Kuwait has ramped up its efforts to control traffic violations with a massive security operation spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior, resulting in the deportation of over 18,000 expatriates in a span of six months.
From March to August of 2023, law enforcement officers carried out an extensive crackdown on a range of crimes including serious traffic violations. The violations encompassed speeding, running red lights, racing, unauthorized passenger carrying, driving against traffic, and driving without a valid license. This wave of deportations comes in response to a surge in traffic violations, with a recorded total of over 2.6 million infractions in the first eight months of the year. A significant proportion of these — roughly 1.95 million — were classified as indirect violations.
The stringent enforcement campaign is in line with the directives of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khalid. Security forces have been extensively deployed across all governorates with the dual aim of regulating traffic and reducing congestion, in addition to reigning in reckless drivers to foster safer road conditions for all.
This initiative overseen by the Traffic Awareness Department has seen the deportation of 18,486 expatriates as reported by Al Rai, spotlighting the government’s resolute stance in maintaining law and order on the roads.
