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Kuwait

Why are you still here?

Zaydoun hadn’t posted on his blog for over a year but he came back today with a simple and legitimate question aimed towards the expat community… Why are you still here? It’s an honest and curious question and he doesn’t mean it in the if you don’t like it get the hell out kinda way. With all the problems in Kuwait what keeps you here? Here is why I’m still here:

I’m an expat but I grew up here so I don’t see myself as an expat although Kuwaitis do. This is my home. I’ve lived here all my life so even if there are a lot of problems I stay and deal with it. I adapt and I get used to it. Sometimes things really piss me off which is when I come here on the blog and rant but most of the time I just take it all in and try to ignore the problems. There’s always the “hope” that things will get better (although with the way things are going I’m finding it harder to believe that).

I’m not Kuwaiti but I do feel frustrated in the same way many Kuwaitis do. When I see all the trash scattered all around my area in Salmiya its really depressing and frustrating because with all the money available why isn’t Salmiya cleaner? When I see people running red lights in front of the cops I find it frustrating because again with all the money available why don’t we have better law enforcement. I guess it’s unfair to connect everything with money but I believe everything can be solved with money and since we have a lot of it here we shouldn’t have any of these issues.

But, with all these problems, as an expat I have to say one of the most frustrating things is the fact I can’t get a permanent residency. I’ve lived here for over 30 years and my visa still gets renewed year by year. If I want to quit my job and take a break I can’t. No job means no visa and I’m out just like that. I think that’s extremely unfair.

Anyway check out Zaydoun’s post on his blog and tell him why you are still here. I’m curious to read all the answers as well. [Link]

233 replies on “Why are you still here?”

Well, I keep asking myself the same question everyday. Why i am here?!! I’m not an expat because i was born and raised here,, the date i entered Kuwait is the date of my birth,, Yet i am being treated like someone who just entered Kuwait!!! My dad has been here since 1959 yet he is having his residency visa on a company!! Can you believe it?! He is 74 years old and yet he cannot have his own Iqama!!!
I really don’t know what else to say because that feeling kills me..
Thanks for the great post anyway..

to make everyone feel better..some of us kuwaities with different sects also feel the same way..even though over families moved with the founders! lool so ur not alone

Fox, your problem is that you are applying Western laws and norms onto Kuwait. It was never in Kuwait’s history did they ever give citizenship to expats born and raised in Kuwait. That’s why I left Kuwait for Canada. Now I’m the happiest man in the world!

Why waste your time in a country that doesn’t share the same line of thinking as you are?? Seek a better country that is a better fit for you. Unless you plan on running for government, you or your complains will never change Kuwait’s or any other country’s regulation and culture. If Kuwait will ever change, it’s definitely not gonna happen in our life time.

So start doing your research, find a country that is a better fit, and just immigrate and become a happier man. I’m serious.

My reason is money only. For what I do, I save more than I could’ve made in my homeland doing the same thing.

And the cars are cheap.

And ofcourse the humus at fareej sualeh is awesome!

Frankly, I’m STILL here coz this is really the only home, I’ve ever known. I too am born and brought here with a short gap during the war and college. I don’t feel at home in India. I actually don’t like spending Christmas in India coz Christmas in kuwait is more fun. That’s because I have my family and friends here. Many find that strange but that’s the way life goes. With all the drawbacks, Kuwait is still home.

I hear you man, but trust me money won’t make Salmiya or any area cleaner or won’t make that big difference, education and culture will, people perspective should be changed, MUST treat Kuwait as one huge house for Kuwaitis and non-Kuwaitis alike. And the visa thingie is totally absurd and unfair.

I have to disagree. Money can help make Kuwait cleaner.

First you use the money to bring in experts from abroad, lets say a Scandinavian country.

Secondly whatever ideas these experts have regarding our trash needs financing which is where our money comes into play.

Finally other than short term cleanup goals there needs to be long term goals like education and campaigns, those require funding which is again solved using money.

the last point you mentioned makes sense, it’s something like awareness campaign, right? well, that’s totally true, but hopefully not something like the “Tarsheed” campaign which was a big scam! And you might laugh at me when I say I also agree to get those experts from specifically Scandinavian country!

I’m not in Kuwait anymore. And even though I lived there for 17 years, the feeling of “not belonging” all those years made it easier for me to transition to Canada. Home is where you feel welcomed, where you feel that you’re part of the community as a whole, and not just your “own people”, and it’s where you can live for the rest of your life without worrying about getting kicked out if you don’t renew your residency….

I feel the same way, I have been born in Kuwait. It should feel like home but it’s not, I’m sorry to say but the truth is Kuwait one of the most racist country I have ever been to. The culture is so closed and it lacks authenticity.

I’m leaving Kuwait in the next two weeks. I have so much memories and friends over here, though I feel happy about leaving for good.

I really wish Kuwait could go back as it used to be in the 90’s.

This is a cool post Mark. Thanks! I am an American living here for around 6 years now. Came over to make money as a lot of expats do. But I came over because the Kuwait government bought some “items” from us and I came over to provide training and support. I was excited at first. Actually enjoyed Kuwait. Would even go home and miss “home” (Kuwait). But as the years roll on and me not seeing much change, its getting depressing and sad. In my job for example, I don’t get a salary certificate (work for an American company in America). I have a Visa 17 which means I need a Exit Letter to even leave Kuwait for a long weekend (don’t understand the logic there). Am told I need to renew my visa year after year even though I have a contract until 2016. The part of the government I work with are great guys who work hard. But I also have worked with various other customers who have the same things and it seems here in Kuwait, their isn’t the same amount of care put into what they bought. Its almost like they bought them just to have them. Total waste of money. Then after work….I see the crazy driving, the people throwing trash out their windows. I HATE to see how some expats are treated. Some people are treated differently just because they are from a poor country. As a Muslim country, I would expect people to treat all human beings as God’s creations and give a little respect. Going to a restaurant and seeing people eating while their house staff sit and watch is gross. Seeing kids drive cars and smoke cigarettes. Seeing kids with no parents watching them- only Nannies. Which is why I am moving to Taiwan next year. I know its not ALL people here in Kuwait. I do know this. But I also know that the problems that Kuwait currently has is fixable. Thats the most frustrating thing here. And seeing people just ignore that is sad. I want to come back to Kuwait to visit and see a clean and beautiful country. Kuwait is a beautiful country with beautiful people- hopefully everyone can come together for the good of the country and of each other. Before things might take a turn for the worse. Inshallah!

Man I just loved your comments here. Sorry to know that your are leaving Kuwait but totally understands the reason. Believe it ot not, most of us the Kuwaitis feel so much worried about the future of this country, and it gets on our nerves that, as you said, all problems are fixable, yet we dont do anything about them. Thanks a lot again and wish you all the best.

Kuwait is home because I was born here! It is home because I’ve never lived anywhere else for a long time period. I like to visit my home country for holidays only. Then I eagerly wait to come back as I miss the sunny weather, food, comfortable life, cheap petrol and so much more. I am still here because over the past 20 years since I was born here, I studied here, worked here and basically did everything here. I have adapted the lifestyle, weather, food and everything here. I become very sick in my own home country when I go there for vacation ls because nothing suits me there!!!

you really have summed it up so nicely. It really describes the condition of Kuwait as it really is from others perspective which only a third person can see and very few local people of Kuwait will see. The decision for you to leave must have really taken time but then you got to do what you got to do. All the best for your future.

though I am Kuwaiti, I’ve had a different upbringing than the majority here, half my family are of a Lebanese background (moms side) dad’s side is a well known Kuwaiti family. I get criticized a lot, indirectly for having a diverse background by a good number of Kuwaitis, doesn’t bother me though.

I do sympathize with decent expats for having to go through all the trouble, at the same time I do carry some sort of dislike for those who come here and contribute to the chaos we already have. from little simple things to the major ones. things like being ripped off by most foreign business owners. (ahem mechanics who have 0 decency + no respect for their craftsmanship)

The one thing that irritates me the most is the fact that a large number of foreigners assume that all Kuwaities own an oil field at their homes thus they commence a beggary against you.

Other than that, most of my friends are expats, I do enjoy their company, we all believe that each one of us has problems of his own thus we’re equal one way or the other.

why not move to Canada? much better health system and free too once your citizen, and consider from 1st world countries, not to mention opportunities are better than here to make profits.

I’m just saying.

1st/3rd world is an outdated distinction, use developed/developing.

Also the Healthcare isn’t really “free”, you have high taxes that pay for it.

Money can solve lot of problems for sure, but its the easy money which comes to Kuwaitis… is also a cause of lot of problems. For example, they won’t care to break speed limits because they can afford to pay for it. If one is made to work hard to earn that money, you would stay grounded (humble) & lot of that arrogance would fade away. Its the attitude of people that needs change… if we were to make any difference.

Cesars confectionary, there is no better pizza than theirs, not even that pizza neopolitanovasvetlana or whatever he calls it.

I’ve thinking a lot about this recently. I am Kuwait, and I think the government should give expats the right to settle here permanently, with conditions of course. Like having spent a certain number of years working here and a clean criminal record. Kuwaitis like to think that foreigners in Kuwait are a temporary issue but they will always be here, unless oil runs out. And 80% of them are draining money from Kuwait because they send their paychecks overseas. If they had an option to settle here with their families, that money would stay here and flow into the economy. I don’t expect many Kuwaitis to agree with me. But I think if this is applied we need to have more control over who gets a visa, because a lot more people will attempt to come.

I am an expat having studied economics I can say with expert opinion foreigners who send their saving overseas are not draining money from your country.
They are providing you cheap labor and their product/service(stays in Kuwait) is obviously worth more than their salary (partially leaves Kuwait).
One thing that facilitates luxury is cheap labor no where except Asia will you see a servant class
(farasha,qadama,maids,drivers,helpers)
(Middle-East is also Asia).

