Kuwait retains tier 2 status, as Prosecution cracks down on human trafficking
- Public Prosecution files charges against 64 defendants as trafficking investigations rise from three to 11; specialised unit established to strengthen investigations and victim protection
Kuwait has retained its Tier 2 classification in the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report 2026 for the second consecutive year. The report, issued on October 8, highlights increased efforts by the Public Prosecution to combat human trafficking compared with previous years in pursuing offenders.
In a statement, the Prosecution said it had initiated criminal proceedings against 64 people accused of human trafficking under Law No. 91 of 2013 on Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling. The cases also involved related allegations, including money laundering and the forgery of official and banking documents.
The number of human trafficking cases under investigation rose from three to 11 during the reporting period, while two were convicted of human trafficking, according to the statement. To strengthen the response to trafficking and migrant smuggling, the Attorney General has established a specialised unit during the reporting period.
Its responsibilities include monitoring implementation of the national referral mechanism, standardising procedures for identifying and protecting victims, improving investigative methods and developing a comprehensive database of trafficking-related crimes. The unit is also tasked with providing technical guidance to members of the Public Prosecution and law enforcement agencies.
Prosecutors received training on the proper legal classification of human trafficking cases, while an online reporting service was introduced on the Public Prosecution’s website to facilitate the reporting of such crimes. The Public Prosecution also acknowledged the work of the Standing Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants and the government entities represented on it.
The Prosecution reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing those responsible for these offences, enforcing the relevant legislation and protecting victims. Kuwait’s continued Tier 2 classification reflects the increased efforts cited in the 2026 report, while the rise in cases under investigation and the establishment of a specialised prosecution unit underline the authorities’ focus on strengthening the legal response to human trafficking and migrant smuggling.
