KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior said Tuesday that 10,326 citizens completed their biometric fingerprinting on the last day of the designated period at the biometric centers. The total number of citizens who have undergone biometric fingerprinting across all centers is 928,684, leaving about 47,445 citizens yet to complete the process.

Biometric fingerprinting services at shopping malls have now been suspended, said the ministry, and the equipment will be relocated to support eight interior ministry centers responsible for identity verification already operating across various governorates. The centers will continue to offer services daily from 8 am to 8 pm. Citizens whose government and banking transactions have been suspended can visit the centers to complete their biometric fingerprinting, which will automatically lift the restrictions on their transactions.

The Ministry of Interior has temporarily exempted students studying abroad on government scholarships and their companions, patients sent for treatment overseas, and diplomatic staff from the biometric scans until their return to Kuwait.

Temporary exemption requests will also apply to citizens currently abroad for study or medical treatment at their own expense, but they must provide proof to Kuwaiti embassies for approval. Upon their return, those exempted will be allowed to register their biometrics at the airport or at the designated fingerprinting centers. This comes in line with the ministry’s commitment to facilitate transactions for citizens abroad while adhering to security standards. — KUNA