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
- 400 KD in few hours
- Court jails Kuwaiti to 7 yrs in maid’s rape
- Plan to replace all expats
- Dual health insurance
- Doctors and graduates among 22,000 expatriates deported
- MOE warns teachers in Kuwait
- Private schools allowed to increase fees
- Warnings issued for singles in Kuwait
- Not any more jobs for Expats , Kuwait Municipality
- Only ‘six’ agencies named to hire Indian housemaids and should not exceed 400 KD
- Renewing the residence permit of unqualified ‘bachelors’ based on work
- Expat recruitment ‘ban’ below 30 years of age , Discussion
- 700 million KD in ATM machines
- 100 % increase in rate of remittances by expats
- Additional charges of KD 250 imposed for extra work
- Controlled termination of public sector expats
- Man fined KD 10,000 for littering
- 28,780 tickets issued in 7 days
- Female Health Ministry employee arrested
- 22 African expatriates arrested
Filed in: All • Expats in Kuwait • Info • Local News
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