KUWAIT CITY, Oct 3: The General Department of Criminal Investigation, through the Residence Affairs Investigations Department, has dismantled a domestic labor recruitment office in Fahaheel after uncovering its involvement in human trafficking and the illegal sale of visas. The operation is part of the Ministry of Interior’s ongoing campaign to combat organized crime and curb illegal labor practices in the country.

Authorities launched the case following intelligence reports suggesting that the office was engaged in selling visas, illegally sheltering workers, and exploiting them for profit. Acting on this information, a joint security task force was formed in coordination with the Public Authority for Manpower’s Domestic Labor Department. After securing legal authorization from the Public Prosecution, security officers executed a raid and ambush on the premises.

The operation led to the arrest of the office’s managers as well as 29 female workers of Asian nationality who were found inside the office’s residence. During the inspection, investigators seized receipts, financial waivers, and ready-to-use contracts. Evidence revealed that the office had been charging KD 120 for each visa, before reselling the workers’ contracts for amounts ranging between KD 1,100 and KD 1,300—on top of official government fees.

Testimonies from the rescued workers confirmed that they had been confined to the office residence, forced into labor, and subjected to mistreatment. They were immediately transferred to a safe shelter, while the suspects were referred to the Public Prosecution. The case has been registered under No. (2025/727 Criminal Investigation Felonies) on charges of human trafficking and visa trafficking. All individuals accused have been placed in Central Prison for a 21-day detention pending further investigation.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated its firm stance against all forms of exploitation and human trafficking, describing it as a grave crime that undermines human dignity and threatens societal security. The ministry affirmed that it will continue to track down and prosecute violators of labor and residency laws without hesitation, pledging to take all necessary legal measures to safeguard the rights of workers.