Latest news with #KD1
Gulf Insider
7 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Work Visa Scam Uncovered, 3 Arrested
In its latest crackdown on human trafficking and visa fraud, Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has dismantled a work visa scam involving a Kuwaiti national who allegedly exploited his legal authority to profit from the illegal registration of expatriate workers. The Kuwaiti citizen is accused of running visa-for-cash scheme through dozens of shell companies, according to Al Qabas Arabic daily. The operation, uncovered in coordination with the General Department of Residence Affairs Investigations, revealed a complex network involving 25 companies and four affiliated businesses under the control of a single individual. The main suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was authorised to sign on behalf of these firms, a privilege he allegedly used to register foreign workers under false pretences and sell residency permits. Officials said the scheme came to light following a tip-off. Investigators found that 56 workers had been registered under the companies, including several who had violated Kuwait's residency laws and visa regulations. Among them were individuals who were either working for entities not listed as their sponsors or had overstayed or breached the terms of their permits. When summoned for questioning, the accused admitted to accepting payments ranging from KD350 ($1,137) to KD1,200 in exchange for arranging visas and work permits. He confessed to working through two intermediaries — a Syrian and an Indian — who helped facilitate the transactions, despite the workers not being employed by the companies sponsoring their residency. Authorities say the case highlights the persistent challenges posed by visa trafficking in the country and underscores ongoing efforts to tighten oversight of corporate licencing as well as residency and work permits. The Ministry of Interior reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and holding accountable those who exploit the labour system for personal gain.
Gulf Insider
22-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait: Court Sentences Three Egyptians To Seven Years For Manipulating Utility Bills
Kuwait's Criminal Court has sentenced three Egyptians to seven years in prison for forging official documents and manipulating electricity and water bills, resulting in losses to public funds estimated at nearly KD1 million, according to Al Qabas Arabic daily. The court found that the defendants had tampered with utility meters and falsified billing data for a businessman and two other Kuwaiti citizens, reducing or erasing charges in exchange for substantial bribes. According to court documents, one of the defendants was employed as a data entry clerk at the Ministry of Electricity and Water's service centre. Prosecutors said he conspired with the other two to exploit the ministry's electronic system, forging consumption records and cancelling charges on behalf of clients who paid for the service illegally. The fraud was uncovered during an internal audit and referred to the Public Prosecution. The court convicted all three men of forgery, bribery, dereliction of official duty, and abuse of public office, and embezzlement of public funds.
Arab Times
09-07-2025
- Arab Times
Kuwait Boots Out 6,300 Expats In 60 Days
KUWAIT CITY, July 9: The Deportation and Detention Department at the Correctional Institutions Sector in the Interior Ministry has completed the deportation procedures for around 6,300 expatriates in May and June 2025. This is part of the ongoing efforts of the department to expedite the deportation of expatriate violators to their home countries. Sources affirmed that the department continues to work hard to deport expatriates referred by various sectors in the ministry for violating the Residency and Labor laws, some of whom are subject to judicial rulings. Sources said the department remains committed to speeding up the completion of deportation procedures, while providing humanitarian support and meeting all other needs of violators during their temporary detention until the procedures are completed. Sources added the field sectors in the ministry refer violators of the Residency and Labor laws, who are arrested in the ongoing security campaigns throughout the country, including illegal workers. In other news, since the implementation of the new traffic law on April 22 -- about three months ago-- areas once frequented by reckless drivers, such as Kabad, Wafra, Abdally and Subiya roads, are now empty of such drivers. These areas, which used to be venues for nighttime gatherings for car races promoted on social media, are now largely deserted, marking a new era of road safety. The law introduced sweeping changes, including increased fines, tougher penalties, and stricter enforcement. These measures have led to a visible shift in driving behavior, particularly among reckless drivers. Previously, some of the abovementioned areas hosted illegal, high-risk races that resulted in fatal accidents (both among drivers and spectators), often under the cover of darkness and away from law enforcement. Under the new regulations, penalties for reckless or negligent driving and racing have significantly increased. Offenders now face fines of up to KD150 for minor violations upon settlement; and in severe cases, imprisonment of one to three years and fines ranging from KD 600 to 1,000 or any of these two penalties. Individuals who film themselves committing traffic offenses like reckless or negligent driving now face fines ranging from KD1,000 to KD2,000. The Ministry of Interior reported a substantial drop in traffic violations and accidents since the law took effect. According to the General Traffic Department, traffic camera data showed 28,464 violations recorded in May 2025; compared to 168,208 in May 2024 -- 83 percent decrease. These violations included speeding and running a red light. Violations related to not wearing seatbelts or using mobile phones while driving dropped by 75 percent -- 22,574 violations recorded in the first month of implementing the new law compared to 89,153 in the previous month. The most important development is that traffic-related deaths fell by 55 percent; with only 10 fatalities reported in May 2025, compared to 22 in the same month of the previous year.
