Kuwait arrests hundreds for residency violations, illegal breweries in nationwide sweep

Illicit breweries linked to recent deaths and hospitalisations

Last updated: August 18, 2025 | 13:06

Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

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Authorities also disclosed that part of the campaign targeted dangerous underground alcohol networks.

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Dubai: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry announced on Sunday that a nationwide security sweep has led to the arrest of hundreds of individuals accused of violating residency laws and operating illicit alcohol breweries tied to recent deaths.

The ministry said 258 people were detained across all six governorates, underscoring what officials described as a renewed drive to tackle lawlessness and reinforce public order.

Offences included expired residency permits, visa overstays, absconding workers, and other breaches of immigration and labour regulations.

Also Read: Drugs are behind 65% of crimes in Kuwait

Authorities also disclosed that part of the campaign targeted dangerous underground alcohol networks.

These illicit breweries, some operating out of residential and industrial districts, have been linked to a spate of recent fatalities and hospitalisations, prompting heightened concern over public health risks.

Also Read: Expatriates convicted of financial crimes face a travel ban in Kuwait

The crackdown was launched under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al Sabah and supervised by Brigadier General Fawaz Al Roumi, head of the ministry’s Citizenship and Residency Sector.

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Officials stressed that the campaign would hold both workers and employers accountable, warning that those who facilitate or exploit violations would face prosecution.

“The ministry will continue to monitor violators, confront illegal labour practices, and ensure compliance with the law,” the statement said, emphasising the government’s determination to maintain security and order throughout the country.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.