KUWAIT: The ministry of interior on Wednesday stressed the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and security guidelines to ensure public safety, particularly for children, during Girgian celebrations. The ministry emphasized that strict measures have been implemented to maintain road safety and protect children.

In a statement, the ministry reiterated the prohibition of closing internal roads in residential areas and the use of recreational vehicles, folk bands and food carts, citing the disruptions they cause to traffic flow and the risks they pose to public safety. Authorities warned legal action will be taken against violators.

The ministry urged parents to directly supervise their children rather than relying solely on domestic workers, while also calling on drivers to reduce their speed and remain vigilant on both internal and main roads to prevent accidents. Additionally, a comprehensive security and traffic plan has been implemented for the holy month of Ramadan, with both fixed and mobile patrols deployed across various governorates to enhance public security and safety.

Meanwhile, the ministry announced that a recent security campaign led to the arrest of seven female beggars of Arab nationality, who have been referred to the relevant authorities for legal action, including deportation.

According to a press release, the campaign was conducted under the directives of Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah as part of ongoing efforts to combat negative phenomena and apprehend violators.

The General Department of Residency Affairs emphasized its firm stance against the issue and outlined the legal consequences based on the violator’s residency type. Those on family visas (article 22) will face deportation along with their sponsors. Violators under private sector employment (article 18) will be deported, and their company’s file will be closed. Domestic workers (article 20) will also be deported, and their employers will be barred from issuing future visas or sponsorships.

The ministry also stressed that legal action will be taken against individuals exploiting minors for begging, with cases filed under the charge of child exploitation. It urged all citizens and residents to cooperate and report any cases of begging by calling 97288211, 97288200 or 25582581, or through the emergency hotline 112, which operates 24/7. – KUNA