The Ministry of Interior ensures that the dignity of deportees is upheld in full compliance with the fundamental principles of human rights.

KUWAIT CITY, March 18: The Ministry of Interior has recently achieved significant progress across its field and administrative security sectors under the close supervision and follow-up of Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef. Among the most notable advancements is the modernization of the Deportation Department’s operations. The department has updated its mechanisms in alignment with local and international laws, ensuring the efficient implementation of legal procedures for foreigners who violate the law and are subject to judicial or administrative deportation orders. Digital systems have been introduced to streamline processes and enhance transparency at every stage of handling deportation cases.

A security sources stated that the Deportation Department processes approximately 3,000 male and female expatriates monthly. These individuals are deported based on judicial orders for criminal charges or administrative orders issued in the public interest. The source also mentioned that if the sponsor or the deportee fails to provide a travel ticket, the Ministry of Interior arranges and covers the cost of the ticket through contracted travel agencies, which maintain offices within the Deportation Department building. A financial claim is then registered against the sponsor—whether a company or an individual—for the ticket’s cost, and a travel ban is imposed until the amount is settled.

New Deportation Center

Efforts are made to expedite deportations, with the average processing time for deportees being approximately three days, provided they possess a valid passport or emergency travel document. However, delays can occur due to slow procedures by some embassies in issuing travel documents or when deportees are required to attend court sessions under travel bans issued by the Public Prosecution. In cases where deportees lack travel documents, the General Administration of Correctional Institutions coordinates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Consular Affairs Department to contact the relevant embassy and secure the necessary documentation, enabling the execution of the deportation order.

The source highlighted that the Deportation Department operates under a specialized mechanism focused on efficiency, meticulous procedures, and adherence to human rights laws. This process involves receiving violators or deportees from various security sectors, conducting inspections, verifying identities, recording personal data, and capturing biometric fingerprints using specialized devices.

The department ensures that deportees are treated with respect and dignity, in compliance with Kuwaiti human rights laws and international treaties. Their basic needs, including food and healthcare, are met until their departure. Deportees are also permitted to meet with embassy representatives and communicate with their families.

During a visit to the old deportation facility in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef directed officials to address all legal obstacles faced by detainees, streamline deportation procedures, and develop a forward-looking vision to enhance the department’s operations. He also oversaw the relocation of the department to a new facility in Sulaibiya, which was recently inaugurated. The new building, designed to accommodate approximately 1,000 male and 400 female detainees, adheres to international standards for human rights and is equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance systems, modern furnishings, and separate health clinics for men and women.

This comprehensive overhaul reflects the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to upholding the rule of law while ensuring the humane treatment of individuals throughout the deportation process.