Reports suggest that Kuwait might soon implement a policy requiring expatriates to settle their phone bills before leaving the country.

According to Kuwait Al Jarida newspaper, expats will need to clear any outstanding dues to the Ministry of Communications as a prerequisite for departing the country for any reason.

This new development comes in the wake of recent announcements that expats would also be obliged to clear traffic fines, water, and electricity bills prior to exiting Kuwait.

Further, there are discussions about including unsettled legal fees as part of these requirements, with the long-term goal of making full payment of all dues to the state a mandatory condition for travel. Lieutenant General Anwar Al Barjas, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, convened meetings with officials from the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Communications to explore the possibility of integrating payment systems.

The General Administration of Information Systems is set to collaborate with these ministries in establishing a payment and alert system that enables expatriates to settle their dues before leaving the country.

Meanwhile, local media reports indicate that expats owing the Ministry of Electricity more than KD900 ($2,917) will be advised to seek sponsorship from a Kuwaiti citizen if they are unable to settle their bills.