KUWAIT: Begging is illegal in Kuwait yet many outsiders try to penetrate the country just before Ramadan because it is an opportune time for beggars to make lots of money. Muslims in Kuwait often give generously during Ramadan and beggars try to take advantage of the chance to make seasonal benefits. The Ministry of Interior has made restrictions in order to eliminate this form of negative "tourism." Each of the Ministry's sectors is working to fight the growing number of beggars. As a measure to curb the influx of beggars, they have stopped issuing entrance visas for visitors from certain countries including Syria, Jordan and several others.

The Directorate of Security is responsible for clearing each area and ensuring that it is beggar-free. Each of the six governorates has such a department and every year they hold campaigns to reduce the numbers of beggars. According to Colonel Abdulrahman Ali Al-Sharah, the Central Area Commander of the Directorate of Security of the Capital, the majority of the beggars caught are women who entered Kuwait on visiting visas. The majority of them are Syrian, Jordanian, Palestinian or bedoon.

Some beggars collect money and beg for clothes and food in the Shuwaikh residential area. In many cases Shuwaikh residents have reported beggars knocking on their door. According to the rules and regulations of the country, however, a person is immediately deported from Kuwait if they are caught begging. The deported person is then unable to enter Kuwait again, even if on a different passport. The directorate also reported a few cases of beggars with Kuwaiti residency. They all face the same punishment of deportation if caught begging.

The problem of entering Kuwait with a different passport and name could be solved if there was an eye scan or eye print machine in the airport, a source told The Kuwait Times. This equipment would reveal those who were deported and trying to re-enter the country with a false passport or a different identity. Some residents of Kuwait, however, opposed the ministry's decision to ban the entry of certain nationalities. Karoline, a 40-year-old Syrian who has been living in Kuwait since she was born, was not able to bring her mother to Kuwait as a result to this regulation.

Even though my mother lived here for more than 40 years, and she is older than 70 now, they didn't issue a visa for her. She is sad and so am I, but I know it's a rule that is applied to everyone. I feel ashamed of the beggars who have caused this problem and have spoiled the reputation of my country," she said. - Kuwait Times