80% is a big number Mr. Fahad all but a few expats can come close to that % in salary/saving ratio, do consider the average expat income is nowhere near the average citizen income.
The sponsor visa is a primitive protectionist (anti-free market) law, which in the long run hurts Kuwait.
I see most expats even will high income and no taxes here leaving for Canada or Australia for better quality of life, that is sadly Kuwait’s loss.

I stay in Kuwait as it is one flight away from my home.
Growing up here this place is too familiar, I like the slow paced relaxed life.
In Kuwait I don’t feel that fat.
Also there is inertia.

As a kuwaiti married to a lebanese I’m counting the days for my retirement to take my wife and two kids to settle in lebanon, problem is that the wife like it here more than there which i find unreasnable

I’m a Kuwaiti and I love Kuwait because the country has been so generous to its natives, unlike other countries that treats its citizens like complete crap. Yes there is a problem with how expats are treated, and yes the system is corrupt, and I agree that Kuwait has serious problems (even for Kuwaitis) and that we should fix them. I have three points I’d like to make.

1. We all complain (even myself) that Kuwait has this problem and Kuwait has that problem. “They should fix this they should fix that.” BUT what are WE (the Kuwaitis) doing to try to stop this? Only the minority are trying to do anything. I see “the complain but not do anything about it” in many countries not just in Kuwait. It’s something to think about

2.We have to work together as a unified community to change that, and that will only come through education and learning. Through better education in ethics, community, cultural understanding, strict abidance to improving knowledge and skills. Education will give us the tools and utilities we need to take things further and try to solve the problems we face through legal means. As I’m studying in America right now, I see that the majority are uneducated and unaware of the many problems they face, and they blindly follow the herd. They take the apathetic route and this is the same problem in Kuwait. Education should be a priority.

3. As I slightly alluded to in the previous points; Every country has its problems. You think Dubai is the paradise of the middle east? Please conduct more research on how Dubai is built and what happens to their expats. America? England? Lebanon? Saudi? They all have their problems and corruption. It’s a worldly problem. So don’t be TOO harsh and mad at Kuwait for what is happening to it. Be mad at the human race.

I think what we are really mad about is that Kuwait has the resources. Kuwait has the resources to rebuild and reconstruct itself into a better country. Inshallah that will happen one day when we collectively rise up as a consensus to agree to tackle the problems.

Sorry for the long post/rant. I hope you all have a wonderful day/afternoon/evening/night (wherever you are)

foor for thought….why educate sheep and make them realize the fair value of their wool that the shephard now gets for practically free ?!!? Even if education would greatly improve the lives of the sheep and bring order to the farm.

If you were the shephard what would you do ? 😉

Unless the nationals change their behaviour and instead of treating their country Kuwait as if it was disposable, we will never see a change.

N19, could’nt have said it better. Kuwait has so much potential, what needs to be done is an investment in the good of the people, specially the upcoming generation.

How about this, I’m Kuwaiti and when I’m in Kuwait I don’t feel like I’m at home.

It’s great being around family and all, but damn the social environment isn’t so friendly.

i am an Indian. i was born here at Kuwait, studied here and have been living here my whole life. & i have never been out of Kuwait!
my parents came here to Kuwait when they were the same age as me! they met here at Kuwait and even got married here in Kuwait.
Kuwait is my home. i know more about this country than what i know about India.
but here we are treated as low life because of our brown skin and that India is a poor country.
i hate it how i have been living here my whole life, but still i need to renew my visa every year or else i am out of the country.

i graduated from college majoring in architecture, and when i went to work i was paid half of what they paid the other staff who were fresh out of college just like me (but they were Russians and white skinned) and i also was bullied and mistreated at the office probably because i am Indian.

i graduated with an A+ grade, GPA 7.1 (of 10) from college, but they prefer someone with blonde hair and white skin than someone who works hard and is qualified for the job.

Kuwait is my home and i wish to live here till the day i die.

long live Kuwait. and god keep this country and all its people safe.

Tough shit bro. I admire your self confidence. My dad is going through the same thing too. For 33 years to be precise. Not a single fils was given as a raise for him despite being a senior engineer. He has British and Japanese people working with ranks lower than him for quadruple the salary. Can you believe this shit?

Yes this is the plight of so many of us. .. born and raised here but treated like a stranger. …my dad n mum too here for 42 years but invain. ..I describe Kuwait in simply as . .. Open Prison! You forget you are human if you live here long enough. …ofcourse I will leave. …

AS far as expats, Kuwait has the toughest residency laws of any country. While it makes sense to keep the number of expats under control, the current residency laws are very unfair. In short, Kuwait does NOT want any permanent residents ( or anymore citizens for that fact). Thats why the laws are the way they are. They could care less if you have been here 100 years or 1 month, the rules of eqama are the same. You will never be accepted by the system (as it stands today), nor will your children or grandchildren. So if your an expat and have kids, your best bet is to send your kids off to college in the US/Europe and hope they land jobs there. Then, you can join them after you retire {because you can’t stay here).

Of course all this will change in about 20-30 years once the oil runs out.

I’m the same as randy. My husband is a citizen so that’s why I’m here otherwise would have gone back home (Australia) a long time ago.

Love the post ,
I just wanted to reply to the comments above regarding the issue about renewing your visa and even if you have to leave Kuwait for a short period of time you still need permission , Kuwait isn’t the only country with this rule! I currently live in Ireland and if I’m going away for a weekend to london I still need permission otherwise I won’t be able to return back to dublin! Also I have to renew my visa every year (I’m on a scholarship and I’m staying here until 2015). So Kuwait isn’t the only place who does that!

Reply to S

I live In Ireland too. You only need to apply once you get to Dublin and after that u can leave whenever you want. Plus you renew ur residency because ur a student once you get employed you get permanent residency here. Plus in 5 years you get the nationality.

As for the original post. I was born in Kuwait too and lived there all of my life. I am currently studying in Ireland but going back to live in Kuwait in the fall. Although I love it here. I feel I belong in Kuwait maybe because my whole family is in here. I have more relatives in Kuwait than in my home country. Kuwait can offer you what other countries in the Middle east cannot provide you which is safety. On the other hand I agree with all the other readers about the unfair residency rules. Last year I had to deal with lots of bureaucracy in order to renew my residency before leaving to do my masters otherwise I wouldn’t been able to come back. I understand that this happened because a lot of residents stabbed Kuwait in the back during invasion but not everyone should pay for their mistakes. When we criticize and complain about things we don’t like in Kuwait its because we feel bad that Kuwait has much potential to grow and become better than any other country in the region. Personally speaking I feel that Kuwait is home and there is no other place that makes me feel like that. God Bless Kuwait

Mark that day my friends were talking about you and they said that it will be an honor to Kuwait if you get the Kuwaiti citizenship and i honestly agreed

lol lo 9ij et3arfna chan 3raft ena ent el fa’6ee 😉 lana we rarely talk about things not related to work

and when you do talk about things not related to work, you talk about what an honor to kuwait it would to grant citizenship to a blogger

la t7awil

Honestly when most Kuwaitis are bashing their own country and Mark spends a lot of his time talking about how he likes things here he deserves it more than them

its an honor for ALL expats to live here…neither Mark nor any other expat is an “honor” for kuwait…know ur size..and ur value..ALL of u..including u Mr PS….i agree with 7amood: stick to work-related talks cuz the minute u deviated u INSULTED kuwait

In defense of the residency rules, many people abuse it in other countries such as America, France, and Australia. Though I agree that the rules should be leaner and allow visas/residency for a longer period of time, you can see why the govt. takes its stance on this issue. Hopefully they find a way to satisfy both sides.

S, your comparison with Ireland is not fair simply because you were not born and raised in Ireland as you are there on a scholarship only.

Back to the main subject of the post, I’ve been following Mark’s site for more than 2 years but now I find myself obliged to leave a comment for the first time. I would say that people who are not ethnically Kuwaitis and who were born and raised here and have been living here for all or at least most of their lives would find Mark’s post very touching.

I don’t want to share my life story with everyone here so I will try not to get into details but it’s sad when a country like Canada which I have been to only once in my life granted me all the rights of the Canadians (except the rights of traveling which is the passport and voting) and by the way, I’m going to get that after living there for 3 years in addition to the permanent residency right after landing there while in Kuwait my legal existence in the country is tied with my job. In other words, if I lose my job in Kuwait then my presence in the country where I was born in becomes automatically illegal which is just unfair according to the global standards and yes I am comparing Kuwait with western countries and with global standards because I love this place and I want it to be comparable with the best of the best especially when it comes to human rights.

Can’t find a better word which can describe the feeling than the word painful! I’m leaving Kuwait to Canada soon, leaving lots of things behind me here including a job in a multinational company which I am not sure that I will get in Canada but I am doing all that because I want to feel secured! Although I always loved this place but sadly, I will never feel completely secured here in Kuwait even if I live here for 5,000 years…It’s just sad!

I’m sorry to hear that. Kuwait is not for everyone. I hope you find what you’re looking for in Canada.

To everyone:

kuwait is a small country. land is scarce. the job market is saturated. kuwaitis are struggling to find jobs. if a young kuwaiti wants to buy a house, he has to wait at least 15yrs.

yes yes..your your stories are all touching.. but think with your mind and not heart.

logic dictates that kuwait cannot afford to grant everyone premanent residence. where would they live?

there are 2 expats for every kuwaiti already.

one of my parents is an expat, so I am not being racist here, but if you do not like it..then leave.

and please stop bitching..

Oh, and to the guy talking about canada..canada is one of the worlds largest nations.

they are granting people citizenship because they need citizens, not because they are saints.

“If you dont like it here .. leave.”
Guess what, many many ARE leaving exactly cause of this thrashy attitude of yours.

I dont even want that citizenship, I only wish that visa 17 exit requirments would be laid off. Im jailed in a country, but inshaAllah not for long.
I too plan to ‘leave’.

