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
- No new intimation for visa extension
- A Kuwaiti woman fears for lives of daughter and son
- Validity of PCR test certificate for incoming passengers increased to 96 hrs instead of 72 hrs
- 688 new cases of infection and 506 recovered from coronavirus
- Teachers have no rights to give assignments for students after school hours
- Intensive campaign to arrest 120,000 illegal expats postponed
- Allowing restricted group of stranded expats returning with prior approval
- 35,000 Indians leaving Kuwait in two weeks
- No dependent visa for expats above 18, unless pursuing further studies
- Ban on academic qualification amendment for expat over 50
- Visit visas transfer to dependent (family) visa not allowed
- Maids exempted in all demographic quotas
- No work permit, transfer or renewal of residence for 60 yrs of age and above
- New residency rules for expat employees aged 60 and above
- Tailoring shops and workshops – Fourth phase precautionary measures
- Public transport – Fourth phase precautionary measures
- Restaurants and cafes – Fourth phase precautionary measures
- Partial distribution of Civil IDs
- No work permit for 60 yrs and above without graduation degree
- Expat forged 60 visas of domestic workers for KD 20,000
Filed in: All • Expats in Kuwait • Info • Local News
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