KUWAIT CITY, July 24: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al- Khalid has launched an electronic visa system through which the nationals of 52 countries shall have the right to enter Kuwait without prior visa, reports Al- Anba daily.

Citizens of the following countries are allowed to obtain tourist visa to Kuwait by logging on to the website of the Interior Ministry: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, the Vatican, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam

Expats medical tests: The ministries of Health and Interior have coordinated their efforts to regulate procedures for the medical examination of all expatriate workers who enter Kuwait, reports Al-Anba daily quoting high-level sources. Sources revealed the representative of the two ministries had earlier discussed procedures for the medical examination of some Arab and Asian nationals upon arrival and departure. Sources said expatriates under visa numbers 17 and 18, and those on family visa are required to undergo medical tests because they deal with the public, food catering establishments, public places and families.

Sources affirmed such tests are aimed at curbing the spread of infectious diseases and to protect the entire country in general. Sources added the representatives of the two ministries will hold another meeting soon to determine the Arab and Asian nationalities under the abovementioned visa types that will undergo medical examinations. Sources also unveiled a plan to require all domestic workers to undergo medical tests when leaving and returning to the country. Sources explained this will be done through the provision of medical facilities at all ports or any other proposal for review, so as to prevent epidemics.