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Getting Deported Sucks

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Last week when I posted about the teachers getting deported for working illegally, I received many emails from teachers on the subject. One email that caught my attention was from a British teacher who had gotten deported for driving without a Kuwaiti license. I thought that was a sort of an urban legend or a law at least the police were being “selective” on who they apply it to. I’ve always wondered how the deportation process works, do they give you time to pack? Do you get to close your bank accounts and transfer your money? Do you get a court hearing even? Well this is what the teacher had to say on this subject (I’ve posted two of his emails below):

I am a British teacher working in Kuwait who has been deported for not having a Kuwaiti driving license. I am not a criminal and have many parents, students and people who will vouch for my good character. I have been treated like a dog in the deportation center where there are no human rights – you are seen as a worthless animal. This abuse must stop.

—————–

I have a British and International driving license, I have not had an accident in 12 years and have never been in trouble with the authorities before.

I was stopped by the police and immediately they started shouting at me, and swearing at me, I showed them my license and they said no that is not enough. My daughter was with me who was crying, I called my friend to collect her, they took me to the police station, booked me in and then to the prison in Talha. I was treated like a piece of shit by the police, I told them I want to speak to my embassy who visited me and said if I stay and wait for a decision I will be here for a long time, so it is better to leave. I told my family to pack up there things and take the same flight as me.

Whilst in prison I was not allowed to use the bathroom, we slept in filthy conditions and ate on the floor like animals, all for not having a Kuwaiti license – which incidentally the standards are much lower compared to British driving standards.

All the people getting deported where not criminals, there where business men, designers, sales executives, teachers, all whom contribute in a positive way to the country, yet we are being deported.

This needs to stop.

I know that this story is going around on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

I now have to start my life again, no job, no money, no house of my own, no school for my kids, I will get back on my feet, I accept i have broken the law, but is this sentence not too harsh for such an offense.

I have to agree, I also believe this sentence is too harsh for such an offense in a similar way to how I found the KD1,000 fine for illegally barbecuing to be out of proportion (and later replace by deportation), or how you could get deported for fighting in public or merely being annoying on a jetski. I have no idea why the answer to everything is deportation but whatever their reason might be, I hope I never end up on the wrong end of the stick.

Photo from Kuwait Times

294 replies on “Getting Deported Sucks”

Being out in a deportation centre is extreme and unnecessary.
However, presumably this teacher was on a permanent visa, in which case he shouldn’t have been driving on an international license. Did he ever have any intention of changing it? The law must be applied – just as this gentleman would expect a foreigner in the UK to be prosecuted for driving on an illegal document. We can’t complain here that ‘people do as they like’ and then complain when the law is enforced.
Again tho’ I repeat that in this case the punishment was far, far too severe- he should simply have had his license taken away perhaps and have been fined.
Re the teachers working illegally on visit visas- everyone knows the law here when they arrive and people cannot complain if they get kicked out because of that issue.
Perhaps the Ministry of Private Education would be better to enter schools in week two of term one and check details rather than moving in in the last weeks of term three ( after an obvious tip off from some angry ‘I don’t like my kid’s report’ parent or a teacher who hasn’t been given a contract? Otherwise they just look pathetic….

Even if they deport people, they don’t have to treat them like animals! No bathroom, seriously? This is abuse. Denying people their basic human rights. Nobody deserves to be treated like that. Unfortunately there’s no way to change it, it seems, just have to sit back and watch karma do it’s magic..

I believe you must be a Kuwaiti.
Ask expats how is it like to apply for a driving licence and you might get an idea how difficult and almost impossible that is. I have colleagues in higher management positions who have been trying to get their GCC driving license transferred to Kuwaiti and they have been denied that, even though they earn decent money and are educated. It is needless to say how difficult it is to move around here if one does not have a car, especially in summer. and when a family is involved, the cost and poor level of public transportation in an oil rich country is pathetic.

My nationality has nothing to do with my opinion- which btw is that of course the treatment was ridiculous- the point is, he was apparently here for TEN years driving illegally- don’t think even Kuwaiti red tape lasts that long! He could have had a proper driving license by now.

Alright he might be driving around illegally, this doesn’t give the police the right to swear at him and imprison him. A fine should have sufficed, and no bathroom seriously? We have a better situation in India and I’m pretty sure we have not ill treated an expat in such a way over here.

No one has said he was treated well…. Read.
I think the toilets in many western jails are in the cells- what’s the situation in Talha? I remember hearing of one UK teacher jailed a few years ago who was brought donuts by the cops. Maybe this offending driver had done something else that he’s not coming clean about – tho STILL not justifying the treatment…..

are you comparing India to Kuwait?

In India, you have the caste system where your own citizens (the Dalit) are treated in an inhumane way. The caste system is so inhumane.

I donโ€™t believe the โ€œno bathroomโ€ part. They have Showtime television channels in Talha deportation center! seen it myself

The entire story is too fishy. You can’t believe everything you read in the internet. The no bathroom part is implausible.

The police mistreated him but police brutality is common in every country in the world, Kuwait is no different. Most cops in Kuwait are high school dropouts. You can imagine the kind of environment they grew up in. Police brutality happens to anyone regardless of their nationality and it can happen to any of us if we live anywhere else in the world.

This guy has been driving in Kuwait without a local license for the past 10 years. Why couldn’t he bother getting a license all those years? He’s supposedly a British teacher yet he makes so many grammatical mistakes. This story has too many gaps, it’s not the complete truth.

Bruh the caste system was like 50 years ago, now one knows or cares if a person is a dalit or an atheist.

any person that uses the words ‘EVERY COUNTRY’ without allowing for at least a shitload of exceptions is of course

an idiot.

you Indians have a bad habit of finding mistakes and what you think about ur english and accent…you are most racist people in theworld…racism among your country people only….kerela dont like north,north dislike chennai,chennai dislike all other parts of India…

We do agree that she has broken the country rules for illeaglly driving without a valid liscence and action has to be taken . i would like to put a situation infront of you guys….i have been working for a employer for past 1.5 months ,infact my visa was stamped with 1 year residence, still i was stopped wen i was on duty , after showing the valid copy of visa , i have been taken into custody infact not to jail but was treated in a wrost way…. i was made to sit in vechile dicky in a confined space with 4 people pushed in very harshly and made to knee down on the streets and contionoulsy changing vechiles finally without any enquiry they just left me somewhere else where i was new to that place, that too at a late night. i was working legally in kuwait …. i want to know from you all here ” DID I REALLY DESERVE SUCH A WROST TREATMENT FROM KUWAIT POLICE EVEN WHEN IM HAVING LEEGAL DOCUMENTS……??????????????

