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
- 1.2 million expatriates without university level education
- Clinics to continue giving medicines to expat patients
- Huge increase in service fees and traffic fines
- Pakistanis can now apply for Kuwait’s visa as the country has decided to lift its visa ban on Pakistan after six years
- No fees for more services on home & business lines
- Croatian engineering and innovation company
- Visa for Pakistani nationals
- Hackers steal KD 5 million from Banks
- To sponsor dependent visa salary of KD 450 must
- Driving licences will be withdrawn
- 100 percent expats workers, From 19 February 2017
- Take on expats who work on two jobs
- Vulgar video clip produced by Tunisian woman and two Kuwaiti men
- Large number of expat teachers planning to resign
- Kuwait under cyber attack, is it ?
- Women not allowed to be sponsored
- Deportation ordered for 3 expat workers of cafes
- KD 10,000 fine for not removing tents
- Easy procedures for Expats to own properties in Kuwait
- Gang of thieves stealing buses
Filed in: All • Expats in Kuwait • Info • Local News
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