Expat children need their father’s approval to leave Kuwait

KUWAIT CITY: The Ministry of Interior in Kuwait has introduced a new rule requiring Kuwaiti fathers’ approval for expat children to leave the country. This new measure is designed to help prevent problems related to marital disputes.

According to the General Administration of Ports – Airport Passports Department, expatriate children now need their father’s written consent to travel. The father must sign a statement prepared by the Passports Department for his child to leave the country. As per latest update, the rule applies to all expat non-Kuwaiti children of Kuwaiti fathers.

This rule applies to all expatriate children, even if they are travelling with their mother or another relative. If the father isn’t present, his signed approval is needed for the child to travel. This regulation is in effect at all entry and exit points in Kuwait.

A spokesperson from the Ministry explained that this measure is intended to prevent issues that might come up from marital disputes. When a father sponsors his child in Kuwait, his permission is required for the child to travel, even if they are with the mother. This rule aims to avoid situations where a mother might take the children abroad without returning, due to personal disputes or other reasons.

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The spokesperson also noted that the rule is meant to prevent cases where children in the Kuwaiti father’s custody are taken out of the country by the non-Kuwaiti mother without his consent, which would be against the new regulations. This precaution helps ensure everyone involved is aware and agrees on the child’s travel plans, reducing the risk of legal and personal conflicts.