Kuwait healthcare ban for foreigners: Impact on Indian expatriates

Background and overview of the Kuwait healthcare ban

Kuwait’s health system has long been seen as a model in the region. But in recent years it has been facing various challenges. On August 23, 2025, Kuwait’s Minister of Health Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Al-Awadhi issued an official decision banning foreign nationals on temporary visas or visit visas from receiving medical services in government hospitals and clinics. The immediate effect of this decision is on all foreigners who come to Kuwait for tourism, short-term business or other temporary purposes. Also, the formal reason behind this policy is said to be to reduce the pressure on local health resources and give priority to the country’s citizens and long-term residents. Kuwait’s government health system has long been struggling with problems such as lack of funds, lack of resources and increasing demand. The COVID-19 pandemic made this situation even more serious, exposing the shortcomings in the health infrastructure.

Reasons behind the Kuwait healthcare ban

Lack of resources Kuwait’s government hospitals are already under extreme pressure. The system is unable to meet the medical needs of the growing population of local citizens and long-term residents. One reason for this could be to prioritise resources by banning temporary foreigners. Also, the economic burden that providing free or subsidised medical services to foreigners in government hospitals puts a significant financial burden on the government.

This decision could be a step towards reducing health expenditure and increasing efficiency. Also, countries like Kuwait, where there is a large immigrant population, commonly implement policies to prioritise local citizens, reflecting resident vs immigrant discrimination. This decision also appears to be part of a similar policy aimed at protecting the rights and services of citizens. As a result, people travel to other countries specifically to receive affordable or high-quality medical care, which we call medical tourism.

Effects and implications of the Kuwait healthcare ban

Effects on foreigners who lack medical protection and temporary visa holders including tourists, short-term businesspersons and visiting family members. Will no longer have access to government healthcare facilities in case of emergency or illness. This can expose them to serious risks. Also the financial burden that private hospitals and clinics are usually much more expensive than government facilities.

Foreigners will now have to turn to these expensive options which will lead to a significant increase in the cost of their travel. The psychological impact that this policy can have is that it can create a feeling of insecurity and anxiety among foreigners especially the family members of Indian expatriates. Who come to visit their loved ones. This impact on Kuwait’s economy and society which can boost the health sector. This policy can be an opportunity for private healthcare providers. Because the demand from foreigners will now shift towards them. This can boost investment and growth in the private sector.

Impact on Indian expatriates and their families

The Indian community in Kuwait is a very large and important community. Also, there is a close historical and economic relationship between India and Kuwait. This policy will have a special impact on Indians as well as the concern of family members. Family members of Indians working in Kuwait often visit them. Now they will be worried about their health security. And the problem in emergency situations is that if a visiting family member needs emergency medical attention, they will have to turn to expensive private hospitals, which many workers and employees may find difficult to afford. Also, the mental stress that this uncertainty can cause is the additional mental stress among Indian expatriates who are already living in a far-off country.

Impact on India-Kuwait relations

India and Kuwait have historic and strong ties. Around 1 million Indian nationals live and work in Kuwait, and they play a vital role in the country’s economy. Bilateral relations have improved in recent years, as evidenced by high-level visits and cooperation agreements. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his upcoming visit to Kuwait in December 2024 and the Emir of Kuwait confers the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer on him, along with the third India-Kuwait Joint Working Committee on Medical Cooperation in July 2025, this new health policy may seem like a minor obstacle to bilateral relations, but diplomats should address this important issue through diplomatic channels. The Indian embassy is already active in the welfare of Indian nationals in Kuwait, as evident from their proactive role in helping injured Indians in the recent fire incident.

Recommendations and Alternative Solutions for Indian Nationals

Comprehensive travel insurance It is now more important than ever for all Indian nationals travelling to Kuwait to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy. The insurance should be such that it provides emergency medical treatment and hospitality. Cover hospitalization and medical evacuation. Also medical check-up It would be wise to get a complete medical check-up done before travelling to rule out any underlying conditions. Necessary medicines Carry sufficient quantities of necessary prescription medicines along with a copy of the doctor’s prescription and medical records. Also keep a list of private hospitals and clinics that provide quality healthcare services while in Kuwait and information about private healthcare providers. The Indian Embassy can help provide this information.

About the Author

Techebo.com

Administrator

Visit Website View All Posts