News

47,000 Kuwaitis Miss Biometric Deadline, 35,000 Bank Accounts Suspended

Published

7 hours ago

October 2, 2024

Admin

47,000 Kuwaitis Miss Biometric Deadline, 35,000 Bank Accounts Suspended. Kuwait’s biometric registration deadline has passed, and the aftermath is creating ripples across the country. On September 30th, 2024, 47,445 Kuwaiti citizens failed to meet the Ministry of Interior’s biometric fingerprinting deadline.

As a result, thousands are facing significant disruptions in their daily lives, with financial services being among the most affected. In fact, around 35,000 bank accounts have been suspended due to incomplete biometric records, sparking a wave of concern for citizens reliant on banking e-services.

This article delves into the issue, exploring the reasons behind the missed deadline, its impact on the banking sector, and the steps needed to resolve the situation.

Biometric Deadline: A Missed Opportunity for Thousands

The biometric fingerprinting requirement, introduced by the Ministry of Interior, was designed to strengthen security, streamline personal identification, and integrate digital services more efficiently across government and financial institutions. Despite its importance, over 47,000 citizens missed the September 30th deadline, according to the Ministry’s latest report.

These individuals now face several restrictions, including the inability to complete government and banking transactions until they comply with the biometric system.

While 928,684 citizens successfully completed the process, the significant number of those who missed the deadline has raised questions about awareness, accessibility, and the overall process.

Banking Services: Affected Citizens and Suspended Accounts

One of the most pressing issues stemming from the biometric fingerprinting deadline has been the suspension of banking services. Reports from banking sources indicate that 35,000 citizens received notifications from their banks, informing them that their accounts and related electronic services had been suspended.

This suspension is directly tied to their failure to update biometric records with the civil ID authorities. Without biometric compliance, these customers are unable to access digital banking services, including online transfers, mobile banking, and other essential transactions.

The banks’ swift action in suspending services reflects their legal obligation to ensure that all customers’ personal data is fully verified, which includes biometric fingerprinting. Without this, the risk of fraud and identity theft significantly increases, making compliance crucial for both customers and the financial institutions they rely on.

Process to Re-Activate Bank Accounts and Services

For those affected by the account suspension, there is a clear process in place to rectify the situation. According to the Ministry of Interior, citizens whose government or banking transactions have been halted must visit the Personal Investigation Departments under the General Department of Criminal Evidence in their respective governorates.

There, they can complete their biometric fingerprinting and ensure their civil ID is updated with the latest requirements.

Once the biometric process is completed, banks will automatically lift the suspension on affected accounts. This reactivation should restore access to all e-services and normal banking operations, including ATM withdrawals, transfers, and online payments.

However, the Ministry has emphasized the importance of completing this process as soon as possible to avoid prolonged disruptions.

Discrepancies Between Bank and Ministry Figures

Interestingly, there is a noted discrepancy between the number of citizens who failed to complete their biometric fingerprinting and the number of suspended bank accounts. While the Ministry of Interior reported 47,445 citizens missed the biometric deadline, banking sources cite 35,000 suspended accounts. This difference of 12,445 individuals raises important questions.

One possible explanation is that not every Kuwaiti citizen required to submit fingerprints necessarily holds an active bank account. Elderly individuals, for example, may not have regular access to financial services, or they may face obstacles in completing the biometric process.

Additionally, some bank customers maintain accounts at multiple banks, leading to multiple notifications of suspension from different institutions. In such cases, the actual number of affected citizens may be smaller than initially reported.

Impact on Kuwait Financial Sector

The biometric deadline has placed significant pressure on both citizens and financial institutions in Kuwait. Banks, while legally obligated to enforce the biometric requirements, face the challenge of balancing security needs with customer service. Many affected customers are already expressing concerns about the inconvenience of losing access to vital services, particularly in a time when digital banking is a critical part of everyday life.

For banks, enforcing these regulations also requires additional manpower and resources to handle customer queries, resolve issues, and process biometric data updates. These challenges will likely persist until the majority of the affected citizens have completed the required fingerprinting.

Future Implications: Strengthening the System

The biometric fingerprinting requirement is part of a broader effort by the Kuwaiti government to modernize its identification systems and ensure the security of personal data. Once fully implemented, the system is expected to reduce instances of identity fraud, streamline access to government and banking services, and improve overall security across the country.

However, the recent wave of account suspensions serves as a reminder that awareness campaigns, accessibility to services, and customer assistance must be prioritized to ensure smooth transitions. It’s clear that while the biometric system brings many benefits, its success depends on effective communication between the government, financial institutions, and the public.

Conclusion

As Kuwait continues its journey toward integrating biometric fingerprinting into its national identity system, the recent deadline has brought to light the challenges and consequences of non-compliance. With over 47,000 citizens missing the deadline and 35,000 bank accounts suspended, the urgency of meeting biometric requirements cannot be overstated.

