Kuwait Gives 8700 Palestinians 3 Months To Update Residency Permits
The Kuwaiti government, through the General Department of Residency Affairs, has notified approximately 8,700 Palestinian residents that they must transfer their residency permits (Iqama) from old travel documents issued by countries such as Egypt, Syria, or Lebanon to official Palestinian Authority passports. This directive, communicated via the Sahel application, grants the affected individuals a three-month window to complete the transfer.
- 8,700 Palestinian residents notified by the Kuwaiti government
- Three-month deadline given to transfer residency permits via the Sahel application
- Old travel documents from Egypt, Syria, or Lebanon must be changed to official Palestinian Authority passports
Embassy Coordination And New Passports
Palestinian Ambassador Rami Tahboub confirmed that the embassy is coordinating with Kuwaiti authorities on this matter. Ambassador Tahboub has requested that officials in Ramallah expedite the issuance of new passports to ensure the process is completed promptly. Furthermore, a project is underway to enable the printing of Palestinian passports directly within the embassy in Kuwait, which would reduce the issuance time to approximately one week.
Impact On Residents And Warnings
This policy affects thousands of residents, including those working as laborers and drivers residing in areas such as Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Farwaniya, and Khaitan, where many Palestinian families are settled. Local sources indicate that those who fail to meet the three-month deadline may face disruptions to their residency status or travel capabilities. Affected individuals are advised to check their passport validity and residency regulations, and to remain in contact with the Sahel application and the Palestinian Embassy for assistance.