Very very well said. Deportation was a bit extreme in this teacher’s case but nevertheless the law must be implemented, applied and abided by all. Citizens and foreigners

Is he a caucasian British? because if he is an Arab or from the Indian sub-continent with a British passport, he doesn’t count as British with most people here, especially the police, which might explain the abuse.

Kuwaiti’s in general have an inferiority complex and that about sums it up.

Go ahead, fight amongst yourselves, GTFO, blah blah blah. You have an inferiority complex and you know it.

“Kuwaitis have an inferiority complex”? making a very unfair rude and baseless statement. In the Arab culture there’s a saying that you only see your own traits when judging people. Don’t generalize please add something a bit productive. Start a movement go talk to your embassies about it. The same negative things you see in people you have crossed I’m sure you see in places elsewhere.

The law was taking rounds in all media outlets that do not drive without a license. So what part of law is confusing for general public? Its as simple as do not drive without a local drivers license.

Next time she will take care of such laws.

You misunderstood the issue, no one is saying you shouldn’t get punished, the issue is the punishment right now is too extreme for the offense

every law should be too extreme, if driving without a valid license will get you deported and you don’t want to then get a valid license.

speeding fines are cheap if you get caught 10kd per every 10kmh over the speed limit as long as u don’t go over 40kmh, now if the fine was 100kd per 10kmh ? very few will be willing to risk it, but again if it was 1kd per 10kmh ? i wouldn’t really care about it.

the punishment must be severe to get people to stop breaking the law, look at the penalty points in the uk way to harsh and even harsher on new drivers, https://www.gov.uk/penalty-points-endorsements/overview

a British teacher who tells his “family to pack up “”there”” things” should get deported just for not knowing when to use their and there in a sentence.

Then why not just have deportation the answer to everything? Speeding? Get deported. Illegally parked? Get deported. Run a red light? Get deported. Hate cupcakes? Get deported.

I think if you replace it with a large heavy fine you’ll get deported anyway since the average Asian worker will not be able to pay it anyway.

So, using your incredibly powerful argument, decapitation for illegal parking is the solution.
Thank you for that pearl of wisdom.

There is a fly in your house. You have a dynamite stick and a fly swatter. Both solutions are affective, one is effective. Which one do you use?

I don’t know how it is in other Western countries but if traffic tickets would effect the cost of car insurance like in the US, it might get people to drive a little bit better here. Speaking of speeders, I was on my way, driving down 30, to pick up my wife from work and a traffic cop goes rolling by about 150kmh and 4 other cars were just cruising behind him like if it was a race. All types of cars parked in Fahaheel with removed license plates, you don’t see cops harassing them. If they are going to enforce the law they should just drive around the parking lots and hand out tickets for vehicles with visable violations. But they enforce what they want to enforce and when they want to!

I absolutely agree with you gargoyle, but the strictness of punishment should not reach such extremities where basic human rights are defeated. Because after all the criminal is a human being.

The warnings were there Mark- we all know prison isn’t the best place to be, nor is a deportation centre- so why risk it? Isn’t the bigger issue here that this man thought ‘it would never happen to me, I’m British’? ( of course no one denies the treatment was harsh- but not really a shock surely?)
Perhaps in future ALL people need to take heed of the warnings irregardless of nationality- here’s the Gulf News link from a couple of months ago:
https://m.gulfnews.com/news/gulf/kuwait/kuwait-to-deport-drivers-without-licences-1.1468788

Whatever the consequence and the proportionality but its made crystal clear to you time and again and again and again. I guess a person has to be a real donkey to still brake it and assume of getting away with it considering himself a brit.

NOBODY IS OVER THE LAW

If a Bahraini citizen is driving residing in Kuwait and driving with a valid Bahraini License – do we need to change the Bahraini license to a Kuwaiti license as well? Since its GCC license does the same rule apply ?

The GCC countries have an agreement allowing travel between countries without passport but with Civil ID and also using own country drivers license. ( Like the European Union ?? ) Your argument seems a tad racist….

If you don’t have the new gcc license (the one with the gcc lgo) you’ll be let off if your license is still valid and will be asked to renew it. Renewing it will get you a gcc approved license automatically , regardless of what gcc country you live in.

By inferring that a Bahraini would not be deported- when in fact he would not be breaking the law unless he too was on a permanent visa and needed a kuwaiti passport, in which case yes he would be deported as another Gulf Arab recently was….
Clear enough for ya?

How is that racist? It’s a strategic political agreement. Just like how Kuwaitis need visas to visit certain countries meanwhile other nationalities may not. Nothing to do with race. (Anyways discrimination may be a more appropriate term as countries are not usually populated by just one race)

No you misunderstand lol- the original coment was racist as he implied that the Bahraini would get preferential treatment, when in fact as you say, this is a result of an agreement between states!

FYI – dear Inkuwait, I was just inquiring if the rule applied to GCC citizen or not. there was no racism implied nor was there any implication of discrimination towards any nationality. This is a political agreement between the GCC citizens and just like how other countries have agreements between the same. Thanks.

what i dont get the lady has a British Licence and its legit to drive in kuwait. Kuwait is listed out of 150 or 160 countries you can drive in

Not once you have a permanent visa – then it becomes illegal. You must obtain a local license.

The treatment of foreigners needs some work in Kuwait. I am a foreigner and was born and raised here. I love it as much as you. I given kuwait my time, life, sweat and effort. I am not here to steal your money. I probably given more to Kuwait than taken from the country. It’s not the blood that attach you to a country, it’s is where I grow up.

I couldn’t agree more. If anything good is to come from this, it’s that I hope there is more empathy. Numerous times, when the asian deportations were happening, I’ve heard white people, seen the statuses on facebook saying ‘so what? they’re illegal! stop whining’ and I was so frustrated that they couldn’t understand the things we were being deported for were illegal for even SMALLER reasons than this – like not having a civil id on you when going down to the bakala from your house.

If this doesn’t get them to empathise then the ones that dont’. well fuck em.

I don’t believe Mark is stuffing the local government or people however he is highlighting a serious issue that affects 3/4 of the population of the country, and a law that lacks some perspective, additionally even if you dont agree with his or any of the comments, should he or anyone not have the right to criticize or comment on the law or people or are people immune in Kuwait for criticism or discussion?

I just moved here but have lived in Qatar and KSA for around 10 years and it is not much different there, where there seems to be very little foresight into certain legislation and the impact it will have and often is a knee-jerk reaction to a particular situation.

