Kuwait Makes Fingerprinting Mandatory for All Citizens and Residents

Travellers beware! Kuwait has recently implemented a new policy, Starting from March 1, 2024, individuals are required to undergo fingerprinting within a three-month window, ending on June 1, 2024. Failure to comply will lead to the suspension of all transactions with the Ministry of Interior.

This article details everything you need to know about this new regulation, including deadlines, exemptions, and designated locations.

What is the new policy?

As of March 1, 2024, all citizens and residents of Kuwait, excluding GCC citizens, must undergo mandatory biometric fingerprinting. This applies to individuals residing in the country on a long-term visa, including work permits and student visas.

Failure to comply will result in the suspension of all transactions with the Ministry of Interior, potentially impacting essential services like renewing licenses or ID cards.

Important Dates and Deadlines

• Registration period: March 1, 2024, to June 1, 2024 (three months)
• Exemption for travelers: Leaving the country is permitted without immediate fingerprinting, but registration is mandatory upon return.

Who Can Undergo Fingerprinting?

Kuwaitis, citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and residents are eligible to undergo biometric fingerprinting at these centers.

Where can you get fingerprinted?

The Ministry of Interior has established several convenient locations for fingerprinting across the country, including:

• Security Directorates: Each governorate has a dedicated security directorate offering fingerprinting services.
• Airport and border crossings: Fingerprinting facilities are available at Kuwait International Airport and major border crossings.
• Designated commercial complexes: Popular malls like Avenues Mall, 360 Mall, and Al Kout Mall also offer fingerprinting services.
• Ministry of Interior offices: Specific departments handle fingerprinting for companies and residents.

Designated Locations for Fingerprinting

The designated locations for biometric fingerprinting include:

• Hawalli Security Directorate in Hawalli Governorate
• Farwaniya Security Directorate in Farwaniya Governorate
• Al Ahmadi Security Directorate in Al-Ahmadi Governorate
• Mubarak Al Kabeer Security Directorate in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate
• Al Jahra Security Directorate in Al-Jahra Governorate (for citizens and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries)
• Personality Investigation Department, Corporate Fingerprinting, in the Ali Sabah Al Salem area
• Identity Investigation Department fingerprints companies in the Jahra area (for residents)
• Designated commercial complexes: Avenues Mall, 360 Mall, Al Kout Mall, Capital Mall, and Ministries Complex

Mandatory Fingerprinting for Travellers

Authorities have specified that travelers departing from Kuwait are permitted to do so without undergoing immediate fingerprinting. Nevertheless, it’s essential to note that fingerprinting becomes obligatory upon their return to the country.

Additional Details

GCC citizens: Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are exempt from the mandatory fingerprinting requirement.

Data security: The Ministry of Interior assures residents that fingerprint data will be stored securely and used solely for identification purposes.

For the latest updates and detailed information, visit the official website of the Ministry of Interior or contact their designated communication channels.

Conclusion

This initiative aims to enhance security measures and streamline administrative processes within Kuwait. Residents and citizens are encouraged to adhere to the stipulated timeline to ensure smooth compliance with the new regulations.