KUWAIT: The interior ministry in Kuwait has completed the biometrics of most expatriates who left the country for regular travel and returned. This process, which began last year for Kuwaitis and residents, is now nearing completion. According to informed sources, the remaining expatriates yet to undergo biometrics are those who have not traveled or are violators of residency laws.

Over a million expatriates, including first-time visitors to Kuwait, have already been fingerprinted. The sources revealed the ministry also took biometrics of all expatriates who were deported from the country. This measure aims to prevent manipulation, such as fraudulent activities and the use of fake passports. Some deportees had previously resorted to plastic surgery on their fingers or faces to alter fingerprints and identities.

The sources said the department of deportation at Talha Prison is directly deporting individuals holding passports, while efforts are made to coordinate with embassies to secure documents for those without passports or with expired ones. Before deportation at the airport or from prison, all individuals are subjected to having their biometrics taken.

Sources emphasized the dedication of officials in the administration, who work seven days a week to process and deport individuals according to their travel dates. The prison’s capacity is limited to 1,500 people, both male and female, and the recent increase in numbers is attributed to intensified security campaigns.

The ministry of interior had earlier announced the suspension of a decision that allowed residency violators before 2020 to pay fines and rectify their status. The ministry reiterated its commitment to removing residency violators from the country, emphasizing the continuation of security campaigns to apprehend violators and enforce the law.