And when the majority of people who live in that country (Expats) discuss the law that affects their lives, they are told to stop being xenophobic or told ‘if you don’t like it, then leave’. The good things most of us do have another place to go to, whereas the locals don’t, however we CHOSE to live here, and want to make it a better place, so perhaps rather than slating people like Mark or others who comment on the country, perhaps engage and listen to the arguments put forth and discuss in a civil manner and perhaps the countries in the GCC can benefit from such discussion.

I’m actually in support of the โ€˜if you donโ€™t like it, then leaveโ€™ argument. Don’t get me wrong i’m not supporting it in a khaleeji racist way but rather in a rational point of view.

I mean let’s cut the crap, the GCC are not democratic countries where your rights are respected and this sadness me as a kuwaiti. but to be honest if you don’t like it in here i would advise you to leave immediately (don’t wait for some crazy shit to happen to you) if you’re staying here because “you chose to” then you have to suffer the consequences.

I would advise you to go to scandinavia or some country that would respect your right as a worker, in here no one would give a shit about you, not with the kafala system. and let’s be honest even though i like marks blog but it wont do any shit in a governmental level, in fact i’m amused by the people who think that bringing up issues and focusing on them would do shit in the gcc like seriously?! who are you people!.

Sadly you are correct.when you say that raising issues will do nothing in Kuwait.
But what happens to Kuwait when there are no waiters, bus drivers, mechanics, and shop staff? What happens when all the foreign experts leave? The surgeons, professors, engineers, and teachers? Do you really think Kuwait can survive without foreigners?
As a Kuwaiti, I am disgusted by this attitude towards foreigner workers in Kuwait. They are our guests and should be treated as such. The application of diwaniya derived sledgehammer legislation in a pathetic attempt to solve self inflicted chaos and corruption is tragically comical. Unfortunately, I expect nothing less from our heroic legislators.

Kuwait survived without foreigners before the oil, and it will survive without foreigners after the oil. There are plenty of Kuwaiti experts, surgeons, professors, engineers and teachers. No special skills are needed to be a waiter, bus driver, mechanic, shopkeeper or garbage man. If there is a need, these jobs will be filled by Kuwaitis. Right now, there is no need, because there is still oil.

Obviously not the same huge rock you’ve been living under. Just look at Bahrain and Oman, and you will understand his point.

Well I am sorry but this is insane. Who is going to pump that oil up you morron… Your dishdash is going to get ruined.

LOL it seems like most expats are the ones living under a rock. We do not ride camels to work, we do not live in tents, we do not swim in oil durka durka allahu akbar

LOL that’s why back then Kuwait was a desert. who build Kuwait huh? Kuwaitis or the foreigners who they font appreciate. Don talk or write as you know about the history of the foreigners. people came and worked harder than ever with dropping every last sweat and blood and yet you come and say “Kuwait survived without foreigners before the oil”. Why can’t we see a single Kuwaiti working in a restaurant? because its not to their standards? because its a shame?
You have no idea how foreigners built up this city so be the last person to talk about this subject.

To clarify your point, foreigners came to Kuwait after the discovery of oil. Before that, there was Kuwait, Kuwaitis and no foreigners. We lived in mud houses, but we survived for 200 years without foreigners.

And to answer your question about Kuwaiti waiters, there are no Kuwaiti waiters because a Kuwaiti can get a job which pays 20 times more than a waiter.

I cannot wait for the day to see when the oil runs out !! I hope I will still be alive to watch.

Kuwaitis judge you with your car. Foreigners are never allowed to own anything but yet when they go to Europe and United States they do all kind of forbidden stuff and buy houses from there. Stop laughing at your selves and playing the innocent role because we know what happens once you step out of this country. ๐Ÿ™‚

Well said Sami- I think the most worrying thing here is that there are people ( foreigners ) walking round Kuwait with such hatred in their hearts for the locals- hatred or jealousy or a combination of both? I’m not quite sure. We all know Kuwait is not perfect- not nowhere is- school shootings in the USA, dying drug addicts in the streets of the UK, women raped in buses in India, people escaping by boat from most everywhere in Africa…. But hey really, if they hate the place and the people they work for/with so much, then they really should leave.

And this my friend, is where privilege blinds. Many people do not have a so called ‘choice’ to leave a country that treats them unfairly, because their own country offers them no sustainable economic alternative. These people deserve fair living and working conditions, as does any human, and being critical of a country’s laws helps develop these rules and regulations for the betterment of that society and all the people who reside under them.

I think ma’am waiting for another 100 years before the oil runs out so that scenario is far from reality at least in our time. So I guess a history that will be repeated that where is more in reality in the future but this second time around the unwillingness by other nation to be involve is limited perhaps even the US will not take part because they will be confronting a bigger problem in the pacific so what will happen to high ego if this happens God forbid. Because international community is just watching around the corner and as the saying goes you will reap what you sow.

Agreed. There are plenty of Kuwait experts in medicine, academia, and engineering. However, until there are also Kuwaiti Tea Boys then willing expats are a part of Kuwaiti culture.

It will be very interesting to see what Kuwait is like when the world’s dependence on oil is reduced. I hope they start diversifying now as I love most things about Kuwait. Its a beautiful country and I plan to visit even after I no longer live here (I do wish the litter problem would get fixed though)

You can travel to Bahrain and experience what Kuwait will be like after the end of oil.

And there is nothing to making tea. We can self serve when the need comes.

I know Kuwaiti’s can and will self serve. It will sure be a shock to the system. I hope people are putting money away in advance of that day. there is enough wealth to look after many generations of Kuwaiti’s if wise decisions are made with the money.

Well said. So basically you know that your where you are today because of Oil and nothing else. if not you all will go back to the sea and then to India.

see here kuwaiti talking like human and this indian Sam talking like if he is Kuwaiti ….this is typical Indian attitude….

K, Idealists would spring to mind! but seriously I am of the view when you hear certain people saying why is someone shouting arabic at 4am, whats wrong with ‘these people’ then yes, i would say if you dont like it, get the hell out, however when it comes to rules or legislation that I would personally feel impacts the company in a negative way, or a way that could be done in another way with much more effective tool.

What is the purpose of the driving law rule?

Presumably to keep unskilled drivers off the road, hence if someone has a valid license from a country that has a similar or better driving condition to Kuwait, should that license not be valid? Surely that would be the logical point, and that’s my point, things are often in the GCC not taken to its logical conclusion unfortunately.

@K- fair enough man but you have to understand that there are NUMEROUS reasons expats can’t leave … confiscated passports, debts to pay from just arriving here, being born and raised here and having your parents here – some of those can be worked around but not all of them. I have wanted to leave Kuwait for close to 15 years now and almost succesfully made it out twice, but what happens when my folks get sick?

