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.

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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.