Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior arrested 11 beggars, including eight women and three men, outside mosques and markets as part of a campaign against begging. The arrests follow high-level directives to tackle negative societal phenomena and involve legal actions against violators and companies facilitating illegal recruitment. Deportation policies vary by residency type, and the Ministry will monitor online begging as well.
On March 6, 2025, the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait announced the arrest of 11 individuals for begging outside mosques and marketplaces. This operation involved eight women and three men of various Arab and Asian nationalities, aimed at addressing the issue of begging in public places.
The arrest was prompted by directives from Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, to combat negative societal behaviors. Some arrested individuals entered the country on visit visas, while others misrepresented their status as “loose labor” without securing employment.
The Ministry is taking legal measures against companies that unlawfully aided these individuals in their recruitment. All violators will face deportation based on the type of residency held, including joint deportation with their sponsors for those under family residency.
Specifically, individuals on Article (18) residency will be deported, causing their sponsoring company to lose the right to operate. Domestic workers identified under Article (20) residency will also be deported, with their sponsors facing future visa restrictions.
Legal actions will also be pursued against those involved in exploiting minors for begging, seen as a serious infringement. In addition, the Ministry is enhancing surveillance on online begging via social media in partnership with the Cybercrime Department to implement necessary legal actions.
The public is encouraged to report any instances of begging, with available contact numbers including 97288211, 97288200, 25582581, and the emergency hotline 112, which operates continuously.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has reinforced its stance against begging by arresting 11 expats engaged in this activity. The initiative is part of broader efforts to combat illegal migration and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. Legal measures are in place, including strict deportation policies and monitoring of online begging, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to addressing these societal issues. The public’s assistance is sought in reporting such activities to uphold community standards effectively.
Original Source: www.arabtimesonline.com