Please understand its never so one dimensional

I have heard that even if you WANTED to do the right thing and get a licence, the process is so long and ridiculously drawn out with paperwork after paperwork, it can take months.
You must admit that some countries have harder tests, higher standards and harder to forge drivers licences- these countries should get some sort of compensation in getting a drivers licence transferred over here.
What about everybody else? Anybody recently gone through the process here?? I have to get my wifes licence transferred here and I’m dreading it…

It’s not only applying for a driving license that takes months, ask anyone who every tried to start a business or renew their business license; how long it takes. You will be amazed.

Since April the news has been spreading. The Interior Minister said to deport any expatriate caught driving without a license and so many expats have already been deported. It might be extreme but it is the rule and expats have to follow them.

Just because its the rule doesn’t mean we cannot call it for what it is. A ridiculously unethical and unfair solution to a relatively minor problem.

You consider driving without a license a minor problem? Would you be okay if a minor,a person who failed the driving test, a bus driver, truck driver, train operator, pilot operated their vehicles without a license?

You are right. Kuwaiti driving license standards are so much higher than British driving standards. How silly of me not to realize that holding a British driving license is the equivalent of “failing the driving test”.
Have you considered applying to Mensa?

My point was general and not specific to the person who was too lazy to issue a driving license. Again, as a rule, a person who cannot pass a driving test should be punished severely for driving a car.

Dude. British or Martian, that is irrelevant here.

If the law is for you to drive with a local licence, you ought to obey it or bear the consequences.

Don’t live in a country, perceive it as inferior to whatever country you came from (I presume it’s the UK in your case) and think they shouldn’t have the right to set their own rules.

The punishment here is too severe, I agree. However, this attitude of ‘my driving is better cuz I’ve got a British licence so I shouldnt bother getting your own local one with its shitty standards’ is complete bull@&ยฃ%. Their country, their rules.

here goes nothing, as for the person complaining about the treatment boo hoo karma ( for the times Arabs and other were treated badly because of their skin colour). as an Arab going to study in the U.S. I’ve been treated a lot worse. They keep in a small room where you are not allowed to do anything for Three hours every single time you enter or leave the U.S. for something called “special registration”, sounds like nazi Germany.. I never broke a law nor did I commit a crime yet I’ve been treated like a terrorist.
As in this case the punishment is too harsh yes, but he knew what was going to happen and he did it anyways
I wish the same rules would apply to us Kuwaitis too or at least more harsh punishment for those who actually break the law

Your point is invalid since deportation is not possible for a Kuwaiti, on the other hand a Kuwaiti does get both his license and car withdrawn.

It should be across the board tough but it’s not only expats are treated unfairly. Public transportation in Kuwait is a joke. So what you go taken to seconds for three hours people spend weeks in jail here for crimes you would probably laugh at. Treated like a terrorist you say. I think you have a touch of mellow drama in you. Try taking the bus sometime.

so is it revenge thing then?….why do it to arabs when you are treated well in them countries then?

The law is the law in every country and we must respect it, applying it is not revenge. as for the treatment it’s the same everywhere especially in deportation centers
If you didn’t break the law or broke it without knowing then complain about the treatment.
Again I am not saying it’s OK to hit and verbally abuse a person.

For those who are saying Arabs and Kuwaits are raciest didn’t see the world nor even heard or seen it

Didn’t see the world? What? You may argue that they’re not racist, but they certainly are xenophobic. Not everyone mind you but it is pretty obvious.

Pathetic attitude. Deport them/take their citizenship away. Not our problem. Very Kuwaiti indeed.

+1

I also hated the way he stated that he’s “british” like he want some kind of a special treatment. you are not above the law period. and no, “international license” doesn’t do shit.

Exactly. Don’t these people realize that the Kuwaiti driving license is the absolute world wide gold standard of driving licenses? Nothing in the world compares to it. Nothing.
Silly foreigners. Coming here and expecting to be treated fairly. What next? Will they be asking to be paid on time ? Bloody foreigners!
Yalla, go make me tea! And send Mary to the Jemiyah, Baba wants 4 Big Mac.

You are confusing culture / people with the government and the law. the UK might have all what u mentioned (i disagree), but all are equal before the law, and the law is far from being as unfair and as selective as it is here. There is something fundamental in how legislators develop laws in Europe which is the human rights charter, everything stems out of it. so no, no where in europe you could get your life ended, thrown in jail and kicked out because you crossed a red light, or decided to do burgers on the beach! like seriously!!

Dear Teacher,

You say ‘am a British teacher working in Kuwait who has been deported for not having a Kuwaiti driving license. I am not a criminal ‘.
Law=have a valid kuwaiti license
You=did not have a kuwaiti license
This=a crime
You= are therefore, a criminal
As someone said, deal with it.

Thats not the point, no one is saying they shouldn’t be punished, not even the teacher. We are discussing the fact that the punishment is too severe for the crime committed.

Yes- obviously the punishment didn’t fit the crime but this man didn’t do himself any favours by proclaiming innocence – he said he wasn’t a criminal when in fact he had committed a crime. A simple ‘I committed a crime but it was a minor misdemeanor and I feel my treatment was unwarranted’ may have gains him more sympathy and made people less likely to focus on him as an individual.

This was a personal letter, not a factual essay and his ‘proclamation’ of innocence is validated against his emotional reasoning that the crime was petty in comparison to the punishment. The statement ‘I am not a criminal’ alludes more to the connotations of what a criminal is (villain, delinquency, corruption) rather than him necessarily negating the offence. There is grey in between black and white.

Fifty shades of grey in his reasoning – I’m British, it takes forever to get a licence, I think I will break the law for ten years .

I am a Caucasian American with an American and a British license. I have lived in this country for three years. I have a four year university degree. I am a manager but through some fluke my civil ID states officer instead. Because of this I am finding it nearly impossible to get a license here. I am trying to do the right thing and would prefer not to drive but due to my hours at work and the fact that I need to travel to multiple locations it’s impossible. My employer won’t change my visa since they are limited in the amount of visas for different positions they are allowed to hold. I love living here but recently I live in fear of being deported. Honestly there must be some kind of a solution besides this ridiculousness. The worst part is that I was told if my job description was “driver” I wouldn’t even need my degree or the minimum three years residency.

Take taxis, and demand a sufficient transportation allowance. Your employer needs to suffer for being cheap. There is no limit necessarily on work designation positions, he can violate his quota and pay a modest fine (much cheaper than giving you 200KD transportation allowance)

To Anna,

Just working under a visa with the wrong job listed is considered fraudulent. Guess who will be accused of fraud? Not your employer. Guess who could be deported for having a fraudulent visa? You have more to worry about than not having a license. I hope you send your salary to your home country bank each pay day. If you were to be deported, you might not ever see any money you have stashed away in a Kuwait bank.