“if you dont like it..leave” does not apply to expats alone.

it applies to everyone no matter where they are.

there is nothing wrong for wanting kuwait to become a better place- better education, better hospitals etc.

but when your requests are irrational, then yes.. if you don not like it then leave.

p.s.: for those of not following, the irrational requests are permanent residency or citizenship

Wondering, did your “expat” parent get citizenship? Because my wife can’t because her nationality isn’t on the approved list of countries for spouses.
If I die, she has to leave? Or be placed under the sponsorship of one of my children? If they have reached the age of 18? It isn’t as black and white as you make it out, and your ratio of 2 expats to one Kuwaiti wouldn’t be the case if so many villas didn’t HAVE to have 2 maids and a driver.
The expats who own their own businesses here are profitable and provide income, not only to their expat employees, but to Kuwait as a whole.
If they aren’t profitable, their business goes bust and they leave.
How many of this new generation of Kuwaiti owned small businesses are actually profitable, or just for show so a 22 year old who has never held a serious job can say “I’m a business owner, I have my own cafe/cupcake bakery/restaurant.” ?

my ‘expat’ parent has been in kuwait since 1960. and yes, they do have citizenship, but they’re case is totally different.

I am sorry for your wife, but you knew (or should have known) the risks when you married someone of her nationality.

the law is the law.

in regards to expat business owners, i HIGHLY doubt they’re businesses do that much for kuwait. this is kuwait afterall- oil x oil

and in regards to the kuwaiti small business owners.. why the bitterness?! whether they are profitable or not is not our concern

Come on, you think ALL the big businesses in Kuwait were started by Kuwaitis? Mark just did a profile on KITCO, which was and is seriously upheld by the Indian partners. Look at Dabdoub, he isn’t a partner, but brought NBK so much higher.
My point with the successful expat business owners is that they are contributing, and for large part are now moving over to second generation control of the business, just like for example you see with Al-Kharafi and Al-Wazzan. These people in my opinion have proven their worth, hence making it not so black and white as I see you placing the issue of residency/citizenship.
I agree with you completely on the total lack of housing, as a Kuwaiti currently renting an apartment and not able to purchase a home at these market prices. But that then makes your argument invalid regarding citizenship/permanent residency because even if they were given it, it wouldn’t change the fact that they still live here, or free up a home for your use.

I’m not bitter about the small Kuwaiti businesses, I find it silly, and actually quite depressing for the outlook of our country’s future. I aim to have my own business, but it’s irrational to believe that someone fresh out of college, or who has never really put any effort into their professional growth other than sitting in the Caribou of Alraya can build a business. When you look at this on a mass scale, what you have are large risks that will drag down the economy, instead of building it up so we don’t need to depend on oil.

Lastly, it’s ridiculous to say “you knew what you were getting into” when I got married. You’ve essentially equated a life-long human partnership with the purchase of 1999 used Pontiac Grand Prix, where I risk not finding parts except by special order. My wife contributes a hell of a lot more to this country than “Latina Mina” from 99.7 ever did (and we aaaaaalll know how that turned out), yet because she had a US passport she could apply for citizenship.

first off, no way would i in any shape of form criticize your off.

I am not judging he contribution to kuwait or her character.

all I am syaing is that there are certain nationalities out there which are not accepted as wives by the government.

iran, iraq, syria, lebanon, pakistan etc. are just a few- anyone feel free to correct me if i am wrong.

when you married her you should have know that. and if you did, you must have sacrificed the right to a citizenship for your wife.

in regards to small businesses. I am not too happy either about all the restaurant and little bakeries opening up. then again, we should criticize the people for encouraging such businesses. then again, kaifhom.. if they want to spend daddy’s money or get a big @$$ loan to sell cupcakes.. 3laihom bil 3afya.

in regards to permanent residenct and housing.. i do not refute my arguement by saying that housing supply is low.. becuase, think of it, if all expats could get permanent residence.. wouldn’t ALL expats, and descendants, eventually stay and retire in kuwait? even the ones who already left would come back..

contributing to a bigger housing crisis..and a bigger traffic headache problem..and a higher unemployment rate.. eventually leading to inflation..lower salaries..and an overall lower standard of living!!!

oh, and in reagards to expats and businesses… some expats were granted citizenship due to their contributions to kuwait.. dr. shafeeq.. dabdoub.. etc.

but that does not mean that the country would collapse wihtout their contributions.

first off, no way would i in any shape of form criticize your off.

I am not judging he contribution to kuwait or her character.

all I am syaing is that there are certain nationalities out there which are not accepted as wives by the government.

iran, iraq, syria, lebanon, pakistan etc. are just a few- anyone feel free to correct me if i am wrong.

when you married her you should have know that. and if you did, you must have sacrificed the right to a citizenship for your wife.

in regards to small businesses. I am not too happy either about all the restaurant and little bakeries opening up. then again, we should criticize the people for encouraging such businesses. then again, kaifhom.. if they want to spend daddy’s money or get a big @$$ loan to sell cupcakes.. 3laihom bil 3afya.

in regards to permanent residenct and housing.. i do not refute my arguement by saying that housing supply is low.. becuase, think of it, if all expats could get permanent residence.. wouldn’t ALL expats, and descendants, eventually stay and retire in kuwait? even the ones who already left would come back..

contributing to a bigger housing crisis..and a bigger traffic headache problem..and a higher unemployment rate.. eventually leading to inflation..lower salaries..and an overall lower standard of living!!!

oh, and in reagards to expats and businesses… some expats were granted citizenship due to their contributions to kuwait.. dr. shafeeq.. dabdoub.. etc.

but that does not mean that the country would collapse wihtout their contributions.

I didn’t say you criticized my wife 🙂 I just don’t see that as a strong argument. I’m pretty sure Lebanese wives are ok, and I think the new list allows almost all those you had, except maybe Iran and Pakistan. Even Eastern Europeans I think have been given the ok, and it is essentially Asian wives that are being rejected.
That is where I think it is BS, because they are completely basing the validity on nationality, when a Kuwaiti is just as likely to marry an Egyptian, Lebanese or Syrian woman or even Easterb European for unethical reasons to defraud the government out of cash as they are a Eoman of Asian origin.
Their reasoning is that there are Kuwaitis marrying women To reap te cash benefits and give them a cut, but when it’s done, it’s done with all types.

the housing/land point is bogus !! its a managed monopoly..less than 20% of Kuwait is inhabited, what about rest of the 80% ? Oh its not developed…but are living in 15th century ? No, cities can be planned and developed..like happening all over kuwait right now !! The point is Kuwaiti policy makers neither think from their minds or hearts.. and the policies of the state are governed by uneducated or barely educated folks who dont care about the future or their state…but are solely concerned about future of their families

Spare us your condescension. Thinking solely with your head is all well and good, but it means you don’t take into account what is important. If Kuwait wants to solve its issue, it needs to stop importing people to do all its dirty work and then treating them like garbage for their troubles. And I don’t want to hear this whole “it’s better than what they’d get back home” crap – that is NOT an excuse to exploit them.

Habibi You came to Kuwait with a work permit or perhaps was born here since your parents were working here, if the visa expires you leave or renew it why are you sad?

Its the same in USA and Canada UK, Australia.
You have to Invest 1000000 USD to the USA to be considered for a legal immigration process applicant, Canada is 450,000 CD, and you will pay in installments for that amount till you die, other wise its marriage the fastest and easiest way, keep in mind if you get divorced you are in the illegal residency within a month, must find a job, another wife or leave the US or CANANA.

Another option is to get a job sponsor like most axpats in Kuwait, and yes if you lose your job you have to leave the country or find another job sponsor. Your last option is multi types of political refugee visa applications and good luck on getting accepted on that, unless you win the green card lottery.

Point is I don’t see much difference is residency laws accept for the duration of Stay in Kuwait.

Even when we were student in the USA they asked us to leave the country in the summer if we had no summer classes taken, other wise the FBI would come to our place and questions us and perhaps even deport us!! even though we all had a five year student visas.

So tell me something Tasheen and all you others who don’t like the visa laws here in Kuwait where is the all fairness in that.

if anything, kuwaiti law is more lenient towards expats.

in the U.S. if you break their immigration laws, you go into prison..get deported..and banned from entering the country ever again.

Habibi You came to Kuwait with a work permit or perhaps was born here since your parents were working here, if the visa expires you leave or renew it why are you sad?

Its simple every country has its rules

Its the same in USA and Canada UK, Australia.
You have to Invest 1000000 USD to the USA to be considered for a legal immigration process applicant, Canada is 450,000 CD, and you will pay in installments for that amount till you die, other wise its marriage the fastest and easiest way, keep in mind if you get divorced you are in the illegal residency within a month, must find a job, another wife or leave the US or CANANA.

Another option is to get a job sponsor like most axpats in Kuwait, and yes if you lose your job you have to leave the country or find another job sponsor. Your last option is multi types of political refugee visa applications and good luck on getting accepted on that, unless you win the green card lottery.

Point is I don’t see much difference is residency laws accept for the duration of Stay in Kuwait.

Even when we were student in the USA they asked us to leave the country in the summer if we had no summer classes taken, other wise the FBI would come to our place and questions us and perhaps deport us, even though we all had a five year student visas.

