The Kuwait Ministry of Interior has arrested 11 beggars, including eight women and three men, for begging outside mosques and markets. This action is part of a broader initiative to combat illegal begging and associated social issues, with legal consequences planned for violators based on residency status. The Ministry also aims to address the exploitation of children and monitor online begging. Public cooperation is encouraged.
On March 6, 2025, the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait announced the apprehension of 11 individuals, comprising eight women and three men of various Arab and Asian nationalities, for engaging in begging activities outside mosques and markets. This operation follows directives from Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, aimed at addressing concerning social issues within the nation.
The Ministry’s statement confirmed that many of those arrested had either entered Kuwait on visit visas or family residency permits. Others had arrived categorizing themselves as “loose labor” without securing permanent employment. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to take legal measures against recruitment agencies that facilitated their entry into the country.
The Ministry outlined its stringent actions against violators, stipulating that deportation processes will vary based on residency types. Individuals on Article (22) or family residency will be deported alongside their sponsors, whereas those with Article (18) residency will face closure of their sponsoring company’s file upon deportation. Furthermore, domestic workers under Article (20) residency will be similarly deported, and their sponsors will be restricted from issuing future guarantees.
In addition, the Ministry stressed its intention to pursue legal action against those exploiting children for begging, signaling its zero-tolerance policy regarding such exploitation. A case of “exploitation of minors” will be filed against offenders.
The Ministry also announced plans to monitor electronic begging on social media to implement legal measures against those perpetrating this act, through cooperation with the Department of Combating Cybercrime. The public is encouraged to report any instances of begging, with designated contact numbers provided for easy reporting.
The Ministry’s efforts underscore a committed approach to addressing and eliminating illegal begging, with an emphasis on public cooperation and stringent legal measures against violators.
In summary, the Kuwait Ministry of Interior’s recent action highlights a robust stance against illegal begging, with the arrest of 11 individuals. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining societal order by addressing various residency violations and protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation. Legal repercussions for violators and public engagement in reporting begging instances demonstrate a comprehensive strategy to combat this issue across the nation.
Original Source: www.arabtimesonline.com
