In a major diplomatic and labor breakthrough, the Kuwaiti government has officially resumed the issuance of various visa categories for Pakistani citizens. This strategic move aims to revive strong bilateral ties and address Kuwait’s growing labor market needs, according to Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Zaffar Iqbal.
The resumed visa categories include work, family visit, dependent, tourist, and commercial visas — a welcome development for thousands of Pakistani workers and families. Visa approvals have already started rolling out this May, restoring a crucial link for employment and travel between the two nations.
One key focus is healthcare. Dr. Iqbal announced that 1,200 Pakistani nurses will soon be deployed to Kuwait. Although the first batch of 125 nurses faced delays due to accommodation issues, the ambassador assured that “special teams are actively resolving the matter,” and their arrival is expected shortly.
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In another landmark development, Pakistan and Kuwait are nearing the formal signing of a new labor memorandum of understanding (MoU). “Some provisions are already being implemented ahead of the official agreement,” Dr. Iqbal noted, signaling fast-track cooperation in worker mobility.
He also reflected on the deep-rooted historical bond between the two countries. “The bond between Pakistan and Kuwait predates both nations’ modern statehoods,” he said, citing the key role of Pakistani engineers and workers in Kuwait’s infrastructure development during the 1960s and 70s.
Currently, more than 93,000 Pakistanis reside in Kuwait, contributing significantly to sectors like healthcare, education, and construction. Dr. Iqbal praised their performance: “Our citizens are exemplary and respected contributors.”
Kuwait’s decision to reopen visa doors for Pakistanis marks more than just a diplomatic gesture — it signals renewed trust and economic interdependence. For Pakistan, it brings valuable job opportunities and remittance inflows. For Kuwait, it means access to a skilled and reliable workforce. With a new labor MoU on the horizon and thousands of Pakistani professionals preparing to contribute, this development could redefine regional labor dynamics. It’s a win-win moment that both nations must capitalize on carefully and swiftly.
The decision to resume visa issuance for Pakistani citizens is more than a diplomatic breakthrough — it is a strong signal of growing economic collaboration and rising labor demand in the Gulf region. With the healthcare sector alone opening its doors to 1,200 Pakistani nurses, a wave of new job opportunities is clearly on the horizon.
This development could significantly benefit Pakistan’s struggling job market, where unemployment and underemployment continue to challenge millions. Sectors like healthcare, education, construction, and services in Kuwait are already absorbing skilled and semi-skilled Pakistani labor, and the new labor MoU promises to further streamline this mobility.
For Pakistan, the implications go beyond employment. Increased overseas job placements mean a higher flow of remittances, which are crucial for stabilizing the country’s foreign reserves and supporting families back home. For Kuwait, it ensures a steady pipeline of trained and dependable manpower.
This momentum, if sustained and properly managed, could not only strengthen bilateral ties but also emerge as a model for future labor export agreements with other Gulf states.