So tell me something Tasheen and all you others who dont like the visa laws here in Kuwait where is the all fairness in that.

so you logic is that kuwait should hand out citizenships to everyone who is born there?

give every newborn free education and healthcare?

give him dowry when he gets married?

land and loan after he has been married for 15 years?

give his kids full paid scholarships?

and then the kids get married..have their own kids…

you see where I am going with this?

please think before you post.

btw acerboy..am not attacking you..am just comparing the situation to ppl born in the u.s. to expat kids born in kuwait..

after reading my post I saw that it was a bit ‘forward’ if you know what i mean.

cheers

No worries we here just sharing or view points and not WWIII

But if Saudi, Qatar and Bahrain can give citizenship to expats so why not Kuwait ?

thank god you are living in kuwait and not saudi.

living standards is way bad over there.

bahrain is politically unstable.

qatar hand out citizenship to everyone..just look at their athletic/football team.

thank god we are in kuwait.

and to everyone thinking I might be hating on expats, I am not. like i said earlier, one of my parents is an expat.

and i have family members who have lived over 30 years in kuwait but had to leave and cannot return.

do I wish they lived here ? yes. Do I want them back? No.

not because I dont love them. but because we build a country though our brains and not hearts.

if they work, they take the spot of a kuwaiti.

if they buy a house, they buy a house that could have been bought buy a kuwaiti.

you get the picture.

in kuwait, kuwaitis are favored.

in the U.S., americans are favored. etc

such is life

I really thank God I stay in Kuwait .

You mentioned about the situation of these countries , how about you compare the same with Kuwait
1. Living standards are comparatively high than others where as the fact is more than 70% citizen live on credit !
2. Political situation – do we even need to talk or compare ?
3. Football – as if we can compare Kuwait team with Brazil or Germany ? Qatar foundation is the main sponsor of the best club.

Anyways no country is perfect and expats not asking any share in oil just a basic right of PR for atleast a person who has spent his entire life and after 60 he is just kicked out !

If the govt had played smart it would had planned this very long back giving PR and buying properties so this way the expats money is invested in Kuwait itself
rather they all sending to their own country! And you would be surprised how much money is being sent yearly !

iQama, the reason i am still here is iQama, i do not have it.

We are a family of 6, all without iQama, i am 24 years old, born and raised in Kuwait (Even my Mom was born here) , i have been without iQama for over 12 years now. I need money to get legal & a job to get money, i can only get a job if i have iQama.

It’s a weird situation i’m stuck in. I need a job so i can support my family and get them Legal, we spent the last week on 4KD.

But even if i could leave, i would never leave this place, it’s Home to me.

some expat comments, some local, some dumb, some smart, one thing for sure….WE HAVE PASSED THE POINT OF NO RETURN. Interesting insight fro the expats though….walla 7aram whats happening to this country and its visitors, how embarrassing and depressing to realize that many different nationalities are suffering from my compatriots ignorance, rudeness, dirtiness, and lack of appreciation.

As an expat and leaved his for a decade, I’d consider Kuwait as my second home. But sad to say, that in a couple or more years, I will bid farewell to this beautiful country.

Sure, I will miss a lot of things, but as the saying goes “there’s no permanent in this world except changes”.. 🙂

I still try to visit Kuwait because its the country where I was born. So many childhood memories, and what not.

Really depressing that expats are not granted permanent residency.

Wait, int mu lebnani?
And you’re saying how you dislike Kuwait because of the trash and people running red lights?
Seriously…. why are you still here… if you do appreciate what Kuwait offers… start talking about the thing you do like…

Read the post, he’s saying he likes Kuwait but he wishes people respect it more, there’s nothing wrong what he’s saying.

Come one man be logical read the post and do more research you will know why.
Anywhow come visit your old friends

Boy I am reading some negativity towards Kuwait. I really believe this is unfair. I am an American and am here for the money. I believe almost all expats are here to have a better life. If you don’t like it or think Kuwait is so terrible then you are better off living somewhere else. Every country has problems. Every single one of them. I am very unhappy with my own country at the moment which is why I have zero desire to go home anytime soon. Luckily for me, my job allows me to live in various places if I chose to. Kuwait will get better. It may take time but it will get better. When I here people talk badly of Kuwait, I get frustrated and sad. What people need to understand is Kuwait is still a very young country. As far as Independance goes. Compared to my country for example, it is a very young country. Kuwait has the advantage of being young and small and thus can adapt quickly to make things better. Politicians (around the world in EVERY country) need to stop working for themselves and put their heads together and make the country, as a whole, better. The politics that are happening here in country, are really no different then the politics that happens in my country. Its sad because the people really want to live good lives. We are all proud of our countries, regardless of how bad those countries may be. We just need to get people in office who care about really making some change and not making drama or helping themselves. Kuwait can get better. Kuwait WILL get better. It won’t happen overnight. But after everything that has happened in the last few years with your government, people will find other people who will work to change the country for the better. And for the expats who don’t like the rules of Kuwait- sorry. Its their country. It would be the equivalent of someone coming to your own home and doing WHATEVER you wanted, damn whomeever lived there. Respect Kuwait. Respect the people of Kuwait. I have found most people in the world are GOOD people. Unfortunately, a small group of people always give the countries bad reputations. Most Kuwaitis are educated and are really good and kind people. Don’t disrespect the people in their own country. Like I said, if its so bad, then leave. I am guessing that however bad you may think it is here, its still a better life then what it is back in your own country. I am from America. I feel blessed to be from America but I chose to work overseas because of better opportunity, no different then you. Make the most of your opportunity. You can make changes. If you work HARD, save your money, and give yourself a better life, then you will be fine. But don’t sit around feeling miserable for yourself. We got one shot at this thing called life, lets make the most of it. We are blessed to be alive and to experience all the things we experience.

What negativity? Nearly all the comments here are positive regarding Kuwait. People have issues true but everyone who posted about the problems they have also posted about how much they love Kuwait. I love Lebanon but if I complain about the lack of electricity or shitty Internet that’s not negativity, that’s a reality.

In a way, you are correct but I did read some comments, maybe I was a bit sensative about. Maybe its just hearing other expats in my life complaining and you gave me a forum for commenting back?….LOL! I love Kuwait. No country is perfect, things will change, and hopefully they change soon. Otherwise, if you are an expat, then leave. I will now shut up, maybe foot got put in mouth….LOL

Finally someone says he likes it here and points out that many countries on this beloved earth have problems !!
thank you JC

Sami, being a permanent resident of Canada, I can confidently tell you that you don’t this huge amount of money to become a permanent resident there! I’ve got much less money than that in my bank account and I still managed to get it.

For all those who don’t understand the reality about Kuwait such as the American guy JC, please don’t talk about something you are not fully aware of! Myself, Mark, and many others here are not being negative! We are just saying that it’s a pity that we are still being treated like an expat who has just arrived in the country while we were actually born here! I don’t know about Mark but talking about myself, I’m 30 years old and I was here during the invasion! When Mark posts something about Kuwait and about Salmiya and Hawalli and Cinama Al-Andalus in the 80s, it sounds familiar to me because I experienced! The pity is that we are not being granted something to feel secured! I want to be a self sponsor! I don’t want my presence in Kuwait to be related to the mood of my bosses at work! That’s what I’m talking about! It’s a pity to see many people leaving because of this reason! My parents have been living here since the 70s (I know they are relatively late arrivals so I know many families who have been living here since the 50s) and now when they stop working they will have to leave.

It’s very simply; we were born here, we have been living here for decades, we have roots here and we love this place so we should feel a little bit secured! We are not asking for nationality or passport or to be treated like a Kuwait! I want to have the right to stay here even if I am not having a job! I always wanted to travel around the world for a year but I can’t do that because if I do that then I will lose my residency and therefore, I might not be able to come back to Kuwait even to visit my parents and my best friends! That’s all…

I apologize Tahseen AZ! I didn’t mean to offend you or anyone else on here. I love Kuwait. I totally do understand the problems and issues here in Kuwait. I have been here for many years such as yourself working with the Kuwait government, my wife also works with the Kuwaiti government. I didn’t mean you guys were being negative. Actually Mark pointed that out and I agreed. I think maybe the negative I was talking about wasn’t posted on this blog or forum but actually from people I hear (expats mostly) in person. I think this blog and everyone’s comments made me think about all those negative comments. I agree, their are some issues Kuwait has to deal with but I also feel those issues will be fixed. The great thing about Kuwait and the Kuwaiti people (and expats) is that so many people DO care. This is why I feel Kuwait will be fine and all of those issues will be addressed at some point. If nobody cared, then everyone would be in trouble.

But please don’t take my comments the way you did. I didn’t mean any disrespect to anyone on here. I respect everyone and their opinions. Even if I don’t agree with them. This is what makes Kuwait a great country. We can freely discuss this. If we were in China or North Korea or a restricted country like those, we wouldn’t be having these discussions without fear of being arrested.

I have lived here a long time as well. I cannot self sponser. I cannot even go to the airport and get on a plane to fly to Oman or Egypt to go diving if I wanted. I am on a Visa 17! I have to get permission. I agree their are a lot of big issues here in Kuwait. But I also see Kuwait trying figure out these issues too. Unfortunately, these issues are not as easy as just “fixing” them. Their are a lot that needs to be done to accomodate all the changes that would take place if these issues were resolved.

Like I said, we are lucky we can discuss these issues as adults and in a forum where people can talk about what they feel without worry of being jailed. And the fact that everyone cares so much, is proof Kuwait is in a good place. Things will get better here. And I am going to love when they do and I come back to visit and see how much it has changed!

so living here for so long entitles u to certain privileges that should not be available to “new” expats?? wow…and who decided this?? and who determines who is considered an “old” resident and who is a “new” resident?

u r all here to work and make money..thanks a lot for ur paid efforts..otherwise, u would only have to right to feel like ur entitled to certain privileges if u were promised such privileges..and u were not…so wanting to reward urself for living here for so long doesnt really count

JC, no need to apologise or anything come on it’s alright and I’m happy to hear that you really care about this place and you want it to become better and better! I also agree with you that many expats here who have been here for a short time and who are enjoying a luxury life style keep on complaining all the time especially about cultural things ya3ni come on you should have done your homework before coming to Kuwait so you should expect something! It’s not Las Vegas here! You get certain things here which you cannot get in the west and also you won’t be able to enjoy certain things here so just like any other place, it’s not perfect here.

However, my point is about the people who consider Kuwait as home and who believe that they are not expats yet they are still being considered as expats because they are not Kuwaitis 🙂

Dear All,

I loved the comments over and Mark thanks for the Topic, Just to summerize we love Kuwait like crazy such an amazing country, but i guess Mark and all of us trying to get some feedback how to make a kuwait a better place for all off us.

