FAMILY VISA SYNDROME

I discussed in the previous article, the population structure and its genetic makeup, which helps in understanding the issue. Apart from that, there is another aspect called the “family visa system” with a more intricate genetic code, but its solution is simple. During a post-dinner conversation with friends, we delved into the topic, particularly addressing the prolonged suspension of permits for family members to re-join. One of the attendees pointed out the challenge faced in the region or in hiring foreign managers due to restrictions on their families entering Kuwait. I have also come across similar discussions from multiple sources, including a statement from the Minister of Health advocating for exemption of medical staff from this decision. Additionally, there is a proposed inclination to grant entry to individuals with rare specialties, specifically male children below 15 years and females below 18 years, along with an increase in the minimum salary requirement for the head of the family to 800 dinars. let’s focus on their numbers Kuwait. Referring to a newspaper report, it states that the number of residents, specifically those under Article 22 for family visa, reached a total of 520600 males and females by the end of 2022. If we assume the accuracy of this figure, the proportion of families comprising wives and children compared to non-working expatriates in households stands at 24.5%. In addition to the percentages, let’s further analyze the topic of family visas. We can categorize it into two groups: firstly, families of employees, traders, and even craftsmen who have sufficient incomes to support their families and fulfill their obligations. These individuals have been living among us and contributing positively to the economy since the 1960s. I believe they constitute a significant majority. Regarding the second group, it comprises a mixture of communities where families reside in crowded living conditions, including single-room dwellings and apartments shared by multiple families. Some of their children lack access to education, and it’s not uncommon to see some of them begging on the streets. Given this situation, one might wonder how the father can manage to support them. The pressing question here is: how can those fathers act as their sponsor and bring them into Kuwait? Anyone interested in seeing them can visit certain older suburbs and witness this astonishing reality. So, what is our current problem? Is it the number of individuals or the quality of their living conditions? And who bears responsibility for this phenomenon? The clear answer is the government. When the minimum wage is reduced to 350 dinars, allowing fathers to bring even a twelve-member family, we will inevitably witness a multitude of negative disparities in the country. The crucial question our wise government has failed to address is: how can an employee earning 350 dinars per month support a family? Considering the minimum rental cost for an apartment in Kuwait is 150 dinars, what remains for the employee? Merely 200 dinars per month, equivalent to a daily allowance of 7 dinars. Well, if this migrant is married and has two children, how much will all their expenses for food, drink, and clothing cost? And how much does their education cost? Is it possible for 7 dinars per day to cover all of that? Assuming his salary becomes 500 dinars, is this salary also sufficient to support a family? In reality, the second section is what causes the crisis and puts pressure on services, not the first, so a complete ban is an illogical solution. Anyone who has the financial ability to support their family and bear the expenses of their stay, including housing, education, and health, should be allowed to enter the country, and they should not be restricted. The solution does not come from a ban, but from wisdom and organization. The minimum salary should be determined based on the actual cost of living in the country and reviewed annually according to inflation rates. The government needs to demonstrate seriousness and strictness when dealing with individuals who violate the law. While some people misuse family visas to stay in the country for extended periods in violation of residency laws, it should not result in the cessation of family visit visas and the deprivation of others from seeing their loved ones. The solution lies in holding accountable government employees who have been negligent in their duties, allowing the influx of violators into the country. Additionally, the responsibility also extends to holding every residency trader, whether a company or citizen, accountable for their actions. A commendation goes to His Excellency the Minister of Interior and may Allah aid and empower Boukhaled in fulfilling this responsibility. The people of Kuwait have immense confidence in your ability to resolve this issue in a manner that benefits the country and its citizens.

Stay safe.