Kuwait’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has enacted an updated executive bylaw for the “Wafid” expatriate medical screening program, issued by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Health Ministers’ Council.1 The new regulation introduces revised mechanisms for pre-arrival and post-arrival health checks for expatriates entering Kuwait.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The updated rules directly affect globally mobile employees, HR leaders, and mobility managers responsible for assignments and business travel to Kuwait. Stricter and more efficient screening processes may affect entry timelines, compliance obligations, and operational planning for expatriate assignments. Enhanced governance and e-linkage among relevant bodies are expected to increase the accuracy and speed of medical testing, potentially reducing delays and mitigating health-related risks.
For expatriates and sponsoring organisations, compliance with these revised procedures is essential to help maintain successful entry and avoid issues related to medical fitness. The process now involves both pre-departure screening at approved overseas centers and post-arrival re-testing in Kuwait, increasing the need for careful coordination and documentation.
Background
The “Wafid” program serves as Kuwait’s precautionary mechanism to verify the health fitness of expatriates before they travel to the country. The updated bylaw, comprising 54 articles, supersedes previous screening procedures and is intended to enhance preventive health measures, transparency, and the integrity of testing transactions. The regulation was issued by the GCC Health Ministers’ Council and implemented locally by Kuwait’s MOH.
Key Highlights
The updated executive bylaw for the “Wafid” program introduces new requirements and improvements for expatriate medical screening.
Enhanced medical test system: Improvements include ongoing updates to laboratory, x-ray, and clinic checks, as well as preventive vaccines for expatriates.
E-Linkage and governance: Action mechanisms and electronic linkage among relevant bodies are established to improve accuracy, speed, and oversight of medical testing procedures.
Approved overseas centers: Accurate criteria for approving and evaluating overseas medical test centers are set, with stronger governance and control over these facilities.
Integrity and transparency: Health facilities are required to adhere to high moral and professional standards, with requirements to strengthen integrity and transparency in all transactions.
Dual screening: Expatriates are expected to undergo medical tests at approved centers before departure and are subject to re-testing upon arrival in Kuwait, as per local health measures.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the updated expat medical screening rules, organisations might consider the following actions:
- Update internal mobility policies and payroll systems to reflect the new health insurance fees and mandatory coverage requirements.
- Inform affected employees and dependents of the new fees, coverage mandates, and exemption criteria.
- Aim for timely procurement and documentation of compliant health insurance for all residency and visa applicants.
- Coordinate with insurance providers for coverage that meets regulatory standards and supports integrated health record management.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration advisers or with a member of the immigration team with KPMG in Kuwait (see the Contact Us section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Times Kuwait, “MOH Updates Expat Medical Screening Rules Under ‘Wafid’ Program,” published on 9 May 2026.
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Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Kuwait.
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