I am a Palestinain who was born in Kuwait and lived for more than 30 years and stayed in Kuwait during the full Gulf war in Ahmadi, having an older brother who was run over by a Kuwaiti drunk driver in 1984 and still love it, my brother is currently going through major challenges now since he can not get any medical supplies in Kuwait and he has to order them from the states you should ask him how he has been treated, unable to get driving licenses, every year he goes for his residence they cause many problems and some times they accuse him that he is normal and can be a normal person although he is paralized and on a wheelchair how does that feel?????

I think we should have more rights for people who were born here such as;

1- Buying our own apartment
2- Residency to be flexible
3- Can start your won business
4- Allowing us to join commitees in developing Kuwait
5- Medial rights

An expample of how we can help Kuwait is starting with Ahmadi one of the oldest areas in Kuwait with an amazing history and currently loosing its identity to help it get its green color back organizig annual events there make it a toursit site a mini UK its a shame it is ingored and only remebered in FEB and March.

Thank every one:)

Eddie Sorry to hear about your brother, it could happen to anyone, from any place in any place.
Medical right!!!!! You pay 1 KD to any public hospital or Mustowsif, then you get your meds for free as well !!! Whats wrong with that, I have been using them all my life and my entire family as well we are all still alive and well, unless its a emergency or serious surgery then yeah I would say the medical coverage in Kuwait is not that great, no to get in to a talk of medicare please we all know its not all that. Then you have the private clinics and yes sometime people have to pay to get checked up same in any other country that has private clinic, thats why its there for.

Hi Sami,

Thanks for the response buddy about the medical even in private clinics you dont find what he is looking for we have to order it and its not about the money Sami

Yes it can happen to any body any where but not set the drunk guy free with no charges and even not been jailed my bro is benn on a wheelchair since hew was 4 he is 34 years now you can go and meet him at Hilton Kuwait ask for him.

so the problem is not that kuwait is restricting you brothers access to HC?!

sorry about your brother though.

I am truly sorry about what happened to your brother, I hope that my post did not offend you in any way just to sympathize your situation here.
I know someone who lost her daughter in Kuwait. She was a victim of a hit and run buy an american driver who was set free the same night and escorted to a private plane so i heard and off the country forever. The girl was 14 she is dead, the driver fled the seen and is never gonna be seen again.

Tasheen AZ,
Sorry to see that you have been having problems here.
About Canada, if you did not get your residency status financed there, then maybe you have some family there in Canada who filed your immigration application for you and sponsored you, or have connections with company owners to sponsor your job or have connections to a religious organizations that sponsored your visa and the list goes on. In any case of that then yes you dont need 450,000 CD to do it you might not need more then 25,000CD to pay the lawyers and thats the beginning, we know all the corners and the bottom line is CASH or other things that IU posted before. Anyways lets not get into this more then needed.
If and when you get your passport and citizenship from Canada you can visit Kuwait without any invitation anytime, and you can stay each time up to 3 months or so, everytime will cost you like 10 KD visa which is a stamp you get in the airport so whats the big deal??

About your comment ” being treated as an expat that just arrived ”

Studies show that in the U.S.A
3.5 million people are homeless with no jobs and no medical coverage keep in mind those are citizens
As much as 12 million people are in a state of so called ( illegal aliens )
some who have been in the country for 20 years or more!!
Those people can never leave the states if they do then will never be able to get back.
They cannot get drivers licenses, nor can they buy a car legally.
They cannot buy an apartment or house nor can they be admitted to hospitals, or attend any schools.
They cannot vote, they cannot get legal jobs or social security.
Its been like this for over 50 years and its getting more and worse for them.
I can go on about this but I think I made my point, not to talk about other countries in Europe and Asia

I numbers speak for them self my friend. I am sorry, but there is a

reason why these laws were made in Kuwait, some of the post up there said why, not that I like them and I wish they could be better for some people and hopefully someday they will.

All the people who are saying Kuwaitis are bad people are a bit wrong. I think most of kuwaitis are very nice and humble people. Who are the arrogant ones? They are kuwaitis who got rich cuz of the stock market and suddenly start to show off with their money. I’ve worked in the avenues where only kuwaitis come to shop and to be very honest, members of the Khorafi, al-sabah and all these big families are more humble than those other kuwaitis you see everyday.
I feel bad about the whole visa thing myself. I’ve been living here all my life and i’m still renewing my visa every year so i don’t get kicked out. Not like im saying i want a nationality, just that those who have been living here for 10+ years must not face the same problem that a newly entered expat faces in kuwait since they’ve been contributing to Kuwait’s economy for a long period. Born in Kuwait or not, if you are living in Kuwait and contributing to it’s development, you must have the right to enjoy atleast some benefits like the kuwaitis do..

like shwarmas.. jokes apart..

True, I have Kuwaiti friends who behave normal, I don’t see any reason to blame the whole nation because of stupid acts by one.

Many Kuwaiti’s are very good people.

I would also like to state that if the government of Kuwait improved the education system in Kuwait’s public sector then the students would be better than any other country in the World and this is proof as there are Kuwaiti kids who are studying abroad and have tremendous potential.

Nahin 123, nobody said that Kuwaitis are bad people here! Not in this page at least :)! Scroll up one more time and read all posts again.

Sami, there are different immigration classes in Canada; skilled worker class, sponsoring family, Canadian experience class, and finally investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed people and that’s the class where you need to have a huge amount of money in your back account and not only that, you must invest something in Canada. As for my status, it’s skilled worker or SW and all what you need to have is something like 10,000 CAD only. Source: Myself as a Canadian PR holder and for more details please check citizenship and immigration Canada site: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp

About my comment, let me paraphrase it, I meant to say, now I’m 30 years old, born and raised in Kuwait, was here during the war, learned in school here up to year 12, never been inside a police station in my life except once because of a small car accident (wasn’t my fault), and a holder of high degree. Tamam? Now, a person like me might lose his/her job for a reason or another. Mazboot? If I lose my job then I will have to find another job within a very short time or my presence here in Kuwait will become illegal and then I will have to leave the country and guess what? Because I hold a Jordanian passport at the moment (Not Canadian, Not American, Not German, Not British, etc …) then I can’t come back to my birth place unless a company sends me a commercial visa or whatever they call it or my parents arranges for a visit visa to visit them while an American, British, Canadian, or or or can come back whenever they want and they get 3 months visa on arrival. That’s what I am talking about; my status and their status is equal regardless of how many years I lived here and by the way, it’s not really equal, they can come here anytime they want but I can’t (again that’s only supposing I become jobless).

By the way, if I can buy an apartment/house here, if I can be a self-sponsor and not to worry about my visa residency, then I would never ever think about moving to Canada!! If Kuwait allows people like myself, Mark, and many others here to do that then many of us would have never thought of leaving.

I hope that you found my point of view convincing 🙂

you do know that there are thousands of kuwaitis out there who cannot own homes..right?!

whether its the cost of owning a home (mini.300K)..or due to government housing regulations..(queuing up for land&loan) kuwaitis are not able to own homes.

so how would it be fair if we allow expats to buy homes in kuwait when kuwaitis cannot?!

I am not sure how true is that but if that was the case then the minister would had been grilled in parliament !

And in regards expats purchasing house / apartment they don’t require govt they need to knock the real estate door if the govt had allowed to purchase !

Sorry Acerboy, but your understanding of the situation for Kuwaitis is a result of Arab Times and Kuwait Times spotty reporting and news coverage.
I tend to find that when it comes to the rights Kuwaitis have, life long expats living in Kuwait believe the situation for those in Kuwait with tons of money, is that for all the Kuwaitis.
Once an Indian friend of mine told me that I was dumb for not going to the Parliament, because “every time a Kuwaiti goes to a Parliament session, you can get 50 KD. You didn’t know that?”
7amood is right in regards to home-ownership. You never wondered why so many classifieds for rentals in the English newspapers will say “Westerners only”? It’s not because they are being racist to Asians, it’s because they are filtering out Kuwaitis. I lie to real estate agents to get them to show me buildings and tell them I’m an American.

Sorry Khaled let’s face the fact if a real estate agent doesn’t want kuwaities cos they know right after few months the rent would be stopped and the case will be in court ! So the agent doesn’t want the pain !

But again we not here to judge anyone!

So you do know there are thousands of Kuwaitis who don’t own homes and the minister wouldn’t be “grilled” for it!
That was my point, not why Kuwaitis are filtered out from apartment rentals. I just said I lie about it, because I do pay my rent and shouldn’t be stereotyped.

Oh man there are so many things people spread rumors about haha. An Indian guy at work thought the 1000 KD grant to Kuwaitis has been given every month since then -_-

And YES about having to lie to real estate agents, what the fuck. I can’t get a decent apartment because they tell me they’re full if I talk Arabic, if I call back speaking English they tell me “of course sir we have several free”

Pathetic, I hate it when people think “Kuwaitis all have big houses” when a lot of newly married couples struggle to even find a decent apartment.

Tasheen AZ, I see what you mean, and that happens in many countries not only here even I as a Kuwaiti have experienced it before and many did in many places, I am a well travelled person and have seen allot in life, not to show or so. Yet I think I have addressed your issue in my last post specially the first paragraph !!! Like I said I know all the angles about them immigration laws no need to get more into it.
Good luck read my last post once more must find some answers.

Get me the name of the person who ran over that little girl and I will personally see to it that person “finds” his way back here. Laws are laws and nobody should be above them.

Its way passed my friend JC, it was three years ago or more, the steel and the trail has gone cold !!

We in Kuwait on the other hand do forgive and forget and move on.

