a holiday becomes something more

Long before wellness became a global travel trend, India had traditions built around the idea of balancing the mind, body and spirit. Today, travellers arrive in Rishikesh for yoga, Kerala for Ayurveda, the Himalayas for meditation and places such as Varanasi, Bodh Gaya and Amritsar in search of spiritual experiences.

For some, it is simply a chance to slow down. For others, it becomes something much deeper. That is an important part of India’s tourism appeal. A journey here does not always end with a photograph. Sometimes it leaves a person thinking differently, feeling refreshed or reconnecting with something they had lost touch with.

That is why wellness tourism has become an increasingly important part of India’s travel economy. You cannot talk about India without talking about food Ask someone about their memories of India and, sooner or later, food will probably enter the conversation.

And Indian food is not one cuisine. It is hundreds of culinary traditions shaped by geography, history, climate and culture. Hyderabad has its biryani. Kerala has its seafood. Gujarat has its distinctive vegetarian traditions. Punjab is known for its robust flavours. Chettinad brings its own intensity, while Delhi and Mumbai offer street food that has become famous far beyond India’s borders. Bengal has its own world of sweets and delicacies.

For an increasing number of travellers, food is no longer something that happens between sightseeing stops. It is the reason for the trip. People are planning journeys around regional cuisine, local markets, cooking classes and traditional food experiences.

And in India, every meal can become a history lesson. When an entire city becomes a celebration. India’s festivals offer another experience that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. During Holi, streets explode with colour. Diwali transforms homes and cities with light.

Durga Puja brings communities together in elaborate celebrations, while Ganesh Chaturthi fills streets with processions and music. Pongal and Baisakhi celebrate harvest traditions, while Rajasthan’s camel fairs and desert festivals bring another side of India’s cultural heritage to life.

These are not performances staged simply for tourists. They are living traditions. Visitors are invited to experience them from within rather than simply observe them from a distance. And that is precisely what modern travellers increasingly want.

The rise of experience tourism

Travel has changed. Many travellers today are less interested in simply ticking famous attractions off a list. They want experiences that feel personal, authentic and memorable. India is well placed for that kind of tourism.

Eco-tourism, rural stays, heritage walks, cycling tours, river cruises, plantation visits, tribal cultural experiences, luxury trains and culinary trails are giving travellers new ways to discover the country.

A restored haveli can become a hotel. A village can become a destination. A family recipe can become a culinary experience. A traditional craft can become something a visitor learns rather than simply buys. When local communities become active participants in tourism, the benefits can go beyond income. They can also help preserve architecture, crafts, traditions and ways of life that might otherwise disappear.

India’s most powerful tourism asset

There is an interesting thing about travelling in India. People often arrive with an itinerary. They leave with stories. They remember the unexpected conversation with a stranger. The meal they had never tasted before. The train journey. The festival they happened to witness. The village they had not planned to visit. The warmth of a family they met along the way.

That is why tourism has become more than an economic sector for India. It has become a form of soft diplomacy. Visitors experience the country directly through its people, food, culture, music and hospitality. And when they return home, they carry those experiences with them.

A speech can tell people about a country. A personal experience can make them remember it. The journey is changing, but the attraction remains. India’s tourism infrastructure is changing rapidly. Modern airports, improved highways, digital travel services, luxury hotels, heritage conservation and better connectivity are making more parts of the country accessible to travellers.

But India’s greatest tourism asset is not an airport, a hotel or even a monument. It is its diversity. Every few hundred kilometres, something changes the language, the food, the landscape, the architecture, the traditions and the stories.

That means no two journeys through India need to be the same. And perhaps that is the secret of India’s enduring appeal. A visitor may come looking for the Taj Mahal, the Himalayas, a beach or a palace. But somewhere along the way, they often discover an India they were never expecting.

And that discovery is what brings many of them back. India doesn’t simply give travellers places to see. It gives them stories to take home.

The General Traffic Department has activated a new pre-signal warning light feature to alert drivers and pedestrians shortly before traffic signals change.

The system is designed to give road users advance warning, allowing drivers to prepare to stop or proceed and helping pedestrians prepare to cross more safely.

The Ministry of Interior said the measure is part of ongoing efforts to enhance traffic safety, improve road-user awareness and ensure smoother traffic flow.

