04 January 2010
KUWAIT: The opportunity to own a home or an apartment in Kuwait is important and good news to some working expatriates in Kuwait. While the details of the law are still unclear, many expatriates were elated to hear about the proposition. Some regard it as a step forward but questions regarding residency are still a priority when considering buying property in Kuwait. "It's one step forward and it looks to me like Kuwait is going to change their pro-Kuwaiti law policies to now create laws that favor expatriates. As to whether they will really pass or implement the bill I hope they will," said a visibly elated expat reacting to the proposed bill.
In a move to encourage more investors, five lawmakers have drafted a bill to open the door for expatriates and give them the right to own apartments. Currently, owning apartments in Kuwait is restricted only to Arabs with special permits. However, the proposed bill submitted by Members of Parliament, Rola Dashti, Mukhled Al-Azimi, Saleh Ashour, Ghanem Al-Azemi and Salwa Al-Jassar, call for allowing all expatriates regardless of nationality to own one apartment not larger than 350 square meters.
This proposed law raised a number of new questions and concerns amongst expatriates about their residency. "If an expat is terminated at work, will they be allowed to stay within the country without harassment?" asked an expat who wished to remain anonymous. "How long would an expat be allowed to stay if they owned property without having a job? If an expat owned property and were handicapped in some way, would they still be allowed to stay?
While many expats were excited about the proposal, there were also many who expressed doubt. "Who will benefit, from it?" asked another expat who wished to remain anonymous. "Not us expats for sure. A proposed bill is always in favor of Kuwaitis. Maybe they only like your money and your savings." Many Kuwaiti sponsors only allow expatriate workers to stay in Kuwait for a month once they received a notice of termination. Once an employer has cancelled an expats residency he, or she, will be automatically considered an illegal immigrant unless they leave Kuwait within the allotted period of time. If apprehended, they could be imprisoned by immigration authorities and deported. "Without employment or a job how can you protect your apartment?" the same expat asked.
It will be an additional headache. You'll surely struggle for buyers once you decide to leave the country. Additionally, who can buy the apartment? Was that made for businessmen or for simple expatriates earning a minimum salary,Some of the expats excited at the opportunity would love to see the bill passed and implemented in Kuwait. "The fact is we are paying monthly house rents," another anonymous expat said. "The money we are paying is nonetheless a huge sum. If the proposed bill is like a rent to own apartment I would go for it. I would really love to have an apartment since I am not planning to change my job or my workplace at this time.
KUWAIT: The opportunity to own a home or an apartment in Kuwait is important and good news to some working expatriates in Kuwait. While the details of the law are still unclear, many expatriates were elated to hear about the proposition. Some regard it as a step forward but questions regarding residency are still a priority when considering buying property in Kuwait. "It's one step forward and it looks to me like Kuwait is going to change their pro-Kuwaiti law policies to now create laws that favor expatriates. As to whether they will really pass or implement the bill I hope they will," said a visibly elated expat reacting to the proposed bill.
In a move to encourage more investors, five lawmakers have drafted a bill to open the door for expatriates and give them the right to own apartments. Currently, owning apartments in Kuwait is restricted only to Arabs with special permits. However, the proposed bill submitted by Members of Parliament, Rola Dashti, Mukhled Al-Azimi, Saleh Ashour, Ghanem Al-Azemi and Salwa Al-Jassar, call for allowing all expatriates regardless of nationality to own one apartment not larger than 350 square meters.
This proposed law raised a number of new questions and concerns amongst expatriates about their residency. "If an expat is terminated at work, will they be allowed to stay within the country without harassment?" asked an expat who wished to remain anonymous. "How long would an expat be allowed to stay if they owned property without having a job? If an expat owned property and were handicapped in some way, would they still be allowed to stay?
While many expats were excited about the proposal, there were also many who expressed doubt. "Who will benefit, from it?" asked another expat who wished to remain anonymous. "Not us expats for sure. A proposed bill is always in favor of Kuwaitis. Maybe they only like your money and your savings." Many Kuwaiti sponsors only allow expatriate workers to stay in Kuwait for a month once they received a notice of termination. Once an employer has cancelled an expats residency he, or she, will be automatically considered an illegal immigrant unless they leave Kuwait within the allotted period of time. If apprehended, they could be imprisoned by immigration authorities and deported. "Without employment or a job how can you protect your apartment?" the same expat asked.
It will be an additional headache. You'll surely struggle for buyers once you decide to leave the country. Additionally, who can buy the apartment? Was that made for businessmen or for simple expatriates earning a minimum salary,Some of the expats excited at the opportunity would love to see the bill passed and implemented in Kuwait. "The fact is we are paying monthly house rents," another anonymous expat said. "The money we are paying is nonetheless a huge sum. If the proposed bill is like a rent to own apartment I would go for it. I would really love to have an apartment since I am not planning to change my job or my workplace at this time.
By Ben Garcia
© Kuwait Times 2010
