Kuwait

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced the results of a large-scale security campaign conducted by the Farwaniya Governorate Security Directorate in the Khaitan area, in coordination with several government authorities. The operation resulted in a total of 693 arrests, violations and administrative actions, reflecting a broad enforcement effort covering residency compliance, labour regulations, commercial activities, traffic matters and public safety requirements.

In a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, 2026, the ministry confirmed that the operation had taken place on Thursday, October 8. Participating authorities included the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Kuwait Municipality, the Kuwait Fire Force, the Public Authority for Manpower and the Environment Public Authority. Their involvement allowed inspectors and security personnel to address different categories of violations during a coordinated campaign.

Regarding residency and wanted-person cases, authorities apprehended 65 individuals sought in connection with absconding reports or expired residency permits. Another seven people were detained for overstaying their visas, while one person was found to be subject to an entry ban. Three additional individuals were wanted under civil arrest warrants. The ministry also reported arrests or apprehensions connected with drug-related cases, theft and intoxication.

Traffic enforcement formed another part of the operation. Officers issued 44 traffic citations and impounded 33 abandoned vehicles. They also seized two vehicles wanted in breach-of-trust cases and another vehicle sought in connection with theft. These findings show that the campaign extended beyond immigration checks to include vehicle-related violations and outstanding legal matters.

Among the participating regulatory bodies, the Public Authority for Manpower recorded 13 Labour Law violations at commercial establishments, while the Environment Public Authority identified two cases involving improper storage of materials. The Kuwait Fire Force issued 202 notices requiring violations to be corrected, closed 43 establishments and delivered 25 warnings of possible closure. The figures underline the role of fire safety and regulatory compliance in the operation.

The Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy recorded one violation involving a damaged electricity meter and two involving illegal direct connections to the power supply. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued 18 commercial violations concerning matters such as pricing, promotions, invoices, product information and licensing. Kuwait Municipality separately recorded 108 building regulation violations, placed 53 notices on non-compliant properties and issued 21 reports against shops and three relating to unauthorised road occupation. Municipal teams also carried out cleaning and removal work at several locations.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the necessary legal procedures had been initiated against those apprehended and those found in violation. It also stated that coordinated security campaigns would continue to strengthen public safety and enforce applicable laws. Importantly, the reported total of 693 refers to a combination of arrests, violations, warnings, closures and other measures; it does not mean that 693 individuals were arrested. Residents, employers and business operators are therefore reminded of the importance of maintaining valid documentation and complying with relevant labour, licensing and safety requirements.