The new warning feature is intended to provide drivers and pedestrians with additional time to respond to upcoming signal changes, contributing to safer and more orderly movement at intersections.

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Community Wing
Embassy of India
Kuwait

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has launched a new “Report Me” service through the Sahel application, allowing citizens and residents to report labor-related violations electronically and contribute to monitoring Kuwait’s Labor market.

The service is designed to strengthen cooperation between the public and government authorities while helping PAM identify violations more quickly and take necessary action to protect the rights of workers and employers.

PAM Director of Public Relations and Media Mohammed Al-Muzaini said the initiative aims to expand community participation in monitoring Labor and humanitarian issues and support government efforts to address practices that violate laws and regulations.

Reports kept confidential

PAM Public Relations and Media Supervisor Nadia Al-Hamad said the service was launched in conjunction with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

She stressed that all information submitted by complainants will be treated as strictly confidential, with the identity and personal details of the person filing the report not disclosed.

Specialized PAM teams will review the complaints, verify the information and take appropriate action. The process will be conducted under the direct supervision of PAM Director General Engineer Rabab Al-Osaimi.

How the service works

According to PAM Database Department Head Zainab Makki, users can access the service through Sahel Individuals, select PAM services and choose the “Report Me” option.

Users can then select the type of violation, provide an accurate description and submit the report. They can also attach photographs showing the alleged violation.

PAM stressed that providing clear and accurate information is important because it helps inspection teams identify the location, verify the complaint and respond more efficiently.

What can be reported?

The service covers violations falling within PAM’s jurisdiction, including issues related to domestic worker recruitment and domestic worker recruitment offices, as well as reports concerning undocumented workers and companies.

One of the violations currently being monitored is the employment of workers during the prohibited afternoon period, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, making accurate reporting particularly important.

PAM said the new service is intended not only to improve enforcement but also to encourage citizens and expatriates to play an active role in protecting workers’ rights, supporting lawful businesses and maintaining a more compliant and transparent labor market.

The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) has introduced a new “Resident Removal” service through the Sahel app, allowing private property owners to request the removal of individuals registered as residents at their properties.

The service is currently available to owners of private properties who have activated the pre-registration feature for resident data.

In simple terms, the service allows a property owner to electronically request the removal of a person who is still officially registered as living at their property, without having to complete the process through traditional in-person procedures.

The new digital service is part of PACI’s efforts to streamline civil information procedures and expand electronic government services through the Sahel platform.

Exchange companies across Kuwait have introduced stricter verification procedures for customers making money transfers of more than 3,000 dinars, as part of enhanced efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing under the supervision of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK).

Under the new measures, customers sending more than 3,000 dinars through an exchange company must provide a bank statement covering at least the previous two months. The statement must show the movement of funds in the account, even if transactions are as small as one dinar.

Previously, exchange companies generally requested bank statements only for customers making very large transfers, typically 10,000 dinars or more, or where the transaction significantly exceeded the customer’s declared financial profile under Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.

Stronger Checks on Source of Funds

The new requirement is designed to help exchange companies verify that the money being transferred matches the customer’s legitimate income and financial activity.

Authorities want to ensure that large transfers are supported by clear and lawful sources of funds, reducing the risk of money laundering or other illegal financial activities.

The move forms part of Kuwait’s broader efforts to strengthen its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) framework in line with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Cash Transfers Also Restricted

Exchange companies are also enforcing another important rule that limits cash payments for remittances to 1,000 per customer per day. Customers wishing to transfer larger amounts are expected to use funds that can be traced through the banking system.

The Central Bank continues to conduct regular field inspections of exchange companies to ensure they fully comply with AML regulations and promptly address any shortcomings in their monitoring systems.

Closer Regulatory Oversight

The CBK has intensified inspections of exchange companies’ records and internal procedures to confirm compliance with Law No. 106 on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing and related regulations.

Regulators are also requesting additional documentation from exchange companies to demonstrate that they are properly verifying customers’ sources of funds and applying risk-based monitoring procedures.

Kuwait Improves FATF Rating

The tighter controls come as Kuwait continues to improve its standing with the Financial Action Task Force.
Recently, the country upgraded its compliance rating in seven key FATF recommendations, with several areas being reclassified as “largely compliant” after legislative and regulatory reforms.