I lived in Kuwait for a decade before immigrating to the West…..so I can say I am in a position to compare both worlds.

I totally agree with some comments that if you don’t like the place then you should stfu and leave but at the same time I have to say I have never witnessed such madness.

How can you justify this? Seriously some Arabs and Kuwaiti ‘ comparing what happens to them in Europe or NA , come on…..facts are facts if there are instances like this Arabs always make a huge hue and cry about things and they end up getting apologies or most of the some compensation as well.

Can you ever imagine a Gulf govt ever apologising to any expat….never ever.

Bottom line is this isn’t the way to treat people who are working for “you”….we all know majority of Kuwaitis don’t work….it’s a proven fact….however I did know some bright and western educated young Kuwaitis as well.

I blame the top authority coz nothing happens with out their knowledge…..

I’m not questioning if such an incident has occurred or could occur. I feel sorry for anyone who had to endure any kind of abuse or brutality. However, I find it strange that a British teacher in two instances couldn’t differentiate between “where” and “were”.

Yes – I think that’s infinitely more frightening and indicative of the kind of low level employee many schools are bringing in now- THAT’S why we need the ministry of private ed to check credentials properly….. How, for example, can you be a female Head of a private school with an MA you bought online ? Same way I suppose, you can be a teacher here and not know the difference between being a criminal and not being one, or between where/ were or their/ there…. Ah dear oh dear.

In addition to “where” and “were”, “their” and “there” together with a whole load of grammatical errors!

i think all of us knows attitude of kuwaitis(ok there are some good, rare, exceptions)… and also we know situation in kuwait. but. it is their country, and it is them who will eat result of their ideas… kuwaitis decided to make big line between them, and expacts. fine… noone is forcing foreigners to stay.
i am finding ridiculouse some British guy is even defending idea of not following law.
I suspect this is not full story.
anyway law is law. if you are citizen, ok you can discuss about it. But expat must either follow it, or leave… Its not only about kuwait … I would also hate, if some foreigner will be ignoring laws in my country…

It is impossible to get a liscense here. IMPOSSIBLE. Not hard, not tricky, impossible. Unless are someone’s slave/employee, or bribing (or God knows what else) a local, you cannot get it done. You need to take DAYS off of work to even get a shot at it. And then you get denied at least 2-3 times, even if your papers/test are fine. You get told you “failed” the test before you take it.
Impossible.
I’m sure the guy wanted a liscense, but it’s crazy hard to get. In any functioning country, it would take no time. Maybe a test and some papers. Here, it is basically “The Legend of Zelda”. It’s a magical quest with no logic and a lot of luck. “Go to Salmiya, find this man, show him this paper after you catch three chickens, win a fishing contest and save a sick child. If he is having a good day, you pick one of three boxes, inside which is a scroll. Travel to Ahmedi, a man can translate the scroll. But first you must test your blood at the top of Mutla Ridge at sunset on a Tuesday. Take the results to the scroll man. He will decipher your challenge. You must have at least 3 degrees, and the must all have magical stamps. So many magical stamps. Then, wait two full years.”
Kuwait = Zelda
If the process was clear and fair, none of this would happen. Alas, it is not, and you end up with barbaric punishments for harmless crimes. Gah. But, I still kinda love it here? I truly do. So much potential and opportunity.

nice!!,)
but this is not only about driving license. any dealing with government office in kuwait means you will be playing this game…

While the punishment is extreme, the teacher has been knowingly breaking the law for 10yrs. While the requirements to obtain a dl do seem impossible, It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that when you reside in a country, you need a valid local drivers license. The teacher must have been stopped at least 2 times per year at a checkpoint and I”m sure has been told numerous times that they needed to hold a valid license to operate a vehicle here. You can’t compare this long time resident to someone who just came last year. And I’m sure the reason the teacher never followed through with the law is that he/she thought because they held a uk passport, then they “can’t touch this”.
As far as racism, I would have to agree that this british citizen must have either arab or indian origins [ preferential treatment is always for them white folks ].

Bottom line is that he broke the law. We are all aware of the penalties for driving without a license, working illegally without a work permit or without a residence. These penalties are shouted out to us daily in different media sites in Kuwait as a precautionary measure to prevent such incidents.

This teacher had residency with the school. The law clearly states that once you acquire residency in the state of Kuwait, you must apply for the local driving license as the international driving license becomes null and void. As heโ€™s been in the country for a number of years, itโ€™s certain that he was aware of the law. To put his wife and kids at risk is pure stupidity, thinking that a British passport could save him. He assumed that being arrested would never happen to him because heโ€™s a Brit.

May I also make it clear that he was not arrested because he was Caucasion with a foreign passport. A number of British teachers have been deported in the last few weeks for working without a residency permit. So letโ€™s not bring out the race/colour card. In the last two months, the government has been very tough on cracking down on illegals and those without licenses. So why put ourselves in such a predicament? The law is not confusing.

Yes, I do agree that deportation is a harsh punishment. And itโ€™s not a shock on how people are treated in prison. Kuwait is no different from other countries.

Would this teacher have driven in the UK without a license? Would he have created a furor out there had he been arrested? No. So letโ€™s just say heโ€™s milking the public using the sympathy card. In his letter, he only mentioned at the end about breaking the law. If you canโ€™t do the time, then donโ€™t do the crime.

Lol, I’m going on 6 years trying to get a license. The legit legal way is completely impossible! Therefore I have to go out of my way to break the law to get a license to legally drive. Wtf

Many posters are correct. Kuwait can put in place any law and punishment they wish – no matter how ridiculous. That is their right.

What I’d like to see is other countries recognizing the stupid laws in Kuwait and treating Kuwaiti’s the same in their country. Going to the USA to study? Sorry, you can’t drive or you will go to jail. Want to bring your Rolls Royce to London to show off? Don’t bother. You will be arrested if you drive it here.

When that starts to happen maybe some common sense will prevail in Kuwait. Until then, nothing will change.

well said. Perhaps the country should issue licenses actually based on driving skill and not job title, nationality, and salary?

Until Kuwait gives people a viable option to driving then they won’t have much choice but to continue driving (legal or not). Kuwait needs public transit, improved taxis. hell right now isn’t it even illegal to give someone else a ride to work. Carpooling will get you thrown in jail and deported for operating an illegal “taxi” service. effed up

I’m all for punishing people for breaking the law. Deportation for every offense is overkill but a reasonable punishment is justified. I’m fine with a very high fine for someone caught driving without a license BUT Kuwait has to make them pay it. Whether you are Kuwaiti or expat make them pay the fine if they break the law. No WASTA to avoid it. There are enough people of all nationalities breaking the law and that won’t be fixed until the law is actually enforced upon everyone.

