KUWAIT CITY, Feb 4: In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Interior has confirmed the continuation of its biometric fingerprinting initiative for citizens, residents, and individuals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This measure will be implemented at all of the nation's border crossings, Kuwait International Airport, and designated centers throughout the country.

The General Administration of Security Relations and Media clarified that citizens, GCC nationals, and residents can undergo biometric fingerprinting upon their arrival at dedicated centers and commercial complexes. These locations include:

1. Hawalli Security Directorate in Hawalli Governorate
2. Farwaniya Security Directorate in Farwaniya Governorate
3. Al-Ahmadi Security Directorate in Al-Ahmadi Governorate
4. Mubarak Al-Kabeer Security Directorate in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate
5. Al-Jahra Security Directorate in Al-Jahra Governorate (specifically for citizens and GCC nationals)
6. Personality Investigation Department
7. Corporate fingerprinting in the Ali Sabah Al-Salem area
8. Personal identification fingerprinting of companies in the Jahra area (for residents)
9. The Avenues Mall
10. 360 Mall
11. Al Kout Mall
12. The Capital Mall
13. The Ministries Complex

The Ministry emphasized that travelers departing from Kuwait are not required to undergo fingerprinting but will be subjected to the process upon their return. Notably, in January 2024, Kuwait International Airport recorded 26,238 arrivals who underwent the biometric fingerprinting procedure as part of the heightened security measures.