In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Kuwait has lifted its 19-year-long visa ban on Pakistani citizens, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis’ Focal Person, Mustafa Malik, announced on Monday.

According to Malik, the Kuwaiti government has resumed issuing various categories of visas to Pakistani nationals, including work, family visit, dependent, tourist, and commercial visas. “This landmark decision will unlock thousands of employment, business, and tourism opportunities for Pakistanis in Kuwait,” he said.

He noted that all visa applications can now be processed through an online portal, signaling a broader global demand for skilled Pakistani workers.

Highlighting further international opportunities, Malik shared that Italy is set to allocate an annual job quota for Pakistani workers. He also revealed that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed with Italy in this regard. “Arab countries are also showing a strong interest in hiring skilled professionals from Pakistan,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Zaffar Iqbal, announced plans to deploy 1,200 Pakistani nurses to Kuwait in the coming months to strengthen its healthcare system. He mentioned that an initial group of 125 nurses was scheduled to arrive last week, but the process was delayed due to housing issues.

He assured that special teams are addressing the matter, and the nurses are now expected to reach Kuwait within a few days. “I’m pleased to confirm that the Kuwaiti authorities have resumed issuing a full range of visas to Pakistani nationals starting this May,” Dr. Iqbal stated.