For those affected, completing the fingerprinting process remains the only path to restoring access to banking services and ensuring uninterrupted participation in government transactions. The Ministry of Interior, along with banking institutions, will need to collaborate closely to ensure that the biometric registration system is both effective and accessible for all.

News

Kuwait Faces Transaction Freeze as Biometric Deadline Passes

Published

6 hours ago

October 2, 2024

Admin

Kuwait Faces Transaction Freeze as Biometric Deadline Passes. As Kuwait moves towards digital transformation and enhanced security, the biometric fingerprinting process has become a pivotal requirement for all citizens. However, with the deadline for completing this procedure having passed, an alarming 59,841 Kuwaitis still have not complied, leaving their transactions in jeopardy.

The Ministry of Interior has already started implementing strict measures, which will significantly affect non-compliant individuals, including freezing bank accounts and civil ID suspensions.

Major Impact on Non-Compliant Citizens

The Ministry of Interior, through the Criminal Evidence General Department, announced the deadline for completing biometric fingerprinting on Monday, October 1, 2024. According to Major General Eid Al-Awaihan, the director of the Criminal Evidence General Department, those who missed the deadline face severe consequences.

In a recent televised interview, he confirmed that all transactions for individuals who did not complete the biometric process would be suspended immediately. This includes government services and financial dealings, adding substantial pressure on nearly 60,000 citizens to comply swiftly.

Transition of Biometric Devices to Service Centers

In a strategic move to streamline the fingerprinting process, the ministry shifted all biometric devices from shopping malls to dedicated service centers affiliated with the Criminal Evidence Department. This transition, completed by Sunday night, ensures that citizens have access to complete their biometric fingerprinting in an organized and controlled manner.

Major General Al-Awaihan emphasized the importance of completing the procedures quickly, as delays may lead to further consequences, such as investigations to determine the reasons for non-compliance.

Extended Hours to Facilitate Compliance

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Ministry of Interior extended working hours at biometric fingerprint centers and select shopping malls across various governorates. These centers remained operational until midnight on the final day of the deadline, in an effort to accommodate the influx of citizens rushing to meet the requirement.

The ministry urged citizens to take advantage of the extended hours, warning that failure to comply would result in the suspension of their civil ID cards and all subsequent government and banking transactions.

Suspension of Services for Non-Compliant Citizens

Beginning on October 1, 2024, the ministry ceased offering biometric services at shopping malls, while criminal evidence centers continue to provide these services daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. Citizens who missed the deadline can still complete the procedure at these centers, but the window to avoid a suspension of services is rapidly closing.

The implications of missing the biometric fingerprinting deadline extend beyond just government transactions. Banking institutions are also implementing stringent measures. According to sources from the banking sector, access to all electronic channels and payment systems for non-compliant customers will be stopped starting October 1.

This includes viewing account balances, obtaining statements, and conducting money transfers. Additionally, payment services such as Wamd will be restricted, leaving individuals unable to process even basic financial transactions.

Banks to Freeze Accounts

One of the most significant consequences of failing to complete the biometric process is the freeze on bank accounts. From November 1, 2024, banks will impose a “block” on the accounts of those who have not complied with the fingerprinting requirement. Initially, in-person withdrawals will be allowed until November 1, but after this date, even this option will be prohibited.

By mid-October, all electronic bank cards, including K-Net, Visa, and MasterCard, will be deactivated for non-compliant individuals. The deactivation will render these cards useless for both deposits and withdrawals, forcing customers to visit their banks in person. However, after November 1, access to funds will be entirely cut off, leaving non-compliant citizens unable to conduct any financial transactions.

Urgent Need for Compliance

The Ministry of Interior and banking institutions have made it clear that completing the biometric fingerprinting process is not optional. Major General Eid Al-Awaihan has urged the remaining 59,841 citizens to comply as soon as possible to avoid further penalties and investigations. These investigations are intended to determine the reasons behind the delay in completing the biometric procedures and could result in legal repercussions.

The biometric fingerprinting process is essential for verifying citizens’ identities and ensuring the security of government and financial transactions. By enforcing this requirement, Kuwait aims to improve its national security infrastructure, protect sensitive data, and ensure that only legitimate transactions take place.

However, the consequences of non-compliance are severe, and citizens are urged to act immediately to avoid being caught in the stringent measures that have already begun to take effect.

Conclusion

As Kuwait pushes forward with its biometric fingerprinting initiative, the nearly 60,000 citizens who have not yet completed the process face significant obstacles. The suspension of government services, banking freezes, and the potential for investigations serve as stark reminders of the importance of compliance. For these citizens, the window of opportunity to avoid these penalties is rapidly closing.

While the government and banks are providing service centers and extending deadlines, the onus is on the individuals to act quickly and ensure that their transactions and accounts remain active.

Failure to do so will result in complete transactional isolation, with no access to funds, government services, or even the ability to withdraw cash. This initiative marks a critical step in Kuwait’s efforts to modernize its systems and safeguard its citizens, but it also places the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of those who must comply with the new regulations.