For many Nigerians aspiring to travel to Kuwait for work, education, or family reunification, the hope of a fresh start often turns into a distressing ordeal at the Kuwait embassy.
What should be a straightforward bureaucratic process, visa stamping has become a source of immense frustration, financial strain, and emotional turmoil for countless applicants.
Long Queues
At the heart of the ordeal are the seemingly endless queues outside the Kuwait embassy in Abuja. Many applicants arrive before dawn, hopeful their efforts will bear fruit, only to be sent away or asked to return another day.
“I got there at 5 a.m. and waited until 3 p.m., but I didn’t even get inside the embassy,” said Mrs. Amina Yusuf, a nurse who has been trying to join her husband in Kuwait for months.
“The line was so long, and there was no system to manage it. People were tired, thirsty, and frustrated.”
Another applicant, Chinedu Okafor, recounted a similar ordeal. “I had to stay in a nearby hotel for two nights because I was told I needed to come back. The lack of clear communication means you waste money and time. It’s very stressful.”
Documentation Confusion
Applicants also face inconsistent instructions from embassy staff, often receiving last-minute requests for additional documents.
“I submitted all my papers as required, but when I got there, they said my employer’s letter wasn’t acceptable,” explained Musa Ibrahim, a young professional applying for a work visa.
“They gave no clear reason why it was rejected, so I had to get another letter and come back again.”
Nelson Emeka, who works with a Nigerian travel agency, noted: “This is a common issue. Many clients complain about changing requirements and lack of transparency. It makes the process unpredictable and unfair.”
Financial and Emotional Costs
Beyond official fees, applicants incur substantial expenses on travel, accommodation, and sometimes unofficial payments.
“Each visit to Abuja from my town costs me over N20,000 in transport alone,” said Blessing Nwosu, a university student seeking to study in Kuwait. “After paying for the visa, hotel stays, and food while waiting, it’s a huge burden on my family.”
“Asides that, the Embassy also collects additional undocumented fee for submission pegged at N140,000, and it must be in cash of N1000 notes”
A Psychologist Dr. Kemi Adebayo, explained the emotional impact: “The repeated disappointments, uncertainty, and lack of clear communication cause anxiety and stress. Some applicants experience sleeplessness and depression because their futures feel so uncertain.”
Embassy Response and Calls for Reform
Attempts to reach the Kuwait embassy for comment have not been successful, but advocacy groups are urging both Nigerian and Kuwaiti authorities to improve the system.
“There is need for an online appointment system to reduce overcrowding and clear, consistent communication on document requirements,” said Ahmed Tijani, president of the Nigerian-Kuwait Diaspora Association.
“Better facilities at the embassy would also ease the burden on applicants.”
A Ray of Hope?
Despite the difficulties, many Nigerians remain hopeful.
“I know the process is tough, but I am determined, I just want to be reunited with my family.” said Mrs. Yusuf.
For now, the Kuwait visa stamping process remains a test of patience and endurance for many Nigerians, one that calls urgently for reform.
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