Kuwait arrests 800 expats in security crackdown

Hundreds have been arrested for various violations in Kuwait's latest drive against offenders and absconders.

1 min read

20 June, 2016

Expats make up 70 percent of Kuwait's population [AFP]

Kuwaiti authorities have arrested 800 people for violating labour and residency laws.

In this latest security crackdown that took place in all six of the country's governates, police also arrested people in relation to drugs, alcohol and caught individuals who had received sentences in absentia or were reported absconding by their sponsors, the Times Kuwait reported on Saturday.

These arrests add to the huge number of foreign nationals who have been arrested this year in relation to labour law violations.

Expats account for 70 percent of Kuwait's population of around 3.7 million, with of whom hail from the Indian Subcontinent.

Earlier this month, Kuwaiti authorities warned that expatriates caught begging during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan would be subjected to immediate deportation.

The move was announced in a statement by the country's Ministry of Interior, who said that it was part of an effort to crack down on panhandlers who frequent mosques, shopping centres and certain neighbourhoods.