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
- 6 days to register for amnesty
- 500 Pakistani violators of Residency Law benefit from amnesty
- Father sexually assaulted his two daughters in return for simple gifts
- Domestic service hire to cost sum of KD 990 – Rates fixed
- Income Tax, Zakat Tax to be implemented shortly
- Remittance tax on Expats approved – Bill must win government approval
- 40 violators arrested
- Several People killed in Fatal Bus Crash
- ‘Vote’ today on proposal to impose taxes on expats
- Pakistani biker killed in hot chase by drunk Kuwaiti man
- Two Kuwaitis sentenced to death by hanging
- KD 3 license fee for building parking sheds
- Death penalty for Lebanese man for murdering Filipina
- 100,000 people hold fake Kuwaiti citizenship
- Temporary work permits of 100 days
- Kuwait Motor Town Race Circuit
- Four ladies caught indulging in prostitution
- Students and teachers fainted in School
- Bid to ‘close’ commercial shops before midnight
- Kuwaitis and Expats decry bid to impose tax on remittances
Filed in: All • Expats in Kuwait • Info • Local News
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