Kuwait sentences 8 expats in driving license fraud

Eight expats in Kuwait received definitive prison terms after being found guilty in a corruption case related to unlawfully granting driving permits to expatriates in the nation.

The Court of Cassation in Kuwait sentenced each of the eight individuals to four years of imprisonment and mandated their deportation upon completion of their sentences. A police officer holding the rank of colonel was also subjected to a comparable judgment in connection with the same case.

Here’s an explanation of the case and its implications:

Bribery and Illegal Issuance of Driving Licenses

The Court of Cassation in Kuwait handed down final jail sentences to eight expatriates, each receiving four years in prison, for their involvement in a bribery case related to illegally issuing driving licenses for foreigners. Additionally, a police officer with the rank of colonel was also sentenced to four years in prison and deportation after serving the term. The officer, an employee at the Ministry of Interior, faced charges of bribery, misappropriation of public funds, and violating job duties in exchange for issuing driving licenses to ineligible expatriates.

Judicial Process and Earlier Sentencing

Previously, a lower court had issued a sentence of eight years in prison for the police officer and varying jail terms ranging from six to four years for the eight expatriates involved in the case. The final ruling from the Court of Cassation confirms these penalties, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses and the legal consequences for those involved in corrupt practices related to public services.

Kuwait’s Population and Driving License System

Kuwait has a diverse population of around 4.8 million people, including approximately 3.2 million foreigners. In recent years, Kuwait has implemented electronic systems for various services, including driving licenses. Expatriates can now renew their licenses electronically through the Ministry of Interior’s website or the “Sahel” government app, streamlining the process and enhancing efficiency.

Reforms in Driving License Issuance

In late 2021, Kuwait introduced a new system for issuing driving licenses to expatriates. The system includes a review of holders’ data to ensure eligibility criteria are met, such as qualifications and income levels. The aim is to prevent the issuance of licenses to ineligible individuals and to uphold the standards for safe and responsible driving practices among foreign residents in Kuwait.