KUWAIT CITY, June 30: At the request of the Indian Embassy, senior officials from the Ministry of Interior met with some community representatives at the Embassy auditorium Sunday, to answer queries on several issues concerning the recent security crackdown. Taking part in the meeting were Brigadier-General Talal Marafie, Assistant Director-General of the Directorate-General of Immigration; Colonel Najeeb Al-Shatti, Assistant Director-General, Immigration Investigation Department and Colonel Adel Al-Hashash, Director, Public Relations Department, Ministry of Interior. Also present during the meeting were the Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Satish C. Mehta, Vinod Kumar, First Secretary Press and Information and Balram Kumar Upadhyay, Counsellor (Consular & Chief Welfare Officer). The Interior Ministry officials defended the measures taken by the Kuwaiti authorities to get rid of the illegal residents and said people who hold valid documents need not fear. The officials also reiterated the security crackdown is not targeting any particular nationality. “Even Kuwaitis, who do not respect the laws are punished,” said Col Adel Hashash. The officials added their office doors are always open to those who seek justice and feel they have been wrongfully punished. The officials added, when the crackdown began there may have been some ‘misunderstandings’ when people felt they had been harassed. However, they stressed, now clear instructions have been issued to the police not to harass legal residents. Nonetheless, the officials stressed, “It is very important for the person to carry his/her original IDs at all times.” On fears that a person can be deported if found sharing an accommodation with a different family, the officials said there is no problem if the address on the Civil ID matches the place where the person lives. The official said it is very important that the address on the Civil ID matches the place of a person’s residence. When someone from the audience drew the attention of the officials that in some areas police have been carrying out house to house raids at odd hours, Colonel Shatti denied this allegation. However, he added, there have been instances where houses were raided after police had concrete information that illegal activity has been going on in some apartments, but this is done after getting a warrant from the Public Prosecution. He said his office is open to those who have any complaints. In reply to yet another query, the official said it is legal to share a vehicle with a colleague at work or take your friend or close relative to the airport as long as the action can be justified. The question came following rumors that several people had been deported for sharing a vehicle. He praised the Indian community as one of the most law abiding people in the country. He went on to say, “I am not saying this because I am sitting in the midst of you, but it is a fact.” On another issue, Brigadier-General Marafie explained those employees holding No 18 visa and having a problem with the sponsor company should file a complaint with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor and that until the issue is resolved the person will be issued temporary residence permit under Article 14. Those who are under Article 20, domestic workers, who have a dispute with their sponsor, should complain to the Domestic Workers Department of the Ministry of Interior, and those on Article 22, should visit the Immigration Department if they face a problem renewing their residence permit. However, in all cases the complaint can also be filed with the Immigration Investigation Department. Colonel Hashash said the Ministry of Interior is very strict with those who do not comply with traffic laws. He added, reckless driving and endangering the lives of other road users, speeding, crossing the red traffic light, carrying passengers for money face immediate deportation. Kuwaitis who commit these violations end up losing their driving licenses and confiscation of their vehicles in addition to a prison term. Kuwait has also not banned Skype, WhatsApp etc applications, the officials said in response to queries from the audiences. The question came following rumors that several people are arrested for using/ installing such applications on their mobile phones. On behalf of the Indian ambassador and Indian community representatives Upadhyay thanked the senior officers from the Interior Ministry. By Paul Francis X. Fernandes Arab Times Staff ________________________________________
Posted on: Mon, 01 Jul 2013 06:07:05 +0000
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