What changed under Kuwait's new residency law 114 of 2024?

Kuwait replaced its old 1959 residency law with Amiri Decree No. 114 of 2024, and the detailed rules (Ministerial Resolution No. 2249 of 2025) took effect on 23 December 2025. Key points for workers: most employment-based residencies are capped at five years; the annual iqama renewal fee rose to KWD 20 for many categories; and the law clearly bans employers from charging workers for visa sponsorship or renewal. It also sets time limits for reporting things like a lost passport (within two weeks) and how long you can stay outside Kuwait (six months for general workers). Selling or trading visas is a serious offence. Keep your papers current and never pay your employer for your visa.