Being treated like shit by the police is nothing new in the whole WORLD. The are a few places that would treat you like a human being and they’re probably all in Scandinavia.

that’s just fucking bullshit. I’ve lived in 5 different countries and Kuwait by FAR has the most asinine policemen, and the most asinine people defending their policemen and ‘justice’ system

Wow I’m surprised they let you in with your criminal record since you have experienced 5 different police forces. You make a fine example for the case of deportation.

clearly you have no understanding pf what i’ve said. Or else you don’t realise that people can interact with police on a daily basis in a courteous and civil manner. Hey but that’s your ignorance and you’re welcome to it.

Also as I’ve said before anyone that can generalise the WHOLE world, needs to just stay out of arguments or risk appearing an idiot

No I’m not ignorant, I have lived in several countries as well, and I am baffled by the fact that you needed to interact with the police on a daily basis.

Also consider that you cannot declare “Kuwait by FAR has the most asinine policemen, and the most asinine people defending their policemen and โ€˜justiceโ€™ system” unless you have experienced every police force in the world since you are “anti-generalizing”.

Was he/she deported simply because of driving without a valid license or because she is in kuwait illegally (teaching on a visit visa and making the usual roundtrip to Bahrain every three months)? If it is the former, then I believe that the MOI is indeed taking this deportation think too far. If it is the latter, then deportation/or administrative removal is the deserving punishment since immigration law was broken. But in any case, no human being should ever be treated harshly while in due process. What the MOI don’t understand is being in their custody is a responsibility. Abuse and degradation is NOT ACCEPTABLE. It seems to me that the poor teacher was more upset and angry (understandably) because of the way she/he was treated and not so much the fact that he/she was deported. The thought of the little girl having to see all of this is HEARTBREAKING! I wish the teacher well and I hope he/she are safe and sound. I advise everyone who went through this ordeal to formally file a complaint to the Kuwaiti embassies and human rights organizations so that those abuses at the deportation holding centers are investigated and hopefully one day stopped.

Talented expats will be replaced with talented Kuwaitis.

The Kuwaiti economy is 95% dependent on oil revenues. Most of the growth is coming from there, not from city centre Salmiya.

Maybe one day they will set rules on inhaling air; in case we surpass that, we will get deported

I’m sure it has already been asked, but: If the deportee was here for 12 years, why did he not bother to get a Kuwaiti license? It’s not like this wasn’t widely publicized in the local press and social media. As for whether or not the punishment fits the crime…I’ll leave that for Kuwaitis to decide.

You are confused Sir. I prefer to hire local talented people. I am sorry that you feel this way about living in Kuwait, but really, we need to start relying on ourselves. We have too many expats, much more than necessary. I don’t agree with deportation, but I agree with not renewing work permits, and not issuing new ones, until the expat population is under control.

Your personal experiences and observations of Kuwaitis from the point of view of an expat do not necessarily translate into matters of fact.

I know some very diligent and hardworking Kuwaitis. I’m not sure the existing system rewards those Kuwaiti’s who really want to make a difference in the country.

It does. Hardworking Kuwaitis have successful careers doing the things they love, while lazy Kuwaitis are ministry paper pushers, and will remain so until their retirement.

Is that why your government has had to impose penalties on employers who don’t hire a minimum quota of locals? Point out another country in the world where Companies are forced to hire locals please. That should help identify whether it is personal experiences and observations or matter of fact.

Algeria – Saudi Arabia and so on. companies are forced to hire locals in those countries as well. In algeria for example, company should show a minimum paid salary for each employee and you have to spend this money in algeria. you cannot take this money out of country unless you bribe the cop at the airport. i really do not understand why people talk about the things they do not know. whatever… in my opinion, they are right. if we have a benefit staying in here, we shall stay. if we want to live in here forever, we can do it and noone will bother us as long as we respect the rules and laws. but if we do not like the place or hate it, definitely we should leave. no need to make drama. even when you are at your fathers home, there are some rules that you have to follow.

this is the only country in the world they force companies to hire locals, funny fact but here another one, some companies managed to hire there family members most are retired people just to fix there file in the ministry loooool,,,,big companies too managed to play around the system so basically lie and you will live a happy life here, be honest and they will stomp you with there shoes……

I would like to reply to you Howard. I was born in Kuwait too and I live in Canada now. I moved few years ago when I realized Kuwait’s intention towards foreigners. Kuwait is a country with mistakes no doubt, like any other country. But a person has to be fair when stating facts. Kuwait isn’t the only country that hires local, you have to research that before stating that. Have you heard of LMIA in Canada? Have you heard about Entrepreneurs immigration rules? Both are very clear that you have to hire Canadians/PRs first.

Kuwait has an issue with problems, when they face them they act irrationally. They tend to fix a problem with a problem. That is a mistake but it is still a mistake other countries do.

I have an immigration firm and recruiting firm in Canada and I know what I am talking about. If you believe Canada is problem free then you need to read more about countries. Nobody is living in a perfect country. But we choose what best for us. That’s why I moved from Kuwait, I knew this was coming. And this is not the first time, read about it. Kuwait also enforced many laws in 70s to drive foreigners out. But the economy was effected and they had to bring them back.

All I can say is that don’t wait to be mistreated, move to a place where you feel is right for you.

I agree with this. Control who you allow to work in the country and manage the expat population in this manner. If you choose to let them work in the country then treat them like human’s and allow them some common freedoms like driving legally.

I’m very sorry for losing everything, however, you should respect kuwait law no matter how harsh.

Nevertheless, you disobeyed the law, and they have told you numerous times and its all over the news they deport whoever drive without a license/valid license, regarding how harsh the punishments are… if u cant stand the heat…. LEAVE

Nevertheless, you disobeyed the law, and they have told you numerous times and its all over the news they deport whoever drive without a license/valid license, regarding how harsh the punishments are… if u cant stand the heat…. LEAVE

ignore this part

When the country is under threat of another invasion again, we’ll see how fast they beg and plead for help, sympathy and empathy from these very countries’ citizens they withhold these very same things from.

Sad story, but with that said, since you can have bad grammar and spelling and still be a teacher in Kuwait, my dog is on his way to apply.

Yes- I’m actually delighted that someone who should have a better grasp of the English language that they were presumably teaching in, is gone. While we are on the subject, let’s clean up the education system too- perhaps all teachers should be given a standard English Language test by the MOE before gaining employment? Then they could be asked their ( there/ they’re ) opinion on local laws, the oil sector and toilets…..
This is just getting silly.

