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
- Ban on bringing Filipino workers to Kuwait lifted
- KWD 50,000 fine, 3-yrs jail
- Lockdowns and curfews to return for 2 weeks if infections increases
- A Kuwaiti virologist discovers a way to treat COVID-19 infections
- The Queen
- Indian embassy in Kuwait begins registration for those who do not have valid travel documents
- Increase in renewal fees of vehicle registration book
- Schools to reopen in November
- Rules for receiving arrivals on T4 terminal at Kuwait Airport
- 68,318 Expats will not be able to renew residence
- Japanese medicine for treating COVID-19 succeeds in Kuwait
- COVID-19 vaccine in Kuwait by next summer
- 89,936 teachers to return to work from Sept 1
- Transfer of residence from Small Medium Enterprises
- New registration service for a newborn birth launched
- Residence and visit visas extended for three months.
- Extending visit visas and residence for another 3 months
- 97,612 expats above 60 yrs of age will not be able to renew their residence
- New law for transfer of residence from one sponsor to another
- Residence transfer of children (dependent visa) to mothers allowed
Filed in: All • Expats in Kuwait • Info • Local News
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