Kuwait has deported more than 19,000 expatriates from various countries for violating residency and labor laws, as well as on other charges.
According to media reports, from January 1 to July this year, the Kuwaiti authorities expelled over 19,000 foreign nationals who were living in the country illegally or found guilty of breaching labor regulations.
The report further states that since the beginning of the year, law enforcement agencies have conducted several crackdowns across Kuwait, during which many individuals were arrested. The deportees include absconding migrants, street vendors, beggars, and others charged with violating residency and labor laws.
Additionally, several individuals were deported on public interest grounds after being arrested for offenses related to alcohol consumption and drug abuse.
Authorities noted that the deportation process for detainees is typically swift. Most deportees leave Kuwait within a week, depending on the availability of flights and the destination country. Before deportation, biometric data (fingerprints) are collected, and their names are permanently blacklisted, thereby barring future entry into Kuwait.
It is worth noting that begging is strictly prohibited in Kuwait and considered a criminal offense. However, during the month of Ramadan, a number of foreign nationals are reportedly found engaging in this unlawful activity. Last Ramadan, Kuwaiti authorities arrested 60 individuals-both men and women-from various countries on charges of begging. Upon investigation, all were deported to their respective homelands.
The authorities have urged the public to report beggars or individuals involved in antisocial activities to the security forces to help maintain law and order.
Source: Arab Times, Kuwait