KUWAIT CITY: The French embassy to Kuwait has expressed its regret over the possibility of misunderstandings with some of the long-term visa applicants in Kuwait regarding personal photos required, stressing the embassy is ready to listen to their complaints, reports Al-Rai daily.

According to a statement issued by the French Embassy in Kuwait, a copy of which has been received by the Al- Rai indicates some departments at the French Embassy in the State of Kuwait requests female applicants who wish to visit France to take off the Islamic headscarf.

The Embassy gives the following regulatory clarifications: “According to the instructions issued b y the French government which are applicable to female applicants for long-term visas must provide a photo of an exposed head unless they have stated religious reasons that prevents them from doing so, stressing that in any case, the photo should show the under chin and top of the forehead and facial contour.

The statement added upon arrival in France, the visa holder must provide photographs of the exposed head when applying for a residence card to the competent authorities in the country.