Overall Crime and Safety Situation of Kuwait
Official crime statistics for 2014 were not published at the time of this report. Media reporting indicates that there was an overall decrease in criminal activity compared to recent years. The third country national (TCN) community comprises approximately two-thirds of the population, including approximately 50,000 U.S. citizens. It is probable, particularly among TCN victims of lower income/status, that a high percentage of crimes in the TCN community go unreported. Violent crime occurs between Kuwaitis and/or by Kuwaitis against foreign workers (domestic staff) but often goes unreported or not fully investigated. Most travelers are not impacted by crime provided they practice personal security measures to mitigate the possibility of becoming a victim.
Petty thefts have been reported in the popular outdoor markets or shopping malls frequented by tourists and Westerners. The opportunity for such crimes exists, especially in high-traffic shopping areas. Property crimes (pickpocketing, purse snatching) are more likely to take place in shopping areas and other high-traffic locations where foreign visitors congregate.
There have been very few reported incidents of ATM/credit card fraud; however, the potential of becoming a victim of fraud is increasing.
Other reported crimes include, but are not limited to, various types of immigration and residency fraud, ATM/credit card theft, white collar fraud, embezzlement, possession/trafficking of narcotics, and property theft.
Midway through the year, there were several reports of residential break-ins in neighborhoods where expatriates reside. There were no injuries reported as a result, and it appears as though the primary motivation was financial gain. These residential break-ins decreased in frequency throughout the remainder of the year.
There have been reports of harassment and sexual assault of TCN/expatriate women. Crimes of rape are perceived to not be fully prosecuted. Women traveling alone have been harassed while driving and when out and about, even at upscale shopping malls.
While Kuwait is in many ways a tolerant country, conservative customs and dress are the norm. Photographing women may be considered offensive. U.S. citizens should keep in mind the cultural differences among the many people who coexist and should be cognizant that unwitting actions may invite unwanted attention.
Source : OSAC
Kuwait News
- Events in Kuwait
- From UK to Kuwait on 1 August
- New 9252 Security Cameras in Kuwait
- 115,000 expats living illegally in Kuwait
- Pakistan Independence Day Celebration in Pakistan Embassy , Kuwait
- Large amount of Explosive Material found in Abdali , Kuwait
- 45,553 drivers booked in one week & 21 expatriates to be deported from Kuwait
- Case filed to ban Snapchat in Kuwait
- Kuwaiti guy injured by accidentally gun fire in shopping mall
- 3 women rob 55 flats in Kuwait
- Kuwait bans home delivery services
- Kuwaiti jet-skiers win four cups in US tournament
- Proposal of 30, 50 or 100 KD fine for smoking in the car , Kuwait
- Ministry will cut off water supply to 18 areas for 18 hours , Kuwait
- Call for ‘religious’ uniform for female flight attendants of Kuwaiti Flights
- Melting Cone Road Barrier due to heat in Kuwait
- Pakistani Film ‘Bin Roye’ in Kuwait
- Kuwait’s Nour Salem won the silver medal with her Indian teammate
- Now you can transfer your unused internet/package to next month , Kuwait
- New Public Wages reforms , Kuwait
- Give construction workers and cleaners an air-conditioned bus
Filed in: All • Expats in Kuwait • Info • Local News
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