The Ministry of Interior in Kuwait arrested 11 beggars, including 8 women, in a crackdown on begging outside mosques and markets. This action is part of ongoing efforts to combat negative societal issues, with legal measures being enforced against violators and firms facilitating illegal recruitment. The Ministry also targets electronic begging and child exploitation. Citizens are encouraged to report incidents of begging through various hotlines.
On March 6, 2025, the Ministry of Interior of Kuwait reported the arrest of 11 beggars, comprising eight women and three men of Arab and Asian origins. These individuals were apprehended while begging near mosques and markets, in accordance with directives from Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, aimed at addressing negative societal issues in the nation.
The Ministry indicated that several detainees entered Kuwait on visit visas or family residency permits, while others claimed to be part of a “loose labor” category without having secured legitimate employment. Legal steps are being initiated against the companies that facilitated these illegal recruitment activities.
The Ministry is taking a strong stance, stating that violators will be deported based on their residency type. Those under Article (22) or family residency will be expelled along with their sponsors. Individuals with Article (18) residency will also face deportation, leading to the closure of the sponsoring company’s file.
In addition, domestic workers under Article (20) residency will be deported, with their sponsors prohibited from issuing future guarantees or visas. The Ministry is also committed to prosecuting those who exploit children for begging, with ongoing cases of “exploitation of minors” being processed.
Monitoring of electronic begging on social media is also in the works, in cooperation with the Department of Combating Cybercrime, to ensure legal actions are undertaken against offenders. Citizens are encouraged to report any instances of begging through designated hotline numbers: 97288211, 97288200, 25582581, or the emergency hotline, which operates 24/7.
In conclusion, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior is actively combating begging with the recent arrest of eleven individuals engaged in this practice. The initiative is part of broader efforts orchestrated by high-level government officials to address illegal activities related to migration and employment. Legal actions against violators are being pursued, showcasing the Ministry’s commitment to societal order and protection against exploitation.
Original Source: www.arabtimesonline.com
