The action is a continuation of the directive issued by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Talal Al Khalid to legalize the employment sector. The Ministry of Home Affairs has reached an agreement with the Ministry of Education to release unused schools for the detention of caught violators.
Two disused schools in Jaleeb Al Shuuq and Khaitan were allowed to be used as detention camps. The release of the school building will not only address the growing number of violations, but also ease congestion in the current police lock-ups and deportation centres. After the handover by the Ministry of Education, renovation works will be carried out to make the building functional for the new purpose.
The Ministry of Home Affairs urged both locals and foreigners to refrain from aiding and abetting residency violations. The warning is that individuals or organizations in Kuwait who participate in this will be subject to strict legal action. Related sources revealed that Interior Minister Sheikh Talal Al Khalid and Ministry Under Secretary Lt. Gen. Anwar Al Barjas have instructed the security personnel in this regard.
According to the report, the aim is to arrest and deport one and a half lakh illegal residents. For this purpose, the inspection will be intensified in areas including Jalib Al Shuyukh, Khaitan, Farwaniya, Mahboola, Anghara, Al Masra and Al Jawahir where law breakers live.
Cooperation between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs will be strengthened to facilitate coordination with embassies to expedite deportation proceedings. Deportation procedures will be facilitated only if embassies make these available to those without passports without delay.
Last week, Kuwait decided to step up efforts to find and deport illegal foreigners. It has been decided to strengthen the inspection for this. The Home Minister has asked to speed up efforts to maintain law and order in the country, adjust the demographic balance and regularize the labor sector.
Kuwait has deported more than 25,000 expatriates so far this year. This is the figure till August 19. If regular checks continue, the number of deportees will exceed 35,000 by the end of 2023. Most of them were arrested for violating the residence and employment laws. About 70 percent of the population of Kuwait are expatriates. Authorities intend to reduce dependence on foreigners and legitimize the profession.