KUWAIT CITY, March 15: In line with the directives of His Excellency, the Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, to combat negative social phenomena, the Criminal Security Sector has intensified its efforts to eliminate begging, which tends to rise during Ramadan. The General Department of Criminal Investigations—specifically the Department for the Protection of Public Morals and Combating Human Trafficking—has arrested 11 beggars of Arab and Asian nationalities who were soliciting alms in front of mosques and markets. Additionally, 15 individuals were apprehended for engaging in unauthorized street vending.

The Ministry of Interior warns that strict measures will be enforced against those who exploit children for begging to evoke public sympathy. Offenders will be charged with child exploitation, deported, and held accountable, while violating companies will face closure. The Ministry urges the public to report any instances of begging by calling 25582581, 97288200, 97288211, or the emergency hotline 112, available 24/7.

Investigations revealed that some of the arrested individuals had entered Kuwait on visitor visas or family residency permits, while others were classified as "loose labor" without permanent employment. Legal action is being taken against companies that facilitated their illegal entry and employment.