Arab Times
03-07-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Lottery System For 1447 AH Hajj Kuwait Pilgrims – Registration Now Open Via Sahel
KUWAIT CITY, July 3: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs recently issued a circular to authorized Hajj organizers about the registration procedures for the 1447 AH Hajj season through the lottery system. This is part of the ongoing cooperation aimed at serving pilgrims better and as per the decision of the Supreme Hajj and Umrah Committee during its first meeting for 1447 AH. The circular states that registration for Kuwaitis wishing to perform Hajj will be through the Sahel application. The lottery-based registration ensures that all applicants are gradually screened and maintain their ranking in the queue until selected. The following are the general conditions: Applicants must be Kuwaiti nationals who have not performed Hajj; A maximum of five relatives per group is allowed Women can add one 'mahram' (who may have previously performed Hajj) and one resident relative Applicants can change or reschedule their Hajj dates during the registration period by paying a non-refundable fee of KD10 (around $32.80) Upon confirmation, an initial payment of KD1,500 (around $4,900) is required An application is canceled if payment is not made within the deadline The selected pilgrims will be registered with the Hajj caravans. They are allowed to switch to another caravan once, provided they do so before Jan 15, 2026. Vacated spots will be filled by the next candidate in the lottery queue. Candidates will have three days to complete the KD1,500 payment after selection. A full refund is possible if cancellation is made before Jan 18, 2026; hence, there will be no refund after this date. Payment methods and registration dates will be confirmed in the next circular; while acceptance notifications and further instructions will be sent through Sahel.
Arab Times
17-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Iran-Israel Conflict Fuels Delivery Market Growth In Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, June 17: It has been said that the misfortune of one person is the gain of another, as manifested in the remarkable increase in the activity of home delivery companies; given the escalation of war in the region between Iran and Israel, with no end in sight at present and amid the state of anticipation and caution among the public. In a statement to the newspaper, Home Delivery Company Owners Committee Chairman Abdul Aziz Al-Falih disclosed that the increase in activity in this sector has been estimated at 10 percent since the outbreak of the ongoing war between Iran and Israel. He said delivery companies were receiving 300 delivery requests per minute under normal circumstances, but this has now jumped to 330. He pointed out that water and food are the most in-demand commodities in recent days. 'Demand for essential items has increased, while the rate of non-essential deliveries has declined,' he added. He went on to say that the number of officially registered home delivery companies is about 1,902, and around 900 of these companies are active and operating nonstop. He stated that the number of bicycles used for delivery in the local market currently stands at 14,000; along with approximately 25,000 vehicles. He also confirmed that delivery prices have decreased due to the rising number of delivery companies. "Previously, the cost of delivery reached KD3, but with the increase in the number of companies in this field, the fee is now 500 fils or more, depending on the distance and the nature of the restaurants delivering the orders. The delivery market is currently witnessing competition that primarily serves the interests of consumers, while the committee meets monthly for coordination purposes,' he concluded. Fahad Al-Taraji, CEO of the delivery platform affiliated with Riders -- a delivery company-- confirmed that the delivery market has witnessed an increase in activity since the outbreak of the war; indicating it has increased even more during the current events. He expects increased activity as this sudden crisis continues. He affirmed that the delivery companies in the country are strong and active, stating that the company he manages has a capital of KD1 million and delivers orders at a flat rate of KD1,250 per order from Jahra to Umm Al-Hayman. He said the mission of home delivery companies is to facilitate the process of obtaining a personal delivery representative between individuals and homes, or for the owners of home businesses, regular stores, restaurants, companies in general, or even government institutions, banks and private companies. He said delivery companies also cover remote areas; such as Mutlaa, Sabah Al-Ahmad, Wafra, Khairan, Kabad and others, for only double the price. He pointed out that before the emergence of his company and other companies operating in the same field; there was a black market for delivery agents, in which the price of delivering an order ranged from KD3 to KD4 for nearby internal areas and KD7 to KD10 for remote areas. 'Therefore, the new delivery companies emerged to ease the financial burden on consumers and support productive families, shops, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). They aim to market products at better delivery prices; and prevent unlicensed delivery agents from exploiting the delivery market or manipulating it, while preventing unjustified price hikes,' he asserted. He added that the coming period will witness cooperation with the Productive Families and Non-Traditional Crafts Association to open sales windows and support them without collecting fees. Moneim Qasim, a bicycle delivery representative, said the number of orders increased in recent days; starting Friday afternoon. He added that restaurant orders have decreased, while orders for food items from shopping centers that sell their products online have increased. He added that he used to deliver 15 orders per day, and now the number has reached 23. Adel Al-Zaki, an official at one of the major food shopping centers, stated that shopping through electronic websites are active these days due to the ongoing war between Iran and Israel -- around more than 20 increase in activity.