The improvements cover areas including:

• Combating terrorism financing.
• Preventing the financing of weapons of mass destruction.
• Transparency of companies and beneficial ownership.
• Supervision of financial institutions and non-profit organisations.
• International legal cooperation.
• Implementation of targeted financial sanctions.

One significant improvement was Kuwait’s rating under FATF Recommendation 6, which deals with financial sanctions related to terrorism and terrorist financing.

The upgrade followed the issuance of Ministerial Resolution No. 8 of 2025, which strengthened procedures for freezing assets and implementing United Nations Security Council sanctions within specified timeframes.

The latest measures reflect Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the integrity of its financial system, enhance transparency, and maintain compliance with global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice has introduced a new suite of digital judicial services through the “Sahel Business” application, enabling companies, institutions, legal entities, and banks to monitor court cases, receive real-time notifications, and access judicial updates electronically without visiting court premises.

The initiative marks another milestone in the ministry’s digital transformation strategy, aimed at modernizing judicial services, accelerating litigation procedures, and improving the ease of doing business in Kuwait.

In a statement, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice Awatif Al-Sanad said the new services were launched as part of the ministry’s broader digital transformation projects.

The first phase, introduced on July 9 in coordination with the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), allows registered legal entities using the Sahel Business platform to receive instant notifications on developments in cases filed by or against them, including alerts when new lawsuits are registered or court judgments are issued.

A second service, launched on July 30, provides electronic judicial notifications for legal entities, completing an integrated digital system designed to improve the speed, accuracy, and accessibility of judicial communications.

Al-Sanad said the platform enables authorized users to view case details, track proceedings, and receive judicial announcements electronically, significantly reducing the need for in-person court visits while saving time and simplifying legal procedures.

She noted that the Ministry of Justice is implementing a comprehensive strategy to modernize the judicial system through legislative reforms, expanded digital services, upgraded court infrastructure, and investment in national talent. The ministry is also pursuing a phased plan to Kuwaitize the judiciary through specialized training and professional development programs.

According to Al-Sanad, legislative reforms and digital transformation have already improved court efficiency. She revealed that one judge recently issued approximately 700 penal orders in a single session, while traffic-related penalty orders, which previously required lengthy processing times, can now be completed within hours through electronic litigation systems.

The ministry also reported issuing 6,462 electronic judicial notifications in a single month, highlighting the growing impact of digital systems in streamlining court operations.

Al-Sanad emphasized that the ministry’s digital transformation extends beyond offering online services, representing a comprehensive overhaul of judicial administration aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, speed, and accuracy, in line with Kuwait’s vision of building a more innovative and effective public sector.

Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 206 of 2026, introducing a revised system of allowances, incentives and career grades for nursing staff and midwives, while creating technically graded joint job titles for the midwifery profession.

The decision aims to enhance the attractiveness of the nursing profession, reward experience and qualifications, and strengthen the healthcare workforce by providing improved financial incentives and a clearer career progression structure.

Under the new resolution, Kuwaiti nurses and midwives will receive monthly allowances totaling 1,110 dinars at the basic professional level. The value of allowances increases with promotions, years of experience and advancement to higher professional grades.

The Head of Nursing Specialist and Head of Midwifery Specialist will receive the highest monthly allowances, totaling 1,510 dinars, comprising work nature allowances, job level bonuses, incentive allowances, cost-of-living support, shift allowances, supervision allowances and training incentives.

A Senior Nursing Specialist or Senior Midwifery Specialist will receive monthly allowances totaling 1,430 dinars, while Nursing Specialists and Midwifery Specialists will receive slightly lower packages based on their professional grade.

Senior nurses and senior midwives will receive total monthly allowances of 1,170 dinars, while nurses and midwives at the standard professional level will receive 1,110 dinars.

Assistant nurses and assistant midwives will receive monthly allowances totaling 1,040 dinars, including work nature, job level, incentive, cost-of-living and on-call allowances.

The resolution also sets out revised allowance structures for non-Kuwaiti nursing staff, including heads of nursing departments, specialists, senior nurses, nurses, assistant nurses and their midwifery counterparts.

Although non-Kuwaiti employees will receive lower financial packages than Kuwaiti nationals, they will continue to benefit from work nature allowances, job level bonuses, cost-of-living allowances, shift or on-call allowances, as well as supervision and training benefits where applicable.

