27 votes

How to get a domestic worker's iqama in Kuwait — step by step please?

Visa

My friend Nirosha just arrived in Kuwait 3 weeks ago on a domestic worker visa (Khadama). Her kafeel hasn't taken her to get the iqama (residence permit) yet. She's worried because she doesn't want to overstay or have issues.

The kafeel keeps saying 'soon soon' but nothing is happening. What's the normal process and timeline for domestic workers in Kuwait? And what can Nirosha do if the kafeel keeps delaying?

Savithri Madushanka 15 days ago 637 views 5 answers

5 Answers

Accepted Answer

This is actually a common situation and important to address quickly. Here's the normal Kuwait domestic worker iqama process:

1. Worker arrives on entry visa (valid 30–90 days usually)
2. Kafeel must complete medical test at an approved clinic within 30 days
3. Fingerprinting at PACI (Public Authority for Civil Information)
4. Iqama issued — usually takes 2–4 weeks total from medical clearance

The legal deadline for the kafeel to initiate this process is 30 days from entry. After that, fines start accumulating.

Your friend should politely but firmly remind the kafeel that the 30-day window is closing. If the kafeel still refuses, she can contact the Domestic Workers Affairs at the Ministry of Interior (MOI) — hotline: 1800-100.

Thilak Jayasinghe 14 days ago

UPDATE: The kafeel finally took Nirosha to the clinic yesterday after Thilak's advice — we printed out the 30-day rule from the MOI website and showed him. Medical done, fingerprints tomorrow. Thank you everyone from the bottom of our hearts! 🙏🙏

Savithri Madushanka 4 days ago

Also important: the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has a helpline for workers in distress abroad — +94 11 2880500. If the kafeel is abusive or refuses to process the iqama at all, Nirosha can contact the Sri Lanka Embassy in Kuwait: +965 22517877. They have a Labour Welfare Officer specifically for these cases.

Please make sure Nirosha keeps a copy of her passport, original visa stamp, and employment contract somewhere safe (not with the kafeel). Many workers give these to the employer which creates problems later.

Nadeeka Fernando 12 days ago

Nadeeka's point about keeping passport copies is critical. Also WhatsApp group '🇱🇰 SL Workers Kuwait' has a volunteer who helps with exactly these situations — ask in the ArabLanka General Chat room, someone will share the link. Community looks after community. 💪

Kamal Perera 11 days ago

(I'm asking on behalf of Nirosha — she's not confident in written English). This is super helpful, thank you Thilak!

Savithri Madushanka 13 days ago