Kuwait Retains Tier 2 Ranking in US Human Trafficking Report for Second Year

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 10: Kuwait has retained its Tier 2 ranking for the second consecutive year in the US State Department’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, issued on Oct 8, according to the Public Prosecution.

The Public Prosecution said the ranking reflected Kuwait’s increased efforts during the reporting period, with prosecution of human trafficking offenses remaining a priority. It initiated criminal proceedings against 64 defendants under Law No. 91 of 2013 on combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The cases also involved related money laundering and the forgery of official and banking documents. The number of trafficking cases under investigation increased from three to 11, while two defendants were convicted of human trafficking.

The Public Prosecution said the Attorney General established a specialized unit to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling during the reporting period. The unit is responsible for monitoring implementation of the national referral mechanism, standardizing procedures for identifying and protecting victims, improving investigative methods, developing a comprehensive database of such crimes and providing technical guidance to prosecutors and law enforcement personnel.

Members of the Public Prosecution also received training on the proper legal classification of trafficking cases, while an online service was introduced on the prosecution’s website to receive reports of such crimes.

The Public Prosecution also highlighted the work of the National Standing Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling and the entities represented on it. It reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting offenders, enforcing the law and protecting victims of human trafficking.