Biometric Fingerprinting Aids in Arrests of Hundreds in Kuwait

Kuwaiti authorities have successfully used mandatory biometric fingerprinting to apprehend hundreds of individuals wanted for various crimes, according to a recent report. The initiative, which has been implemented at Kuwait International Airport and land crossings since May of 2023, has proven effective in identifying outlaws and forgers. While the exact number of arrests has not been disclosed, the system’s impact has been significant.

The deadlines for the mandatory biometric fingerprinting enrolment process were extended earlier this year, with the new deadlines set as September 30, 2024, for citizens, and December 31, 2024, for expatriates.

The Interior Ministry emphasized that non-compliance would result in the suspension of all transactions with the government for the individual in question.

To facilitate the process, especially for the elderly and ill who may be unable to visit the designated centers, Kuwait has introduced a home biometrics service. Authorities have underscored that there will be no leniency for those who fail to complete the fingerprinting, stressing that it is mandatory for everyone residing in the country.

As of now, over 2.5 million people, including Kuwaitis, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, and expatriates, have undergone the biometric fingerprinting procedure. The system is operational at border outlets, Kuwait International Airport, and various security centers across the country.

Kuwait’s population comprises approximately 4.8 million people, of which 3.3 million are expatriates. The biometric fingerprinting initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance security and ensure that all residents are properly documented and identified.

Earlier this month, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Kuwait announced it was mandating the implementation of biometric verification systems for employee attendance, requiring both facial recognition and fingerprint systems.

The new order requires all government agencies to update their systems to incorporate flexible fingerprint verification technology, while also urging the adoption of smartphone applications for attendance tracking. This move is part of Kuwait’s broader push towards biometric authentication technologies, which has recently included reforms in the education sector and a nationwide biometric registration program for citizens and expatriates.

Source: Gulf News

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August 19, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith