KUWAIT CITY, Aug 18: In parallel with the measures announced by the Ministry of Interior on the issuance of visas, the concerned authorities remain vigilant, efficiently playing their role as a safety valve protecting the country from fraud or manipulation attempts, such as the submission of false information or incorrect documents to obtain a visa. Sources clarified that while biometric fingerprinting helped in apprehending deportees attempting to enter the country using alternative passports or different entry visas, high-level security scrutiny of all travelers, particularly those arriving in Kuwait on electronic tourist visas, serves as a deterrent against any illegal entry attempt.

Sources pointed out that obtaining a visa electronically does not guarantee entry to Kuwait. "Upon arrival, the documents and identification of visa holders are scrutinized to ensure the validity and accuracy of the information and the validity of the residency permit in the Gulf state. Attempts to forge residency permits in several countries are being carried out by international networks, but security personnel are vigilant against such criminal behavior and show zero tolerance in dealing with anything that threatens the security and stability of Kuwait,” sources affirmed. Sources told the daily that with the recent increase in travel through Abdally border, the officers assigned at the border have apprehended several travelers holding electronic tourist visas to enter Kuwait. It was discovered that they obtained these visas by presenting forged residency permits in Gulf countries.

Sources said the security scrutiny during the procedures prior to entry to Kuwait revealed that these individuals presented forged residency permits in Gulf countries in order to obtain Kuwaiti visas. They disclosed that the detainees’ confessions indicated that they obtained these visas after paying certain individuals and offices in Iraq. Sources added that investigations revealed the presence of individuals and offices actively issuing fake residency permits to individuals, pretending to be residents of one of the Gulf countries. “These permits are then submitted electronically as part of the documents required to obtain a Kuwaiti visa. Legal action has been taken against those arrested, and the concerned authorities have been notified of the discovery of forged Gulf residency permits and attempts to use them,” sources added.