BENGALURU, 20 MARCH

More than 20,000 Indians staying illegally in Kuwait, including hundreds hailing from Mangaluru and Dakshina Kannada district, are set to make use of the amnesty scheme announced by Kuwait government. The amnesty scheme for residency violators, which coincides with Ramadan, is effective from 17 March to 17 June.

Diplomatic sources at the Indian Embassy in Kuwait told Salar News that the diplomatic mission has received a large number of applications and queries regarding the amnesty scheme announced by the Kuwaiti government. The embassy said it is prioritising the issuance of emergency certificates (a one-way travel document to travel to India in the absence of a valid Indian passport).

“Most of the applicants to avail the amnesty are those who have run away from their original sponsors to work elsewhere illegally in Kuwait. There are others whose salaries have not been paid by their employers and they went absconding,’’ an official at the Indian Diplomatic mission told Salar News.

In a post on social media platform X, the embassy urged Indians seeking assistance to reach out via these numbers: +965 65501767 and +965 65501769.

Under the amnesty scheme, expatriates residing unlawfully in the country are now allowed to rectify their status by either paying fines and obtaining new residency or leaving the country without fines. The expats illegally residing in Kuwait can regularise their status by settling fines of 2 KD (Kuwaiti Dinar which amounts to Rs. 550) per day up to a maximum of 600 KD (Rs.1.6 lakh).

According to the advisory by the Kuwait Interior Ministry, anyone unable to pay a fine can depart from the exit point without penalties but will have to follow new procedures if they wish to return to Kuwait. The Kuwaiti government said failure to comply with these orders during the amnesty will result in deportation as well as legal penalties.

Residents facing administrative obstacles or legal challenges have the option to appeal to the Residency Affairs Department for assessment. The last amnesty period was granted in early 2021.