Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al- Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 9: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, stated that “Kuwait is entering a better phase, God willing. Its reality today is vastly different from the past, as we are witnessing rapid development across all sectors with the implementation of several new laws.” His remarks were made to journalists on the sidelines of the Green Urban Development Initiatives Forum held today.

In a press statement, Sheikh Al-Yousef emphasized that Kuwait welcomes all visitors who respect its laws and the noble character of its people. “We have no issues with any nationality, provided everyone adheres to the system and values we cherish. Everyone is welcome at any time,” he said.

Highlighting Kuwait’s unique climate, the First Deputy Prime Minister noted that the country is an ideal tourist destination between October 15 and April 15 each year, a feature that sets it apart from many neighboring nations.

Al-Yousef further explained efforts to streamline visitor procedures, saying, “Visas and residency permits are now easier than ever to obtain. Through the modern ‘Kuwait E Visa’ system, a visa can be issued in just five minutes. This reflects the digital transformation and administrative development taking place across the country.”

On the security front, Al-Yousef confirmed plans to meet with the undersecretaries of the interior ministries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on Wednesday, praising the strong backing security agencies receive from Kuwait’s highest leadership.

He expressed deep gratitude to His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad, for approving the new anti-narcotics law, which will be published in the Kuwait Gazette this week. “This law will serve as a true deterrent to drug traffickers and even users,” Al-Yousef emphasized, noting that drug-related challenges are not unique to Kuwait but affect all Gulf nations.

Sheikh Al-Yousef stressed that combating drug trafficking requires close cooperation among GCC interior ministries and the exchange of intelligence at the highest level. “Drug sources are diverse and often originate from distant countries, but thanks to GCC cooperation, shipments no longer reach our nations as they did before. Security agencies have successfully intercepted many major smuggling operations,” he said.

Acknowledging the Amir’s unwavering support for Kuwait’s security agencies, Al-Yousef highlighted the comprehensive radar system now covering the country’s land and sea borders, which has helped prevent the entry of large quantities of narcotics.

Regarding the upcoming GCC interior ministers’ meeting, Al-Yousef stated that each country has a specific agenda, including Kuwait, and outcomes will be announced once discussions conclude.

He also addressed the proposed alternative penalties law, saying that if adopted, it would be implemented quickly. “We will review similar GCC experiences and use them to guide our legislation on alternative penalties,” he added.