Plan for a drug-free test for all new expats and some residents in Kuwait

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KUWAIT CITY, June 5: The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, is putting the final touches to a plan to conduct a “drug-free test” for adult expatriates as part of a package of proposals that the ministry is working on to combat the scourge of drugs, limit its spread in the country, and dry up its sources, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

According to security sources, the concept, which was drafted by a team that included security experts and officials of the health sector and was initially accepted when it was presented to the Council of Ministers, includes the establishment of health centers specialized in conducting drug-free tests, in coordination with the Criminal Evidence Department.

The intention is to link issuance of visa – either for work, visit or joining family – with a negative drug test result. This test will be added to the regular medical tests required for newly arriving expatriates and some categories of residents upon renewal of their residence permits.

The resident will have to undergo the test and submit its result within the rest of the requirements when applying for the renewal of his residency.

The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Health is working on identifying the centers that are equipped for this purpose, similar to the biometric centers, in addition to allocating specialized medical and security staff.

In the event that the result of the test is positive and it is proven that the expatriate took drugs, deportation measures will be taken against him immediately, and the residency is not renewed.

The sources said, “No one will be complacent with anyone who fails to implement the decision. Whoever fails to follow the procedure will expose himself to accountability.”

They added that the test centers will be linked electronically to the residence affairs departments in the governorates.

The sources said they expect the new vision to be implemented after completing necessary research and discussions about it, adding that preparations for its implementation would begin as soon as the Ministry of Interior finishes the biometric file for citizens and expatriates.

They affirmed that the Council of Ministers welcomed the proposal put forward by the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Acting Minister of Defense Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, and requested that it be studied thoroughly from all aspects.

Referring to the need to make some legal amendments that require the approval of the National Assembly, the sources indicated that the proposal will be among the government’s priorities during the parliament’s 17th legislative term, which will begin after the elections scheduled to be held on Tuesday, June 6.

This news has been read 29773 times!

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