KUWAIT: Kuwait's Ministry of Interior General Security Department launched security campaigns yesterday at the fruit and vegetable market in Sulaibiya, during which 1,272 people were arrested.

The campaigns were launched based on directives by high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Interior, Immigration Department, General Traffic Department and other higher authorities.

Some of the suspects were arrested for non-possession of valid residencies while some were detained for working under different sponsors. Those working with residency under Article 20 and wanted by law were also arrested. The suspects have been referred to the concerned authorities for necessary legal action against them.

The MOI confirmed that such intensive campaigns will continue to maintain the security of the nation.

Deportation of expats

Meanwhile, Lt General Al-Fahad has denied the reports about random deportation of expats by the Interior Ministry. He said the ministry is only targeting residency violators. Interior Ministry Undersecretary Lt General Suleiman Al-Fahad said that expats who are in violation of the residency law have adverse effects directly or indirectly on all the social and health services offered to citizens and expats who are residing legally in the country.

Al-Fahad who led a wide ranging security campaign in Bneid Al-Qar said the security campaigns will continue until the phenomenon of residency and labor laws violation stopped, adding that it is a security concern.

Al-Fahad urged those who want to correct their status to go to concerned security authorities such as the Residency Affairs Department, and Residency Affairs Detectives Department. "Expats who are residing legally will not be affected in any way. The presence of a large number of residency violators adversely affect all services and also impede the state's development plans," he said, adding that the security campaigns are well organized.

"The security of the country and people cannot be compromised, and policemen are up to their responsibilities to keep security in check. All countries of the world organize such campaigns and deports every violator or wanted people. Kuwait is a country that respects human rights - and have many treaties in this regard and are keen to implement them to the letter," Al-Fahad added. - Agencies