The decision further revises allowances for nursing services technicians, introducing separate scales for Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti employees.

Kuwaiti senior nursing services technicians will receive enhanced work nature allowances, incentive bonuses, cost-of-living support and on-call allowances, while nursing services technicians at lower grades will receive corresponding financial benefits.

For non-Kuwaiti nursing services technicians, the revised packages include work nature allowances, job level bonuses, cost-of-living support and on-call allowances according to their professional classification.

A key feature of the resolution is the introduction of a special professional bonus for Kuwaiti university graduates specializing in nursing or midwifery.

Under the scheme, Head Specialists will receive an additional 500 dinars per month, Senior Specialists will receive 400 dinars, Specialists will receive 300 dinars, Senior Nurses and Senior Midwives will receive 200 dinars, while Nurses and Midwives will receive 100 dinars.

The resolution also rewards higher academic qualifications. Kuwaiti nurses holding a doctorate in nursing will receive an additional 150 dinars per month, while those with a master’s degree will receive 75 dinars monthly.

For non-Kuwaiti nursing professionals, doctorate holders will receive an additional 50 dinars, while master’s degree holders will receive 25 dinars per month, provided their qualifications are officially recognized and directly related to the nursing profession.

The Ministry of Health said the revised allowances and career framework are intended to recognize professional expertise, encourage specialization, improve staff retention, and enhance the quality of healthcare services across Kuwait’s medical institutions.

The decision also formally establishes technically graded joint job titles for the midwifery profession, integrating career pathways for nursing and midwifery personnel within the ministry’s human resource framework.

The new remuneration system is expected to provide greater financial stability for nursing professionals while encouraging continuous education, professional development and higher standards of patient care throughout Kuwait’s healthcare sector.

Kuwait has introduced a KD150 fee for converting eligible visit visas into regular residency permits under a new ministerial decision issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef.

The decision amends Article 39 of Ministerial Decision No. 2249/2025 by adding a new provision that sets the conversion fee at 150 dinars, while domestic workers and similar categories are exempt from the charge.

Published in the latest issue of the official gazette Kuwait Alyawm, the decision states that the fee applies to visit visa conversions carried out under Article 16 of the Executive Regulations of Kuwait’s new Foreigners’ Residence Law, which permits such conversions only in specific cases.

Under the regulations, a visit visa may be converted into a regular residency permit in the following five situations:

• Visitors holding a government visit visa to a ministry, public authority or government institution, provided they hold a university degree or possess specialized technical qualifications and receive approval from the Director General of the General Administration of Residency Affairs.
• Domestic workers and similar categories, who are exempt from the KD150 conversion fee.
• Individuals who entered Kuwait on a family visit visa or tourist visa and later become eligible to join a family member under a residency permit.
• Persons who entered Kuwait on a work entry visa, began residency procedures, but had to leave the country due to unavoidable circumstances for a period not exceeding one month before returning to complete the process.
• Other exceptional cases approved by the Director General of the General Directorate of Residency Affairs.

The new regulations also allow eligible applicants to convert their visit visas to residency permits without leaving Kuwait, subject to approval by the General Directorate of Residency Affairs and compliance with the conditions set out in the executive regulations.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has issued a reminder explaining workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities regarding annual leave under Kuwait’s Labour Law, as many employees prepare to travel to their home countries for their yearly vacations.

According to the awareness notice, every eligible worker is entitled to 30 days of fully paid annual leave. However, employees cannot take their annual leave during their first year of employment until they have completed at least six months of continuous service with the same employer.

The authority clarified that the law does not mean workers automatically receive their first-year vacation immediately after joining a company. Instead, they must complete the required six-month period before becoming eligible to take annual leave.

Employer has the right to schedule vacation dates

The Public Authority for Manpower explained that employers have the legal right to organize annual leave schedules based on the needs and requirements of the business.

This means workers may request specific vacation periods, but the final scheduling can depend on the employer’s operational requirements. Companies are allowed to arrange leave dates to ensure that work continues smoothly and that business activities are not disrupted.

However, if an employer and employee agree, annual leave may be divided into separate periods according to the provisions of the law.

Annual Leave Salary Must Be Paid Before Vacation Starts

The authority also highlighted an important protection for employees: employers must pay the worker’s annual leave wages before the vacation begins.

This ensures that employees receive their entitled payment in advance and can use their leave period without financial difficulty.

Key Points Workers Should Know

• Workers are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave under Kuwait Labour Law.
• During the first year of employment, annual leave cannot be taken until six months of service have been completed.
• Employers have the right to organize vacation schedules according to business needs.
• Annual leave can be divided into parts if the worker agrees.
• Employers must pay annual leave wages before the employee starts vacation.

The Public Authority for Manpower said the awareness campaign aims to increase understanding of labour rights and responsibilities among both employees and employers, ensuring that annual leave is managed according to Kuwait’s legal requirements.

Kuwait has issued Decree-Law No. (77) of 2026, converting Kuwait Airways Company into a joint-stock company wholly owned by the state.

The move aims to modernize the national carrier’s legal framework, improve operational flexibility and strengthen its competitiveness amid growing regional competition in the aviation sector.

Under the decree, Kuwait Airways’ shares will be transferred to full state ownership, while the company will operate in accordance with its founding documents and the Companies Law.

The decree prohibits the sale, mortgage or transfer of the company’s shares without approval from the Council of Ministers, ensuring that state ownership remains direct and complete.

The Board of Directors of the Kuwait Investment Authority will assume the powers of the company’s general assembly and appoint its board of directors in line with legal requirements.

The new framework grants Kuwait Airways greater independence in managing its operations, including approving organizational structures, financial and administrative regulations, procurement procedures and employment policies.

The decree also allows the airline to directly hire international expertise and specialists, while applying private sector labour regulations to employees in areas not covered by company rules.

Kuwait Airways’ activities will be exempt from competition law provisions, reflecting its status as the country’s national carrier and fully state-owned entity.

The decree also limits the Audit Bureau’s role to reviewing and commenting on the airline’s auditor reports and financial statements. It takes effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

The Ministry of Health has launched a new digital service through the “Sahl” and “Salem” applications to remind users of upcoming vaccination appointments.

The service sends users a notification 48 hours before scheduled vaccination appointments and provides alerts in case of any changes to appointment timings.

The ministry said the initiative aims to improve adherence to vaccination schedules and ensure timely administration of doses for both children and adults, contributing to disease prevention and protecting public health.

It added that the new service enhances the healthcare experience by providing a convenient, secure, and time-saving digital solution, in line with Kuwait’s efforts to expand electronic health services.

Ministry of Health has officially begun implementing new regulations governing the appearance and official uniforms of employees across both public and private healthcare facilities, to strengthen professional identity, improve institutional discipline, and enhance the quality of healthcare services.

The regulations, introduced under a ministerial decision issued by Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi on January 21, establish standardized dress and appearance requirements for all healthcare personnel.

The ministry said the initiative is designed to create a professional work environment, unify the appearance of staff according to their respective roles, and make it easier for patients to identify members of the healthcare team.

In a statement, the ministry said the new policy supports efforts to improve healthcare quality while respecting public values and Kuwait’s diverse society.

It added that a consistent professional appearance will reinforce the sector’s image and strengthen public confidence in healthcare services.

The ministry also warned that failure to comply with the approved appearance and dress code will be treated as a workplace violation and may result in legal or disciplinary action under applicable regulations, reinforcing institutional accountability and ensuring fair implementation.

Under the new guidelines, employees are required to wear official identification badges at all times, maintain high standards of personal hygiene, and ensure tattoos remain fully covered during working hours and on-call duties. Clothing must be clean, modest, and appropriate for the workplace.

The regulations also prohibit clothing displaying inappropriate slogans or advertisements, as well as sportswear, shorts, ripped garments, sports caps, or attire above the knee. Staff are required to wear formal shoes or plain single-colored athletic footwear without bright colors or prominent logos.

In addition, the ministry has introduced standardized professional uniforms tailored to different healthcare professions, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, emergency medical personnel, support medical staff, and engineering employees.

Three standardized designs for clinical scrubs have been approved, covering men’s, women’s, and Islamic women’s styles, alongside dedicated uniforms for nursing staff, emergency medical teams, and Ministry of Health engineering personnel, with designs reflecting the specific operational and occupational safety requirements of each profession.

The Ministry of Health said the new regulations form part of its broader efforts to raise institutional standards, improve workplace professionalism, and deliver a more efficient and patient-focused healthcare system.