Cheers

The Reason most Brits, USA Expats stay in Kuwait are easily broken down.
1. One tax free money
2. Escape reality of real responsibility
3. Men especially enjoy Kuwait for the easy fishing, back home may have old wife or over obese chicks at the bar to chose from. So why not come to Kuwait, have many gfs and trade them like playing cards with your friends. Some women stay for the game also some out of rating scale of 1-10 are a 5-6 back home and with less competition automatically become a 8-9.
4. Never get out of debt, most come with dreams of paying of things back home but adjust to the high life and spend 15years with no money because the wife back home isn’t dumb she is spending all your money and playing the game also.

Pretty offended by your comments SPEAK IT.

1) I paid OVER $32,000 last year alone in taxes. Anyone NOT paying taxes is breaking the law. Just because you live overseas does NOT allow you to NOT pay taxes. Incorrect statement #1
2) I came over because Kuwait bought some equipment that I am the Engineer for. How is that “escaping reality”? My contract continues until 2016 but next year I have decided to help the Taiwanese people start up the same program in October. Not leaving Kuwait because I do not like it, just need to move on and start up another challenge that comes with starting up a new program. Has nothing to do with escaping reality. My job is to travel the world helping governments with their equipment they buy from my company/government. #2 is incorrect for me.
3) This of both offensive and insulting to me. My wife is sitting here on the couch watching a movie with me. Unfortunately, I am replying to someone who really feels like they are a better person by insulting various cultures who come to Kuwait to both help their families back home (commendable if you ask me) and also give themselves better lives (again a noble cause). I didn’t come here looking for girls. The thought never crossed my mind. Maybe some guys do but I don’t know anyone who is back in the US who say “WOW I am going to Kuwait to meet girls!”. Nobody thinks about that before coming here.
4) This is insulting to almost every expat if you ask me. People come here for a better opportunity. Its just plain sad for you to make these remarks.

I would expect from a person who is a good man, who follows his god, the god that makes all of the people on this great Earth of ours to have a little more understanding or sympathy to the people who come here to TRY to make their lives better. I don’t get insulted easily but your post sir- I am EXTREMELY insulted.

You must be making over 92k to be paying any taxes, or your waiting for the end of the year to file your claim to get your taxes back. If you read marks post and mine it states why people stay in Kuwait not come here. Yes the come for other reasons including for the tax free money. My post was geared more to the single men or men that stay for years and wife is back home. I am married with wife here and child. We had to move from away from Salymia because of the buildings we stayed in people were having new gfs/bfs coming out frequently. We made complaints to the owners and they never did anything to stop it. If you go in public an Expat man from country’s I listed are always trying to pick up the restaurant or shop employee’s. You must not work at one of the bases to completely understand the whole picture I am painting. I get emailed on facebook (status married) or even asked in public by women working here all the time for dates, even though I wear a ring and decline. Its the situation that people are put in to act this way and I truly think its an issue that some may not realize.

Perhaps SPEAK IT was stereotyping quite harshly, but he isn’t 100% wrong. For you to be paying taxes, you have to make an income of more than around $90000 a year, in addition to the fact that if those who do make more than that, the IRS is going to have quite a difficult time proving it. Hence, many don’t pay taxes if they should.

As to the infidelity part of it, from personal experience I have met several American men who have been in the exact situation he has described, in some cases for a couple of years before finally moving their wife and children over here. I have even met women, also married, doing the exact same thing.

There is obviously a scale of individuals that come to Kuwait, but if you compartmentalize to contractors working on-base, I have tended to not to want to meet them again, for a variety of reasons, this scenario being among them.

i was born in kuwait in gulf war in ahmadi. ahmadi was a unique place which i really liked it was quiet peaceful but the drawback was it was far from the city. my dad use to work in the koc and i was in one of the american schools. i guess life was good until my dad lost his job . the disadvantages in this country for us expats was residnacy problems each year and i was born here , my dad had to leave so we had to leave too. too much racism in this country its like you have no rights . dont get me wrong ilike this country but the kuwaiti youth here stinks , they are all brats they all have this we owe you atitudee and too much racism adios i left and see u later

there is no such thing a equality when it comes to matters of the state..respect however, definitely.

I’m in it for the money.

Just kidding. I grew up here and you learn to deal with shit life throws at you. Sure there’s always a anti-expat mood hanging around some people. But home is home no matter what 🙂

P.S: You really think I was joking about the money? LOL!

7moud.

My Brother cant get full medical care cause he is not kuwaity, not accepted in the disabled society of Kuwait, and every year to renew his Iqama is full wastas.

Kuwait is amazing we are not saying any thing bad about it but people can change such,

1- 5 year old kids smoking
2- keeping the country clean
3- respect diffferent age groups
4- respect disabled people and offer them facilities such parking spots, accessibilty to all buildings and make them feel equal to us
5- Allowing people who were born here and stayed and suffered during the war to have more rights.

7moud Kuwait needs passion and i dont find people here are giving it help or love to get advanced comparing to all countries in the region such awarness campaigns how we can pay Kuwait back all projects are being delayed.

If you dont mind me asking what do you do for living?

hello eddie, from my understanding your brother is denied access to HC. if that is the case, then I am sorry.

i am not trying to hate on anyone. I have expats in my family, and I also have a disabled family member.

all I want is for people to understand that kuwait, in its current state, cannot afford to cater for the needs and wants for BOTH kuwaities and expats.

i am not against permanent residency if the country can afford it, i.e. canada, but i am all out against it in kuwait’s case.

kuwait and its people definitely need a wake up call. I really we do not become a forgotten nation in the next couple of years. government needs to grow some balls and make some harsh decisions, and the people need to wake up and realize that wealth can come and go..but class is permanent. and class, is what some people of this country severely lack.

sorry for the long post. al7amdulillah I am still a student. will be unemployed in a few months- if you catch my drift 😉

Eddie
I have to say you are wrong about Kuwait not having passion or not giving help and so.
Kuwait has been helping countless countries and poor people from around the world ever since I can remember and still is and still will go on. Our name is in many charities around the world, some whom are based here in Kuwait and some whom were established outside of Kuwait.

And I do agree with your no 1,3, and 4. Yet I do not agree with number 5
I will tell you why, simply because allot of people will lie and pay their way with favors and bribes to prove that they were here in Kuwait during the war so that they can take advantage of the benefits here!!

Now I am not pointing any fingers here and not saying that you are one of them liars.

But in fact people did lie about things like this hence we have the problem with the stateless people in Kuwait !!!

Yes to helping poor countries and charities, at the far corners of the earth..which make it to the news….then again what about those who need the help right at the doorstep?

lloyd_911
I think my country has done what it can to people coming here o work from all over the world. Maybe not enough yet what can be done so far is done and good.
Logically Kuwait has to accommodate to its founders and its citizens first before favoring other. Its natural human selection on earth. You take care of your family first.
Now if you are referring to the labors then blame the greedy middle men in their embassies who take share of those visa transactions, and the agents back in their countries who did not want to explain to them how things will be here and they only have one year to work then leave or find a job… I blame them before I blame the Kuwaiti companies.
After all no ones forced the labors or anyone to come here they came out of the free will.

Copying my comment off Zaydoun’s blog with some additions:
My family moved to Kuwait back in 1967, they’re still there but I couldn’t stay there. I had to make my move back in 2005. Yet I visit every year, Kuwait to me is the good old memories, my 1990s that I wouldn’t exchange for anything in this world, my friends from 30 different countries if not more, my crazy nights and the place where I learned everything I needed in life, where I received my education, where I had all these good memories… many things weren’t the way I wanted them to be but that doesn’t make it less of great… Kuwait is where a huge chunk of heart is, and will never leave.

I’m in Amman now, probably going to spend few more years there or in GCC’s big apple, Dubai (Like I call it) but would go there only because it feels like what Kuwait should be now…

I still visit Kuwait everywhere, it is where I got for vacation now; I have Kuwaiti friends that I’d never have like in the world! I’ve met most of my friends in Kuwait, I was probably 6 years old when I first met them… and I consider them family.

I am here becuase this country provides me an opportunity to earn a living relative to some of the other option I had. I am grateful to this country, its rulers and its people.

I tried to post a comment at Zoydoun’s website but it’s too complicated. He wants to control his commentors too much.

I’m kuwaiti and I left long ago. I visit for family from time to time. but seriously the place is suffocating, I’m an artist i work in the art. to live in a country that censorship is a lifestyle is something I can’t tolerate. the police force is ridiculous. Books get banned, cartoons get censored in the movies, you are treated as a child by the government. the atmosphere is very misogynistic and homophobic. the social and the political system are increasingly moving towards forcing a religion on our bodies and minds. oh and you can’t relax by having a BLT and a beer.

No matter how many years you live in Kuwait, you will never feel like this country is truly your home.

Most expats I know look forward to coming back to Kuwait only to meet their family and friends but not the country itself.

The STATE of Kuwait needs to start treating expatriates as equals, improve human rights and reform labor laws to make it fair.

I was born in Kuwait and have now lived here for over 14 off my 26 years and still do not feel like Kuwait is truly my home. I’ll be leaving soon but I just want Kuwaiti’s to know that Kuwait has the potential to be a model GCC country. You have the wealth and resources. You just need the will.

Good luck Blue, sorry did not work out for you,
Check out the labor laws and labor camps in Dubai, tell me what you think of them. I have seen them my self, not to say we have better ones in Kuwait!!!
if you are not satisfied with the ones in Dubai, check out the ones in India and China the ones who make world famous british, french, and american brands, watch the discovery channel some time you will see them shows about it.

Not convinced enough check out the mexican and Latin American labors working in STATES, living conditions that will shock you!!!!
Would you like me to give more examples…??

Why would you compare Kuwait to those countries.

Are you trying to say that other countries are worse and although Kuwait isn’t perfect it is better and this is enough??

For me I believe Kuwait should be the country the World follows if they start working towards a better future.

