Latest news with #KuwaitInternationalAirport
Arab Times
5 hours ago
- Arab Times
108 Fake Kuwaitis, Syrian Family Behind Massive Citizenship Scam
KUWAIT CITY, July 24: In an astonishing case of large-scale forgery that has rocked Kuwaiti authorities, an entire network of Syrian nationals from a single extended family has been exposed for illegally infiltrating the country's citizenship system—fraudulently acquiring Kuwaiti nationality through an elaborate scheme of document forgery, false lineage claims, and manipulated government records. The sprawling investigation, conducted over several months, has led to the revocation of Kuwaiti citizenship from 108 individuals, in what officials are calling one of the most intricate cases of identity fraud in the nation's history. The Plot Unravels The case first came to light in March, when a man identified as Khaled, attempting to flee the country, was arrested at Kuwait International Airport. Interrogations quickly revealed far more than a single instance of deception. Khaled confessed that not only had he illegally obtained Kuwaiti nationality, but that several others posing as his siblings were in fact his biological brothers (Syrian nationals) who had also falsely claimed Kuwaiti citizenship. Shockingly, Khaled revealed that the man listed in official documents as his father (Wahed Naif) was not his father at all, but his uncle. Naif, a Syrian national, had inserted Khaled's name into his citizenship file, falsely listing him as his son. Authorities discovered that Naif's file contained 53 individuals, many of whom had no legitimate claim to Kuwaiti citizenship. From One Forged File, A Family Tree of Fraud Investigators quickly turned their attention to Naif himself, only to find an even deeper web of deception. Naif had not only illegally entered the citizenship records by linking himself to a Kuwaiti citizen's file, but had gradually built an entire fake family tree (with marriages, children, and cousins) all layered onto a falsified foundation. Another name soon surfaced during the file tracing: Hamoud, later confirmed to be Naif's biological brother and also a Syrian citizen. While not mentioned in Khaled's confession, Hamoud's links to Nayef emerged through marriage records and kinship filings. He, too, had manipulated government documents to falsely gain citizenship. Together, Naif and Hamoud constructed a forged family network that extended across multiple civil files, built on bogus marriages, invented affiliations, and illegally registered dependents. DNA Confirms the Deception Authorities, now well-equipped with advanced forensics and family verification protocols, launched a full-scale probe into every individual associated with the Naif and Hamoud files. DNA tests were conducted on dozens of individuals registered as their sons, daughters, nephews, cousins (even parents) cross-referenced with samples from known Syrian relatives. The results were unequivocal. There was no biological connection between Naif and Hamoud and the supposed Kuwaiti uncles, fathers, or cousins listed in their records. Instead, the tests proved a clear Syrian lineage, matching them with Khaled and the rest of their biological family. This dual confirmation—disproving Kuwaiti ancestry while proving Syrian heritage—left no doubt about the systematic nationality fraud that had taken place. 108 Citizenships Revoked In light of the findings, the Supreme Citizenship Committee moved swiftly. Kuwaiti nationality was stripped from all 108 individuals connected to the case, 53 of whom were listed in Nayef's fabricated file, and the remainder from Hamoud's web of forged identities. Khaled, the whistleblower of sorts, had his citizenship revoked months ago. He was found to have no dependents registered under his name. "No Forgery Will Go Undone" Kuwaiti officials have emphasized that any discovered case of forgery will be dismantled completely. 'We do not just revoke the fraudulent individual's citizenship—we dismantle the entire structure built on it,' a senior source said. 'This includes marriages, children, legal inheritance lines—everything must be re-evaluated.'
