19,000 expatriates expelled from Kuwait, what is behind it?

More than 19,000 expatriates from different countries have been expelled from Kuwait on various charges, including illegal residence and labor law violations. A report by the Arab Times on Sunday (July 27) said that from January 1 to July this year, more than 19,000 expatriates from different countries who were illegal residents and violated labor laws were expelled from Kuwait. The report said that they were detained in various places in Kuwait in raids by law enforcement agencies since the beginning of this year. Among the deported people were immigrants in fugitive cases, hawkers, beggars, and accused of violating residence and labor laws. In addition, many were also arrested for crimes related to alcohol, drugs or drug abuse, and they were also deported in the public interest. The Arab Times says that the process of sending those detained in raids to their home countries is usually quick. Most of the deportees complete their departure within a week, depending on their destination and flight availability. The report said that the deportees’ fingerprints (biometrics) are collected and their names are permanently included in a ‘blacklist’. As a result, they will not be able to enter Kuwait in the future. It is known that begging is completely prohibited in Kuwait and is considered a punishable offense by law. Nevertheless, every year during the month of Ramadan, some foreign nationals engage in this prohibited activity. Last Ramadan, the Kuwaiti administration arrested 60 men and women from different countries on charges of begging. After investigation, all of them were sent back to their countries. The relevant authorities have called on the public to identify people involved in begging or anti-social activities and provide information to the security forces.