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March 25, 2014

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Kuwait hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”;

Desiring to enter into an agreement for the enhancement of their bilateral relations;

Intending to facilitate the entry of holders of diplomatic, special and official passports who are nationals of either Party;

Have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The following are the types of passports under the Implementation of the provisions of this Agreement:

1 - For the Republic of the Philippines: diplomatic and official passports

2 - For the State of Kuwait: diplomatic and special passports

Article 2

Holders of passports mentioned in Article 1 of both Parties, may enter, remain or transit without visa in the territory of the other state, if such stay does not exceed sixty (60) days.

Article 3

1 – A citizen of either Party, who is assigned to the diplomatic or consular mission in the territory of the other Party and is in possession of valid passports mentioned in Article 1, shall not be required to obtain a visa to enter the territory of the other Party, provided that the sending Party shall notify the other Party of such assignment through diplomatic channels at least thirty (30) days prior to arrival at the receiving Party.

3 - The provision in Paragraph 1 of this article shall also apply to their accompanying families such as the spouse and dependents.

Article 4

Citizens of either Party, being holders of passports mentioned in Article 1, shall be subject to the laws and regulations of the other Party while transiting, sojourning, crossing or staying in the territory of the other Party.

Article 5

Either Party reserves the right to refuse entry or terminate or reduce the stay in its territory of citizens of the other Party considered as persona non grata.

Article 6

1- For the purpose of the implementation of this Agreement, the competent authorities of each Party shall exchange, through diplomatic channels, specimens of their valid passports mentioned in Article 1, within thirty (30) days after the signing of this Agreement.

2- If either Party modifies the features of its passports mentioned in Article 1, its competent authorities shall inform and deliver new specimens to the other Party through diplomatic channels, thirty (30) days prior to their use.

Article 7

Either Party may suspend in whole or in part the present Agreement for reasons of public order, security or public health.

The suspension of the terms of this agreement shall be duly communicated to the other Party in writing through diplomatic channels, specifying the date on which such suspension will take effect.

Article 8

Either Party may request in writing the revision or amendment of the whole or part of this Agreement through diplomatic channels which shall be agreed upon by mutual consent. These amendments or revisions shall enter into force in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 10.

Article 9

Any disputes concerning the interpretation or implementation of this agreement shall be settled through consultations and negotiations.

Article 10

1- This Agreement shall take effect on the date of the receipt of the later written notification by a Party, through diplomatic channels, indicating compliance with the domestic requirements for its entry into force.

2- This agreement shall remain valid for an indefinite period starting from the date of entry into force. Either Party may terminate this Agreement by giving a written notice to the other Party through diplomatic channels. The termination shall take effect thirty (30) days after the date of notification.

Done in Manila on the 23^rd day of March 2012, in two originals in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authentic. In cases of divergence, the English text shall prevail.

Entry into Force: March 25, 2014