Arab Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Arab Times
More Flights To India? Not For Goan's As Direct Kuwait Route Gets Cancelled
KUWAIT CITY, July 14: Air India Express is set to suspend its direct Kuwait-Goa-Kuwait service from July 31, just months after launching the route in May, sparking frustration and concern among the large Goan community working and residing in Kuwait. The budget carrier's decision to halt the short-lived route has left many Goans deeply disappointed, especially those who had embraced the direct flight as a much-needed, cost-effective lifeline connecting them to their home state. For thousands of Goan workers in the Gulf nation, the now-suspended flight offered a rare combination of affordability and convenience. Without it, many are forced to rely on longer, pricier journeys with layovers in Mumbai, Doha, or Dubai. The move comes amid growing concern over Goa's dwindling international air connectivity, an alarming trend for a state that not only thrives on inbound tourism but also has a vast expatriate population spread across the Gulf and Europe. With rising demand and limited alternatives, pressure is now mounting on both the airline and the Indian government to revisit the decision and restore what many consider a 'crucial bridge' between the Middle East and the coastal Indian state. Meanwhile, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that the State of Kuwait signed recently with the Republic of India to increase the operational capacity of flights between the two countries is a strategic step in line with the commitment of Kuwait to strengthen its position as an international transit hub in the region and to expand its air connectivity network with Asian and international markets, particularly with India -- one of its largest partners in the field of air transport. In a press statement on Wednesday, the DGCA pointed out that the MoU paves the way for an increase in the number of direct flights between Kuwait International Airport and Indian airports, thereby stimulating air transport, tourism, and trade exchange. It added that this move is beneficial to national and foreign airlines operating at Kuwait International Airport. The DGCA affirmed that Kuwait is keen on signing such MoUs, as per the directive of the political leadership, after the recent visit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of India to Kuwait, with the Council of Ministers following up on this issue. It is based on the vision to develop the civil aviation sector, enhance the efficiency of Kuwait International Airport, and achieve economic and strategic benefits, especially in light of the expansion projects and infrastructure currently being implemented at the airport. According to DGCA, the MoU is also in response to the remarkable increase in the number of Indians residing in Kuwait -- from around 300,000 in 2007 to nearly one million at present. It stated this necessitates an increase in regular flights to meet the growing demand for travel between the two countries, in addition to serving the Kuwaiti citizens. It expressed appreciation for the support of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah in the signing of this memorandum, as part of his directives to strengthen international cooperation, support efforts to develop the civil aviation sector, and open new horizons for economic partnerships that benefit the national economy. The DGCA confirmed that the Indian side expressed the desire to sign this agreement, given its importance in facilitating the movement of Indian citizens and supporting historical, social, and economic ties with Kuwait. It asserted that this step reflects the strong relations between the two countries and enhances opportunities for bilateral cooperation in various fields, particularly air transport. The MoU is considered a qualitative leap attributed to the continuous efforts exerted by the DGCA -- headed by Sheikh Hamoud Al- Sabah who coordinated with various government agencies to address this demand, which was first presented more than 18 years ago. This development is a manifestation of the continuous efforts exerted by the concerned authorities in both countries to overcome obstacles and sign such a vital MoU.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kuwait's new airport rule: Declare gold and cash over KWD 3,000 or face penalties
Kuwait International Airport customs desk where new rules on declaring gold and cash are enforced/ Representative Image TL;DR Travelers must now declare gold, valuables, and cash over 3,000 Kuwaiti Dinars at Kuwait International Airport. The law applies both when entering and leaving the country. The rule is enforced by the General Administration of Customs in Kuwait to fight smuggling and illegal financial activity. The General Administration of Customs in Kuwait has introduced new rules at Kuwait International Airport that require all travelers to declare certain items if they exceed a set value. If you're carrying cash, gold, jewelry, or luxury goods worth more than 3,000 KWD (approximately $9,820 USD), you now need to report them at customs. The updated policy applies to everyone, Kuwaitis, expats, and visitors alike, whether you're arriving or departing. Customs officers will ask to see proof of purchase or ownership, and undeclared items could be seized on the spot. The new measures are part of a wider plan to increase transparency at borders, reduce illegal trade, and bring Kuwait's customs operations in line with international standards, including those set by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). What the Law Says: Rules Every Traveler Should Know 1. Cash Over KWD 3,000 Must Be Declared: The law requires travelers to declare cash amounts equal to or over KWD 3,000 (approximately $9,820 USD), in any currency. Applies at both arrival and departure. Includes cash, checks, bearer instruments, or foreign currency. The declaration must be made before passing customs. 2. Gold and Luxury Items Must Also Be Declared: The rule also covers a wide range of valuables, such as: Gold bars and bullion Gold coins and collectibles Ornamental jewelry (even if worn) Luxury watches High-end electronics (phones, laptops, tablets) Designer handbags and other branded items All items must be packed in hand luggage, and travelers are expected to provide receipts or invoices if asked. 3. Required Documentation: To avoid delays or confiscation, travelers should carry: Original proof of purchase Customs declaration forms, where applicable Any documents that prove lawful ownership or use Customs may question you if you don't have these on hand. Enforcement and Penalties The General Administration of Customs has made it clear: non-compliance is a serious offense. Here's what can happen if you don't follow the rules: Undeclared items may be seized immediately. Travelers can be detained and questioned. Legal action may be taken in cases involving suspected smuggling or false declarations. There's no leniency if the rules aren't followed, whether you're a tourist or resident. What's Behind the New Rule This law isn't just about money, it's about national security and economic control. By enforcing stricter customs checks, Kuwait hopes to: Reduce illegal smuggling of gold, cash, and high-value goods. Increase border transparency and track financial movement. Strengthen compliance with global customs frameworks. Make inspections faster and more predictable for travelers who follow the rules. This move is part of a larger upgrade to Kuwait's border and customs systems, according to the General Administration of Customs. Advisory for Travellers The General Administration of Customs advises all passengers entering or leaving Kuwait to complete the required customs declaration forms if carrying cash, gold, or valuables over KWD 3,000. For questions or clarification, travellers are advised to visit the official customs website or contact Kuwait International Airport customs before their trip. FAQ 1. What if I'm wearing my gold jewelry? Do I still need to declare it? Yes. If the value of your gold jewelry is over KWD 3,000, it must be declared, even if you're wearing it. Proof of ownership may still be requested. 2. I forgot my receipt. Can I still pass through customs? You can, but expect delays. Customs officers may detain or question you if they can't verify the item's value or ownership. 3. Are electronics like phones or laptops included? Only if they're high-value or luxury-grade items. If in doubt, declare them and bring receipts, it's safer that way.