Mark, i don’t know u and I never met u but I do consider u a Kuwaiti for a while now. U always we , referring urself as a Kuwaiti and 1 of us and I do sense u care about this country more than many Kuwaitis. It’s an honor that We have a guy like u in Kuwait

Hey Sami bro,

Thanks for the comments, but I have to clear one thing by passion I meant kuwait is towards kuwait look around what are you doing to your beloved country no body is helping the country.

About bedoun that’s a different issue and I can’t comment on it since I agree with both sides.

With regards to people who stayed here in Kuwait during the war the government can prove everything since there were many documents and to clarify I lost my dad during the war and I was 11.

7moud once you work as kuwaiti you will find the difficulties for kuwaities as well, try opening a business as a young kuwaiti and look at the obstacles that they give you unless you have wastas look what happening to the young qualified kuwaitis not able to find jobs shame man.

By the way I love kuwait to death, and would love to help since its time to pay kuwait back what it gave me.

Example I lost my job recently and I can’t get any other job since its all wastas and I have to find a sponsor to help me stay legal I wanted to open my own business bas plenty of ideas no help, if I had my own sponsorship I could have planned some thing simple.

Thanks buddy.

Mark.. thank you. I guess I must have struck a nerve with the post, the subject has been bothering me for a while.

I’m especially encouraged by the sheer amount of comments and feedback!! It’s been very educational and enlightening, and also encouraged me to get back to blogging again

Cheers!

less expats means less traffic…i hope this post makes some of the inconsequential expats rethink the reasons they’re here and realize they just HATE it here so much that they HAVE to move out..

Dear Santa: all i want for xmas is less traffic *wink wink*

Seems like you got an issue with expats?

Dont forget from discovering of OIL to street cleaning is done by EXPATS !

sure..thanks..but i dont think all 2.5 million of them are consequential..hence i clarified: INCONSEQUENTIAL expats..

and hell ya i have an issue with expats..not all of them..only the whiny ones:
why is kuwait alcohol free?? 🙁
why cant we be treated like kuwaitis??? 🙁 how come dubai is fun and kuwait is boring??? 🙁
how come kuwait is hot???? 🙁
why r the laws r tough??? 🙁
we were born here so why cant we get the nationality even though we can get it in so and so countries??? 🙁
we’ve been here for 50 years hence we deserve this and that!!! 🙁

boooo-fuckin-hooo…cry me a river, build a bridge, then get over it….this is how kuwait has always been..and with the grace of Allah, always will be..make ur choice on whether to stay or leave accordingly

Spartan you need to understand that the expats leaving Kuwait aren’t the inconsequential but rather the ones who are well educated and want a secure future.

It is the very few good expats who are left and most probably will fight to stay till we are asked to leave.

whoever WANTS to leave, i will personally drive them to the airport..whether consequential or inconsequential..plz, dont act like ur doing us a favor..we survived during the invasion on our own..believe me, we can do it again..
whoever wants to stay and work to make money, 7ayyah allah ur most welcome this is ur second home..just dont stay and whine about it as if ur forced to stay here..
if better opportunities r present elsewhere, then like the question in the title asks: “Why are you still here?”

You know something, its people like you who remind us exactly why we SHOULDN’T be here. Thank you for the reminder 🙂 might need a lift to the airport to get the f*** out of “your” country. Let me pack my ENTIRE life, my mum’s 50+ years of service, and just shove it. Cause I’m sure if this was your family, you’ll just say “well, my family deserves it. Kuwait doesn’t want to give them any permanent residency, let them get out”. It’s people like you why Kuwait sadly is not improving. You have to realise theres a difference between people “hating” Kuwait, and people giving “constructive” criticism. When I whine that I don’t have residency, it doesn’t mean I should get out. Don’t you “whine” when you’re hungry, or when you want to buy something but can’t? It’s human nature to “whine” when we want something but find it difficult to get. Especially in the matters of living somewhere, which we feel is home but doesn’t want us here, how do you think that feels? Kuwait is home to many of us, and we appreciate everything it has given us and even commend its efforts at pleasing citizens in every possible way. We just wish we could have a FRACTION of rights that allow us to call it home. Not a free house, not a free meal, no; a house we buy with the money WE earn, a residency that grants us the right to live here given certain conditions (i’m hoping people who have lived here for 50+ years qualify). But then again, I’m beating a dead horse here.

no, fyi…when im hungry i dont whine..i either make my own food or order food delivery…whining doesnt solve any thing..but i guess u and ppl like u r so used to bitching and moaning, that u actually think its NORMAL..
any way, im glad i reminded u…so why r u still here again?

let me guess, ur 17 and u think 15 means “immature”? if u cant make an argument then learn..and instead of indirect insults grow some balls and say whats really on ur mind

Acerboy i replied but my response is “waiting moderation”…just a PS: whether its “discovering oil” or any other miraculous job: its been PAID FOR..thanks

PSS: we were here b4 “discovering the oil”..and we will be here long after it depletes..u werent..and u wont

Very few respected business families know the value of expats and their contribution to the country and only such ppl would realise the importance.

Anyways I wasn’t interested to know about how long you been here and nor I interested to tell u how long I have been here or my family !

Doesn’t matter what you say or think cos till date all the development of the nation expats have been having a huge contribution ! Even the laws is just copy paste of Egypt!

You talking about being paid for the job for sure thats their right, money can buy idea but not brains !!

again: thanks, its been PAID for..it wasnt done our of the kindness of ur heart habibi..
and the expats who actually have a value to this country would never go online and whine about living here..they actually enjoy life here..
and u know what else money cant buy u? loyalty and honor..
cheers

Mark I have a bigger question and it is aimed at all of us Expats. Why aren’t we working together as a community to talk to the government of Kuwait to find a way we can all live as perminent residents in Kuwait? That is for those of us who are born and have been raised in Kuwait our whole lives. We don’t have to be given rights like every other Kuwaiti, just have the option of living here peacefully.

I think if that step would be proven and taken, then then door will open for many other endless request for the next 200 years and generations to come after you.

I can’t speak for anyone else (Asian expats, Kuwaiti Citizens), but as a US citizen, living in Kuwait is amazing. Everyone has been friendly to me, especially Kuwaitis my age(20-30). It seems this age group “get’s it.” By that, I mean they do not stereotype as much and are more open to different cultures. I had a 90 minute conversation with a Kuwaiti guy I met while walking the streets of Salmiya one night at midnight. We talked about cultures and beliefs, food and girls all over sheesha and coffee.

As an American, I am paid very well here and all of my needs are provided (car, fuel, food, housing, great salary free of taxes). So all I have to do is go to work everyday and then spend the rest of my time with seemingly excellent people doing a variety of things legal and some not so legal 😛

I have noticed the littering and that’s kind of annoying from an eco and cleanliness standpoint. The driving isn’t bad AT ALL. If you’ve ever driven in a major US city, you will have no problem driving defensively and at times offensively. The rules of the road are basically the same. I actually have much more fun on the roads here than I do in the US and I still stay under the speed limit.

The people I have met here feel the same as you when it comes to the Government and leadership of the country. Everyone attributes it to a lack of modernity. The leaders and older citizens are basically not letting go of the past way easily. They are used to the way things have been and want to keep them that way, while the younger generation is hungry for more freedom and experience of different cultures and ways of living. This is essentially the same everywhere in the world, but I think Kuwait is going to be one of the last countries to “come around.”

Take heart though, soon enough people will realize that your country, no matter where you live in the world, is becoming a part of a global society, where all cultures and religions can co-exist peacefully. Whether you begin the transition now or later, it will happen. Good luck Kuwait!

By that logic 90% of Kuwaiti girls would be kicked out of Kuwait since 80% of Kuwaiti girls are fat and at least half of the remaining 20% are drop dead ugly. As for the guys all of them would be kicked out. meow

David there are some very great Kuwaiti women here. Trust me it is more than 10%. I don’t get why everyone only judges based on looks? Do you know that if a woman is only picked based on her appearance, then at an elder age she will no longer appeal to you whereas you pick someone with a personality (doesn’t mean she must be ugly) you have a better chance of a successful marriage if that’s what you want.

Sadly most men aren’t looking to get married but rather destroy an innocent woman’s life with stupid games which has made the society a little uncomfortable to understand.

I didn’t interact with many Kuwaiti women, but there’s this one that I met that I actually kinda liked her at that time, very open minded and Friendly, she studied at the US, and I believe her dad worked as an ambassador. I really enjoyed playing basketball with her at the Marina court, I wonder what happened to her? 🙂

Another one is Maha from FM99.7 when I won a chance to show up there with Vicky, she was really nice too. 🙂

1- I was born here.
2- I’m close to 30, and this is the only home I’ve known all my life. Despite flying to and fro my hometown.
3- All my family and friends are here.
4- I love this country.

I love Kuwait but the sad sad truth is that it does not love me back. Instead it loves all those “citizens” who were lucky to be born out of other “citizens” who in turn are doing the best they can to leave this country in ruin for the next generation. I ask for nothing in return, just a little bit of respect.
The fact that any yahoo hoo ha can write off my visa for a mere violation.
The fact that I need to renew my visa every 2 years like a groveling dog begging to stay.
The fact that I’m under the mercy of my sponsor who at any point in time can stumble in my store, grab the cash drawer, not having invested a single fils in my business prior, and leave with me unable to say a word because I’m forced to partner with a majority stake holding local by law.
All these are making me physically ill. It kills my soul, and goddammit if this doesn’t get any better anytime soon, then I am a goddamn fool to stay in here.

The day will come when I am 70 years old, if I am fortunate to live that long, and by that time the government will deem me too old to be working and will refuse to stamp my work visa. By then what am I supposed to do? Where am I to go? To the country that I hold its passport? The country I do not recognize?

The above happened to a friend of our family. He was forced to leave after having spent 70 years of his life in Kuwait, and for some reason he didn’t even qualify for the residency. He was forced to move back home. He died there in a month’s time after a bout of chronic depression.

