KUWAIT CITY, Aug 9 : The Ministry of Commerce and Industry clarified in Administrative Circular No. 11 of 2024 that the ban on individuals holding Article 18 (Private Company Visa) from establishing, renewing, or amending companies and institutions is temporary and applies only to amendment and renewal procedures. The ministry stressed that existing licenses remain valid and have not been suspended.

In a post on its official social media account on “X,” the ministry confirmed that current licenses are still in effect and assured that coordination with government agencies is ongoing to revise regulatory controls for foreign partners and managers.

A responsible source within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reiterated that the suspension of expatriate licenses holding Article 18 is a temporary measure, solely until the necessary amendments and renewals are completed. The source assured that the existing licenses are unaffected, and the ministry is actively working with other government entities to update the regulations governing foreign partners and managers, aiming to support the Kuwaiti economy.

The source also highlighted that the ministry is fully prepared to assist license holders and facilitate their procedures at any time, stressing that the ministry's objective is to organize, not disrupt, business activities.