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Congratulations ... ‘Visa Platform' Make it easy, do not make it difficult, to comfort the people
'Better late than never.' This saying applies to the recent initiative of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef to launch and immediately implement the Visa Platform, which aims to ease the process of obtaining various types of visas. This is a blessed step, as Kuwait is an open society and treats its visitors in an affable manner. This was not realized by the former MPs and influential figures who used to control the decisions of successive governments, while the latter used to fear their loud voices. The former MPs and influential figures insisted on closing the country to the public, under the illusion that those coming to Kuwait would change the demography of society or deduct a portion from the citizens' share. For more than 25 years, we have been waiting for Kuwait to return to its former glory. We have long been calling for Kuwait to open its doors and ignore flimsy excuses, such as preventing women from visiting their families in Kuwait unless they provide a certificate that they are not pregnant. This condition is a unique Kuwaiti invention. Family visits serve commercial activity, while business or tourist visits stimulate the hotel and restaurant market and boost commercial activity in general. In numerous occasions, we have seen how markets are crowded with visitors and the economy flourishes. Your Highness, the Prime Minister, the mission of any government is to boost the gross domestic product (GDP) and provide initiatives that encourage people. Your Highness, you are an expert in this field. Unfortunately, this has not happened in Kuwait for the past three decades. This situation forced young entrepreneurs and the owners of small and medium enterprises to migrate to neighboring countries, where they found better facilities than what their own country provides. This is just one of many crystal clear examples. In some Gulf countries, entry visas are issued online within a few minutes. This is why other Gulf countries receive millions of people annually. Last year, Dubai Airport received 92.3 million passengers. In just a few months, the duty-free market generated revenues of approximately AED 8 billion. Qatar's Hamad International Airport received 52 million passengers. Saudi airports received more than 128 million passengers, while Kuwait International Airport catered to only seven million passengers. This is another example of what Kuwait loses annually due to its closures. These developments would not have happened in other Gulf states without opening their countries and cities to the tourists, visitors, and transit passengers. In Kuwait, some officials -- inspired by some former MPs -- attempted to close Kuwait International Airport to transit passengers, claiming that a female passenger might be dressed indecently or that another passenger might not adhere to Islamic law. As a result of these backward decisions, Kuwait lost a lot, as shown in comparative statistics. Last year, the UAE's GDP exceeded $482 billion, compared to $134 billion for Kuwait. This is one of the consequences of limited non-oil trade activity, which has not allowed financial inflows from abroad and encouraged capital to fly out of Kuwait. When expatriates are unable to reunite with their families, they go to their families and spend their money there. When a citizen cannot find any entertainment destination in his homeland, he looks for it in a country that offers such a destination with more facilities. For everything mentioned above, the 'Visa Platform' is a step for which the government, especially First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah, should be commended. We hope there are no obstacles that could disrupt this platform, as well as restrictions or exaggerated requirements that could bring Kuwait back to closure. I would like to emphasize that the Council of Ministers and His Highness the Prime Minister must open the way for everything that enables Kuwait to restore its open era, to focus on what pleases the people, and to ensure the continuity of activities in all sectors. Kuwait deserves a great deal of goodness. I hope that officials will realize this fact. To conclude, I would like to say to His Highness the Prime Minister that the customers in markets include visitors, not just expatriates.
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Arab Times
Bangladeshi Expats Caught Sneaking In Chewing Tobacco at Kuwait Airport
KUWAIT CITY, July 20: As part of ongoing efforts to curb the smuggling of prohibited substances, Kuwait's General Administration of Customs announced the successful seizure of a large quantity of banned chewing tobacco at Terminal 4 (T4) of Kuwait International Airport. In two separate incidents, customs officers apprehended a total of four Bangladeshi passengers attempting to bring chewing tobacco in Kuwait. On the first day, a passenger was found in possession of 40 kilograms of chewing tobacco. The following day, three more passengers from Bangladesh were caught with 159 kilograms, bringing the total seizure to 199 kilograms. The Airport Customs Department took immediate legal action, issuing seizure reports and referring the violators to the competent authorities. Coordination is also underway with the Ministry of Interior to track down additional suspects linked to the case. The General Administration of Customs reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the country from the infiltration of prohibited materials. It commended the vigilance and dedication of customs officers across all ports of entry and urged all travelers to comply with Kuwait's customs regulations.
