KUWAIT: Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Lieutenant General Sheikh Salem Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, met on Sunday with Othman Belbeisi, the Regional Director for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Middle East and North Africa, to discuss strengthening joint efforts, particularly in combating human trafficking.

This meeting, part of Belbeisi’s official visit to Kuwait, was attended by IOM’s Head of Mission in Kuwait, Mazen AboulHosn, and officials from both sides. The discussions follow the recent announcement by Minister of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, Nasser Al-Sumait, of Kuwait’s new National Strategy for 2025–2028. This strategy aims to enhance prevention, protection, and accountability measures to combat exploitation, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling.

Sheikh Salem Nawaf underscored the importance of both regional and international cooperation in the fight against human trafficking, reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening ties with global organizations to protect human rights. He highlighted Kuwait’s adherence to international conventions and treaties in its efforts to tackle human trafficking. Sheikh Salem also praised the IOM’s significant humanitarian role in supporting global anti-trafficking initiatives and offering aid to vulnerable populations.

Belbeisi expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior, emphasizing the need to expand these efforts in light of the growing challenges in combating human trafficking. During the meeting, he provided an overview of the IOM’s projects and programs, which are carried out in cooperation with governments. Both parties agreed to organize specialized workshops and training sessions aimed at combating human trafficking, which will be led by experts in the field. These sessions are intended to enhance the qualifications of national personnel and ministry members involved in these crucial efforts. — KUNA