Directorate general of residency affairs issued executive rules regarding the renewal of family residencies for those other than spouses and children. According to the directive, the issuance of residency permits to expats’ parents will be only after producing a certificate of private health insurance and payment of KD 50 in health ministry insurance, apart from the payment of KD 200 per year per parent. The rules said the private health insurance value will be between KD 300 to KD 600 for parents according to their age, bringing the total annual fee to a minimum of KD 1,100 and up to KD 1,700.

The rules stipulate siblings who reach the age of 24 have to transfer from family to work visas, and are not allowed

to stay on family visas.

However, there will not be any new visa issued for parents and siblings.

The rules exclude an expat’s special needs relatives from private insurance - including parents or siblings.