I love Kuwait. It’s my home but goddammit it’s getting hard to keep loving it.

dont be a “goddamn fool” then…be a man and make a decision on whether to stay or leave…and be responsible for whatever decision u make..and stop whining

I had a well constructed argument to retort, but I read your above replies and realized you’re a negating douche. Regardless, what you said is a valid point of view, but what hurts me more is when a Kuwaiti citizen tries to out-bid me in loving this country for the sole reason of carrying the passport. This is unfair. Kuwaitis can hardly muster spending a day of summer in Kuwait, you’re trying to tell me any able Kuwaiti will stay here in Kuwait after the oil runs out and you have to *gasp* do your own work? I don’t think so.

so u wrote a “well constructed argument”, but u decided to save it for a rainy day and make a stupid reply instead? interesting…
im a “negating douche” cuz i dont hand out the tissue box to whiners like u? and dont flatter urself..no kuwaiti would EVER waste time “out-bidding” u in loving kuwait..simply cuz ur a foreigner..ur here to make money then split..we’re the lands natives..theres not even a comparison..and what does the summer vacation have to do with loving kuwait? u make zero sense, u really should have stuck to ur “well constructed argument”..and as for ur GASP, im guessing u were born way after 2/8/1990, cuz kuwaitis did do everything on their own..while the majority of expats (palestinians, jordanians, etc.) backed up Saddam and back stabbed kuwait in the back..and u think the only difference between u and kuwaitis is the passport..ur so delusional..dont say this shit out loud ppl will laugh at u

Samer chillout man
We have been here since the 1750s, some tribes have been here even before that time, oil was discovered in 1950s
what are you saying man LOL

Guys go to ‘manage your subscriptions’ and unsubscribe from this thread to stop getting retarded emails from ‘Spartan’. My inbox will be better and cleaner now. Hopefully my blood pressure will go down too.

Samer I feel your pain – my dads been here 50 years and guess what? No budge whatsoever getting any sort of permanency – he has tried on many occasions through his hard work/ and the impact his career has had on this country – but has still been unsuccessful. Even his sponsor cannot put a good word in for him.

As he says though: you come in here knowing what the deal is and you live by it: I tried to make it better but I choose to secure my children’s future instead. This is the truth that kills me when he says it because I always hoped for all his dedication and hard-work he would have come out on top.

Although I believe if you have contributed well and have represented yourself or what you do successfully then innovation should be your key to citizenship.

As a highly skilled worker or you can take care of yourself then you should have the right to live here. That is social justice. Anyone has experienced this abroad would advocate it to the very end.

What some of you do not seem to get is that if someone has a greater stake in their surroundings, they will invest more time and money making it the best. So opening up citizenship will bring more innovators to Kuwait and another source of income. Case in point: Malaysia. They have a program called my second home where they give expats the option to buy a permanent house and get residency that expires every 5 – 10 years depending on what tier of investment they choose. Did I mention their economy is booming like crazy?! They do have their fair share of problems I know, but the point is that they have a program in place.

I agree Kuwait can’t handle more expats because it is deeply mismanaged all together. Again driving me crazy, as what is echoed throughout is this : Kuwait has the money to be the best country in the middle east but fails to be that. WHY!? This lesson though came directly from the Scandinavian countries by which their social structure and justice is robust and fair (mostly). They didn’t spend their oil money right way – they sat on it, built up their citizens and as the world is kneeling through their debts, they introduce more FREE social programs that enable their citizens AND expats live better, rounded lives. They had economists that planned at least a 100 years into the future of how to invest and make the most for their COUNTRY AND NOT THEMSELVES. That is incredible as a long term plan.

I won’t go too deeply into it but think big and look at the most successful countries on the planet and their immigration programs: Did it work ? A big hell yeah and it pays dividends with regards to every aspect of life in education, media, literature, sport etc.

What’s next? Seriously, Kuwait needs to start thinking outside of the box and be the ruthless strategists that they can be but with their country’s future in mind – not each other – not with the government but for e v e r y o n e.

Kuwait has plans of being a tourist hotspot – why? Why be like Dubai – I love it but it is a glorified mausoleum of Burg this that and the other. If you are going to be a great country you gotta think about what makes you stand out, what your real values are and work your way through INNOVATION powered by MONEY. Or buy it in, invest in those kids who are brainy.

Kuwait has given me a lot, and one way I could give back I would as a citizen but I need to platform and opportunity to do so.

Dee
Why not go to Dubai, buy and apartment and you will get your permanent resident visa, as you know its full of great opportunities and innovations
Good luck

Sami -Update on that Dubai Law- they have changed their laws making it limited with a sea of stipulations. You’ve missed my point completely. Social Justice: If I have contributed then I should be able to settle and make life where I call home – not where its made legal – permanent residency in a country I don’t call home does not heed for the basic human right here.

Dee
if my information is correct. The law here is set in a way that, if you might have done great service to Kuwait for the last 50 years or 30 years or so + WASTA + selective persona, +++++ might be given a chance.
Otherwise only if you are by right a Kuwaiti if your father is Kuwaiti, grandfather, great grandfather etc, or more or less.

I hope that when you came here you where aware of these laws, as we don’t need to change them, this country is not a come here move here become a citizen and so on. Every country has its laws of immigrations, people living in its dominion should respect it and live with it, or move on. Allot of people have already discussed why these laws have been made here in Kuwait!!! If you read some up there you will see and perhaps you know them already.
After all this is not a huge country and its not based on emigration, any educated person would know that my friend.
Best of luck

P.S imagine if 100,000 or more Kuwaitis decide to go to Syria or Egypt or Palestine or Jordan or Lebanon, on a period of 5 years. Then another 100,000 more would follow , they decide to take jobs and just stay for 30 years and bring kids with their families from Kuwait, the kids would stay another 20 years and and get jobs and start asking for rights, citizenship, government loans, passports, etc. How likely will the people take it in any of those countries ??

Last I heard from the news papers even the Kuwaiti students where beaten up and asked to leave the countries of etc and etc and !!!

Sami, again off topic but you made some interesting observations – which I will attempt to answer.

I was born here, I didn’t get the chance to review the laws before popping out. I lived through the war as well I’ve seen what has happened to Kuwaitis/immigrants and it was horrible. What amazed me as such were how people banded together regardless of nationality. When we work as a unit we achieve so much more and in turn saved each others lives. So my emotional stake count: Super high. This is Home. Nothing that laws or whatever can tell me otherwise.

In terms of your observations on immigrants, in my very first paragraph I did state highly skilled workers. There are types of immigrants too: the ones who stay and suck the state dry (case in point the UK/EU), and the ones who want to better themselves and their chosen country. You can say that Kuwait is not an immigration nation – not really not for permanency anyway.

The laws here do not support any real programs that could enable what you say : it is through who can vouch for you long enough. In this instance its who you know not what you know that really counts.

Unfortunately with your point on immigration to the other Arab states, I can tell you as an Egyptian expat our laws clearly state that : After four years of living there you too can become an Egyptian citizen. We also cater to 100000s of refugees but have failed them in the past because of our military’s trigger happiness. That is a topic that I really can’t get into because of my mass ignorance on the situation as a whole. You can argue that Egypt is a massive country : Yes, mostly unlivable unless you are near a nile or fertile land. How about your example with Syria: case in point when the Iraqis fled into Syria they were not turned away – they were given housing and education to try and stabilize their situation, yes it came with a ton of problems which was highlighted in the VICE documentary Heavy Metal in Iraq *something to that effect*. But overall immigrants tried to pull themselves up after the trauma they suffered – this tiny positive act has a knock on effect in their surroundings.

Unfortunately I have to agree to disagree with you, Sami. I believe in social justice that immigrants of a caliber should be allowed to call what they believe is home their country. You have stated in your responses that immigration laws need not change due to the infrastructure/benefit leaching that may occur, but implementing programs can help further your country as a whole could help eradicate that problem.

Short sighted-ness is what many former great countries are now suffering from. That is fine but remember humankind as a whole first instinct to help one another further themselves- where ever on earth that may be.

social justice should be based on social contract…show me the social contract that says if an expat lives here for 50 years he/she should be granted the nationality…no social contract?? awwww…then dont talk about “social justice” as if ur rights as a human being r being violated in kuwait…if u truly love this country then have some respect and royalty

Sami, I don’t think the expatriates here are asking for citizenship. I personally believe that giving citizenship to foreigners will effectively dilute the culture and uniqueness of one country. We have a lot of lost civilization in this world, due to this massive exodus from other civilizations.

But what the expatriate community here would like to have is the choice to remain in this country without being sponsored. For example a guy who have a family here, who have been living here for years, would like a change in Job, take his own time to find a new job. Maybe would like to take a sabbatical leave doing nothing. Can he do that here? No he can’t. If he quits his job, he not only loses his ability to remain in this country but also closes the doors for his kids, who loves it here. He would have to relocate with his entire family out of this country,take his time off, then find a new job here and bring back his whole family. Its like- back to square one.

Why can’t he be allowed to stay in this country on his own sponsorship? No need for the government to pay him a single fils. Even he will be ready to pay for his residence stamping expenses. For a guy who spend his good years here, you should at least afford him that luxury?

This will give him the chance to take his time and choose his future course without disrupting his entire family. Because as individuals all his family members have got a life of their own. His children are living a sheltered life, spending time with their own kind here for whom this is home. He can’t just pull them out of that, because he finds his job miserable and would like to search for a new job without pressure from his existing full time job.

Basically it is not about the job too. Its just the feeling of knowing that you are “free”. No one “owns” you. You know what I mean?

I think me and many other people in this post have already answered that question.
Kindly read earlier posts of mine and other people regarding this matter

Does anyone know whether it’s possible to get a part time job with visa 17 in kuwait as the salary is way too low and would need to drive a taxi or something to survive… so far Ive been told its not allowed butim still hoping 77

i wish i can leave this place
although i was born and still living here
anyone can get me the heck out of here let me know plz !

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