This is part of a policy of reducing the expat population in Kuwait – because they hope that by doing this the unemployment rate among Kuwaitis will reduce (at least, that’s what the general consensus is).

Similar to the case here, there are other strange rules being cropped up everywhere.

For example; if your salary has increased by more than 50 KD since you last renewed your residency; your entire contract is invalidated and you have to start again by signing a new contract + creating a new work permit authorization, etc.

This law came into effect two weeks back; as a few of my colleagues at work had their residency procedures stopped because of this.

Another rule – although I believe this one is a bit older – is that there is a fine if you renew your passport and don’t update the ministry of labor with your new data. The reason being, some countries allow citizens to renew their passport and keep the same passport number.

A colleague found this out the hard way as he realized there was a 2000 KD fine on him for not renewing his passport information (for him and his family) when he went to travel.

Luckily for most countries when you renew your passport they issue you a new one with a new number, so anyway you have to go and get your visa transferred to the new passport thus automatically updating the relevant systems.

I think this is just a way of saying “GTFO” but doing it through government procedures instead.

Interesting.I concur.but these policies will affect contracts with foreign companies, the level of expertise in their foreign workforce and diplomatic agendas in foreign arenas. No. The bottomline is that the 1000kd fine with a grace period to update his drivers license would have been sufficient punishment. The deportation card should not have been played. And no where are drivers license rules and updates communicated to the expat population? IN ENGLISH…Remember the language you must speak in London!

AMEN Adly, I can count 11 brilliant western expats friends who has left the country so far this year. Many of them because their wife’s cant get a license. Highly educated wife’s choosing to come with the husbands for support and a life.Who wants to pick up their own kids from school instead of hiring a driver.

Accordingly to the law, Kuwaitis wants unhappy single expats staying only for a short period (only come for the money), who dont care about the country.

Sad truly sad…..
and as we say amongst us, One step forward, five step backwards.

Asians CANT afford to have their families here with them at all because they cant afford the skyrocketing residence fees. I meet a lot of lonely taxi drivers.

Maybe they should go drive taxis in their hometowns then? #justsaying
Really, really, really fed up with people who come here and dis the place- why on EARTH would you want to live in a place you so despise? I feel sorry for you, really I do.

really fed up? Hey Im fine with hating this country and staying. But if you’re not fine with me hating this country and staying. why don’t you leave?

Everyone who gets deported needs to protest at the Kuwait embassy in their home country. Their story needs to be in the media in their home country.

that will stop this!

The real culprit here is the teacher’s employer who failed to get him a local drivers license as soon as he got his residency and civil ID… I once got into a slight accident with an American contractor. It was totally my fault, but at the police station they found him in violation because he had a civil ID but still drove with his American license. Case dismissed!

Having said that, the punishment is unusually and unnecessarily harsh and inhumane!!

As an expat I have more Kuwaiti friends than I do expat friends. Every Kuwaiti I have met in Kuwait has been extremely kind, generous, and well educated. I have witnessed the actions of other people who are not so kind but I have never been treated that way luckily.

What amazes me is that a country full of kind, well educated people allow their government to create such stupid laws in the first place.

BTW I was caught driving without a license many years ago in Canada. The fine was $50 at that time. The citizenship of the offender had no bearing on the size of the penalty. Canadians paid the same as Americans, Indians, etc. Why are there two sets of punishments in Kuwait?

Deportation should be reserved only for criminal offenses.

Also understand that you being western (I presume) means you will only MEET those kinds of Kuwaitis. I have the exact opposite experience from you but I do not deny your experience is true.

I agree. My nationality and my job afford me the luxury of meeting high class Kuwaiti’s. I recognize that not all are friendly, kind, and generous. (the same can be said in any country)

I have been very fortunate to find some remarkable friends in Kuwait and it has helped me grow to enjoy my time here.

However, it sure was a relief to get my driving license. I met all the criteria but it was still a long process.

As much as one sympathises with the common mistreatment of expats in Kuwait, one cannot but get annoyed reading the comments that have been posted by expats here regarding Kuwaitis. Specifically, the degrading comments about the inability of Kuwait to survive as a nation were it not for expat workers.

Kuwait can, and will do fine without expats. There are plenty of Kuwaitis who are readily available to fill the expat jobs. As much as some expats will laugh at this, it is the truth, regardless of their demeaning opinion about the intellect of the locals. As a matter of fact, the current ratio of locals vs expats is excessive and not necessary at all. It has come to be this way not because of need, but because of the corruption of some who made selling residency visas their business. Kuwait can immediately give up to 1 million of its expat population with beneficial effect on the country and economy. The rest should be let go gradually until the expat ratio is back to normal.

Kuwait has been awash with oil money, but times are changing, the country budget is on a squeeze, and the number of unemployed locals is growing. The first people who will get the axe are the expats, to be replaced by the unemployed local university graduates.

The expat-Kuwaiti ratio could be fixed immediately if Kuwait Nationals are willing to give up their maids, drivers, nanny’s, cooks, etc. That is where the bulk of the expats are. it isn’t working in oil and gas or high paid positions.

Even more expat positions could be reduced if Kuwaiti’s are willing to flip burgers or act as cashiers in the Sultan Center.

Until that happens the expats will always outnumber Kuwaiti’s. I think the expat domestic servants outnumber Kuwaiti’s often even in their own homes.

Kuwaitis are not willing to give up their maids, or work as cashiers, yet. However, these times are coming. A larger Kuwaiti population and less oil revenue will translate into less dependence on foreigners. When times become rough, job priorities will always be for the locals. It’s as simple as that.

Does that mean that the UK should get rid of all its Polish workers? Or the US get rid of all its Mexican workers? Working for mimimum wage? Stop talking crap.

Haha is that a sensitive subject? Very few Americans grow up in homes with servants but many Americans spend time flipping burgers at a macdonalds. It’s almost a right of passage. Teaches them to get an education and appreciate the higher paid jobs once they deserve them.

I disagree with this. If you suddenly reduce the population in half, then you also reduce the number of people needing doctors, accountants, teachers, restaurants, lawyers, and engineers.

Kuwait is suffering from an expat feedback loop. There are so many expats, that you need to bring more expats to serve the existing expats.

one shall certainly see, won’t one!

ok but honestly – you guys are going to clean the toilets, take up janitorial work, be apartment caretakers, drive the taxis, do construction, work as waiters and waitresses, clean your own houses etc?

That’s a dream boy! or rather – a nightmare! you guys wouldn’t know where to start! Maybe in three or four generations but now? You’re spoiled and lazy fatcats!

