KUWAIT: Kuwait Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohammad Al-Wasmi has underlined his commitment to improving Kuwait’s rating in trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling, urging concerted national efforts in this regard. The minister made the remarks to KUNA following the 12th meeting of the Permanent National Committee for Implementing the National Strategy for the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants.

He called for stepping up and unifying national efforts in this field, especially towards revising relevant national legislation, making suggestions for introducing the necessary amendments, and replying to international queries. He also stressed that it is essential to apply the National Referral Mechanism to prevent trafficking in persons and scale up awareness and educational campaigns about labor rights. The minister added that the permanent national committee monitors the clampdowns launched by the Interior Ministry to arrest violators of residency law nationwide following the expiry of a deadline on June 30, which was given to them to adjust their status or leave the country.

He described the committee’s meeting as part of Kuwait’s fervent efforts in the field of fighting trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling. The commitment was set up upon the Cabinet’s decree on February 5, 2018, and is chaired by the Minister of Justice, Awqaf, and Islamic Affairs. Its main objective is to prevent trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling and to create societal awareness about relevant risks. — KUNA