As the new regulations regarding dependent visa take effect, Kuwait has rejected 1,165 applications for family visas on the first day of the implementation of new rules, Gulf News reported on Monday.

The ministry of interior approved only 635 applications out of the 1,800 applications across the country’s six governorates. This brings the total of rejected applications to 1,165 after the applicants failed to meet the required criteria.

The Kuwaiti government recently introduced stringent changes to its rules for obtaining residency visa for family members.

According to the new regulations, effective January 28, the salary cap for eligibility for the dependent visa was hiked to 800 Kuwaiti dinars.

The move is aimed at ensuring that applicants have ample finances to support their dependents or family.

Likewise, the expatriates are also required to hold a university degree and to ensure that their occupational field in Kuwait aligns with their academic qualifications.

However, the Kuwaiti government has exempted several professions from the degree requirement.

Additionally, children born in Kuwait or abroad (aged 0-5) with parents living in Kuwait are exempt from the salary requirement, subject to the approval of the authorities.

The exemption was granted amid numerous employees working in the ministries of health, justice and education stepped down because their families are not residing with them in the country.

The rule does not allow for the sponsorship of parents and siblings, and there are no exceptions to this rule.