KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: In a major crackdown on residency trafficking, the General Department of Residence Affairs Investigations has arrested a Pakistani national and several others accused of issuing illegal residency permits in exchange for money. The operation was carried out under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.

Investigations revealed that the main suspect, identified as Shahbaz Hussain Allah Rakha, was registered under Noor Al-Kawthar General Trading and Contracting Company and acted as a representative for 19 companies, managing nine of them under agency agreements. A total of 150 workers were registered under these companies, owned by Munifa Omar Al-Enezi.

Authorities found that individuals had paid between KD 350 and KD 900 to the suspect to renew or transfer their residency illegally, despite not working for the companies under his name. The accused admitted to completing the transactions himself using the credentials of the Public Authority for Manpower and the Ministry of Interior, without the company owner’s involvement.

All suspects have been referred to the competent authorities for legal action. The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Public Authority for Manpower, has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying inspections, rooting out residency trafficking, and enforcing strict legal measures against offenders.

Alcohol poisoning suspected in deaths of 10 expatriate workers in Ahmadi.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: A security source revealed to a local daily that 10 expatriate workers were found dead across 10 separate incidents in Ahmadi Governorate. According to the source, initial investigations suggest that alcohol poisoning may be the cause of death in all cases.

The Ministry of Interior is reportedly looking into the circumstances surrounding these deaths, as all the victims were expatriates working in the area. Further details on the investigation are awaited.

A file photo of a shop being closed in Kuwait due to fire safety violations.

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 13: The General Fire Force (GFF) conducted a thorough inspection campaign in Shuwaikh Industrial Area 2 on Tuesday evening, in collaboration with key government entities, including the Ministry of Commerce, the Public Authority for Industry, and Kuwait Municipality.

The initiative aimed to identify buildings and facilities that were non-compliant with fire safety and prevention regulations.

As a result of the campaign, 55 industrial establishments and shops were administratively closed for failing to meet the required safety standards. In addition, 83 other establishments were issued notices for not adhering to the General Fire Force’s safety guidelines.