Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior arrested 11 beggars, citing efforts to address social issues. The individuals had various residency statuses, and strict deportation measures will be enforced. The Ministry also targets child exploitation in begging and plans to monitor online begging activities.
On March 6, 2025, the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait announced the apprehension of 11 individuals engaged in begging, consisting of eight women and three men from Arab and Asian backgrounds. The arrests occurred near mosques and markets, initiated by directives from Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, as part of a strategy to address social issues in the country.
The statement from the General Department of Security Relations and Media indicated that several individuals had entered Kuwait either on visitor visas or family residency permits. Others had exploited the loose labor system without acquiring permanent employment. The Ministry affirmed that it would pursue legal actions against the employers who enabled such unlawful recruitment practices.
The Ministry has outlined strict measures for violators, detailing deportation procedures based on residency types. Those on family residency under Article (22) will be deported alongside their sponsors, and individuals holding Article (18) residency, employed in the private sector, will also be deported while resulting in the closure of their sponsor’s company file. Domestic workers on Article (20) residency will face similar consequences, with future visa issuance restrictions on their sponsors.
Additionally, the Ministry is committed to addressing the exploitation of minors for begging, having initiated a case against offenders engaging in this misconduct. Plans are underway to monitor electronic begging on social media in collaboration with the Department of Combating Cybercrime to ensure appropriate legal actions are undertaken against participants.
The Ministry of Interior encourages the public to report instances of begging using the following contact numbers: 97288211, 97288200, 25582581, or through the 24-hour emergency hotline 112.
The arrests of 11 individuals for begging signify Kuwait’s intensified efforts to combat social issues, particularly the unlawful practice of begging in public areas. The government’s approach includes strict deportation policies and legal actions against exploitative practices, especially concerning minors. Furthermore, the Ministry’s commitment to address digital begging reflects a comprehensive strategy to maintain social order. The public’s cooperation is vital in eradicating these negative phenomena.
Original Source: www.arabtimesonline.com
