Visa Fraud Ring Busted in Kuwait; No Changes to Visit Visa Regulations Despite Violations

In a significant crackdown on residency scammers, led by the Ministry of Interior, authorities have successfully dismantled a gang involved in the illegal trade of visas.

During the operation, Kuwaiti authorities apprehended a gang of Syrian and Egyptian visa scammers. This crackdown forms part of ongoing efforts to combat the fake residency trade and enforce legal compliance.

The operation resulted in the arrest of six individuals accused of establishing fictitious companies through forgery and tampering with official documents.

These bogus companies facilitated the illegal entry of foreign workers into Kuwait, charging between 350 and 1,000 Kuwaiti dinars for each recruited worker.

Investigating officers remained vigilant, monitoring the gang's activities and ultimately arresting all those involved, including sponsors or individuals who assisted the traffickers.

Authorities confirmed that necessary legal actions have been taken, and the suspects have been referred to the competent authorities.

No Changes to Visit Visa Rules

Kuwait is unlikely to suspend the issuance of visit visas for the families of working expatriates despite recent violations that have led to deportations, according to a Kuwaiti media report.

Al Anba newspaper, citing a security source, reported that authorities will neither halt such visas nor amend the rules prohibiting their conversion into residency for labour purposes.

“Expatriates have signed pledges not to request the conversion of visit visas into employment residency or dependency visas. Therefore, they are committed to their pledges,” the source said. Authorities will firmly address breaches of the relevant rules, the source added.

Earlier this week, the Kuwaiti Interior Ministry announced the deportation of a new group of visitors and their sponsors for violating the regulations.

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