Kuwait busts residency trafficking gang in major security operation
Following the directives of Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, the Residence Investigations team dismantled a residency trafficking ring, led by an Egyptian resident nicknamed the ‘fox.’

• A criminal gang, consisting of an Egyptian resident and employees from the General Department of Residency Affairs and the Public Authority for Manpower, charged 400 dinars for residency inside Kuwait and 2,000 dinars for recruitment from abroad.
• The gang manipulated fictitious needs for about 275 company licenses, registering over 553 workers, with some companies nonexistent and established solely for financial profit and residency trafficking.
• The network’s activities were reportedly focused on facilitating the transfer of residency for violators within the country in exchange for money, as well as recruiting foreign workers for substantial fees.
Ultimately, the ‘fox’ was ensnared in the trap, taking his accomplices down with him, thanks to the relentless security efforts to combat the residency trade. These efforts led to the successful dismantling of a three-person gang, led by an Egyptian national, who was assisted by two employees from the General Department of Residency Affairs and the Public Authority for Manpower, the Al Rai newspaper reported.
In line with the directives of the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef to continue security campaigns aimed at upholding the law, enforcing regulations, and prosecuting violators, the Residence Investigations team struck a significant blow against residence traffickers by apprehending a criminal ring involved in residency trafficking. The ring consisted of three individuals, led by an Egyptian resident, and included an employee from the General Directorate of Residency Affairs and another from the Public Authority of Manpower.
Security sources revealed to the newspaper that detectives from the Residency Affairs sector received information about a residency trafficking network led by an Egyptian resident, nicknamed the ‘fox.’
The network’s activities were reportedly focused on facilitating the transfer of residency for violators within the country in exchange for money, as well as recruiting foreign workers for substantial fees.
According to the sources, based on the information gathered, a research and investigation team was formed to unravel the case. It was discovered that the ‘fox’ was aided by two employees from ‘Residency Affairs’ and ‘Manpower,’ charging between 400 dinars for residency transfers within Kuwait, and up to 2,000 dinars or more for recruiting workers from abroad.
The sources pointed out that the investigation revealed that members of the criminal gang were involved in manipulating the assessment of fictitious needs, without proper documentation, for approximately 275 licenses across various companies—some of which were operational and others nonexistent. It was discovered that more than 553 workers were registered under these companies, which were established for financial profit and residency trafficking.
The sources also revealed that the investigation led to the Egyptian ‘fox’ and his partners, who confessed to manipulating transactions, company records, and extracting work permits, in exchange for over one million dinars.
All company owners were summoned, and it was found that many had obtained commercial licenses for this illicit purpose. Some closed their businesses immediately after transferring residencies and collecting payments, leaving workers in the country in violation of the law, often unaware of their legal status.
‘Block’ imposed on all violators
The sources added that a ‘block’ was imposed on all violators, and those arrested were referred to the prosecution for legal action. It was also noted that any worker who reports the crime of residency trafficking would be exempt from punishment. The sources emphasized the need for a firm and severe stance against anyone involved in residency trafficking or violating the country’s laws.
Increased penalties for residency trafficking
The sources indicated that the new residence law has increased penalties for residency trafficking, with imprisonment ranging from 3 to 5 years or a fine of 5,000 to 10,000 dinars. The fine is multiplied for multiple violators, and the penalty is doubled if the offender is a public employee acting within the scope of their job.
Strict procedures and controls
The sources confirmed that the Residency Affairs Sector, represented by the General Directorate of Residency Affairs Investigations, has developed a series of strict procedures and controls, the most important of which are:
- Strict control over all transactions in accordance with new decisions and laws.
- A round-the-clock hotline to receive reports on residency trafficking.
- A comprehensive audit and an integrated plan for monitoring companies and the validity of their establishment.
- Electronic plans for monitoring and auditing.
- Continuous and sudden field inspection campaigns.