Can we pass you some ketchup for that huge chip on your shoulder?
So, in the end it’s all a knee jerk reaction to you not liking the fact that some people get to be managers and others have to clean toilets? This is life.
Who cleans toilets where you come from- high powered business execs? Or are you saying that in the sub continent everyone is equal and the toilet cleaner sits to eat lunch with the CEO? Jees, it’s just in nasty old here where people have the audacity to be rich, eh. Who’d have thought?

This is how things are in wealthy countries, they depend on migrant workers for menial jobs. Why would anyone do janitorial work if he can afford someone else doing it? Things remain this way while the economic situation is good. Once it worsens, things change and humans adapt to earn a living.

For someone who lived in five different countries, certainly you would have noticed that physical and lower jobs are almost exclusively done by low income foreigners, Latin Americans in the US, Africans & Eastern Europeans in Central Europe, but I forgot the fact that you were probably busy with dealing with the police on a daily basis to notice that.

that’s maybe valid for Germany or Austria. but Poland Slovakia Czech republic doesn’t have this problem… ok There are foreigners doing low paid jobs, but vast majority of work is still with locals

Unfortunately this guys story is not the complete truth. Let him first confess about his story and the embassy lie then judge again.

while I agree kuwait must get rid of this crazy ratio between kuwaitis&expats – this is realy not working sch. if kuwait economy will go down…
on other hand. do you really think, there is currently young Kuwaiti population willing to work 9-6pm under normal work stress ? ( and without some expat shadow who do real work? )
university degree is nice. but how many of them tried to do some intern during study? I have some doubt… how many of this degrees are juat given…moreover kuwait needs to replace expats in all fields. not only with high salary, but also low paid positions….

I think kuwait is realy in difficult situation, and I am couriouse what will happend in coming 20 years..
it would be nice to see kuwait have healthy population and people are forced to work – so you see them in all kind of jobs…

pay is high enough? no. I am talking in same way as expats. this means with same salary. with same amount of leave days…

And of course retirement at 60….

once you are able to answer yes to this, then you can be sure expats are replaceable. .. till that timฤ› kuwait will stay dependent on expats…

You can’t compare yourself to locals. Expats are agreeing to get paid less for more work. Kuwaiti companies are taking advantage of the expats’ needs, because obviously, this is a better arrangement for expats than what they would get back home.

That’s why Kuwait introduced quotas for hiring Kuwaiti employees in the private sector, who by the way, work the same hours as expats, but get paid much higher, with salaries close to developed world standards. Sometimes you have to simply force companies to do this, otherwise, they would bring the cheapest labour.

The majority of employees in the oil, banking, finance and telecom sectors is filled by Kuwaitis, which by the way, are the sectors who contribute to the economy the most.

You don’t have to worry about the other sectors, their time will come. Just as it came for Bahrain and Oman and Saudi Arabia, it will come for Kuwait too. Kuwaitis are humans like everyone else, and when there is a need, they will adapt.

i agree on point, expats are destroying salary level in all
sectors(doesnt matter what is reason)& it is realy very negative if there is
huge amount of foreigners from outside..

i was talking about “now”. for sure kuwait will have to
try somehow to get rid of expats, and normalise situation,
but i dont se it easy as you…
for issue with expats doesnt matter what sector contribute most to economy, but what sector
employ most of people…
i belive you need to get kuwaitis to work in all serivices — shops, restaurants, travel agencies, home helpers..
kuwaitis are same as everybody else – and usually median of population is not exceptional……
except sectors, which are literaly swimming in money ( oil,finance – where they can keep salaries
spiraling out of control)
business is hard.. so they simply cant give more…
also i didnt mention destruction of society with easy money…

simply i think kuwaiti society ( i do not consider expats as part of it) is in deadlock
of milions of contradicting interests – but you know it better so i can be wrong, and
this process will be easy.

I work in the oil sector and my husband works in the bank. I assure you, while it is true that you say about the “majority” being locals, it is still ensured that there are a minimum of 1 – 2 expats in each department who get the bulk of the work. Infact, in high risk departments in banks, the staff and even “mudhirs” are still expats.

Most locals are busy creating a coffee environment diwaniya or taking leave. There are a few of course that are amazing but those are the frustrated exception.

Now that I’ve resigned from a high profile, highly responsible job, guess who they are determined to hire – another expat but not a local. It isn’t because of cheap labour – I get paid more than locals so they ensure I’m happy – its because when it comes to huge amounts of money, they require people they can trust to turn up and actually work.

And why on earth he didn’t get a Kuwaiti license!
I don’t believe the “lack of human rights” part. Man, they have Showtime channels in Talha!! seen it myself and they guy said they don’t let them use toilet? COME ON !

We only read his part, it might be missing some REAL info here … no one can judge on this case unless we know the full story. but I totally agree that unfortunately some expats are not treated as Kuwaitis.

I believe this is an overreaction on the part of the authorities for the ridiculously disproportionate number of foreigners in Kuwait (3 to 1). The system is overloaded and its going nuts. Please just abide by the law no matter how absurd it seems to you. Being British does not make you above the law.

If you don’t have a Kuwaiti licence, just use a taxi until you get one. And always, when you travel to a faraway land make sure you understand the law. I knew a Kuwaiti guy who went to jail in Denver for slaughtering a lamb in his house on Eid Al-Adha. The idiot didn’t know it was illegal to do so in the USA. It’s his fault that he went to jail, not the US authorities. They were simply doing their job.

If I may elaborate a bit on a second point, Kuwait does not have an “immigrant” status, either you’re a Kuwaiti, a foreigner, or “bedoon”. However, many of the foreigners here are second or even third generation born in Kuwait! They know no other place they call home, especially the Arabs. They were born here, got married here and had children here. They feel and think like Kuwaitis….until they have a brush with the law, then they’re shocked because they are treated just like someone who landed yesterday.

Please understand the law and understand your status here. This is not the US, you don’t become a citizen by being born here and nobody pays taxes, so there limitations.

If its any condolences to the second and third generation foreigners in Kuwait… there was a guy whose mother is Kuwaiti but father non-Kuwaiti. The guy *thought* he was Kuwaiti and was living like a Kuwaiti until one day he said/done something a non-Kuwaitis are not permitted to do…. he got deported! It was in the news papers a while back.

So there you have it… everyone is equal.
Oh and wasn’t just few months ago that Kuwaiti was stripped of his nationality and then deported for talking about politics?

See now? Everyone is equal… EVEN KUWAITIS get deported! Now that the kind o equality that makes Kuwait, its constitution and parliament a marvel xD

wellllll – although these are examples of equality I will grant you – that is not happening across the board. If it was I wouldnt see Kuwaitis parked on pavements, Kuwaitis with tinted windows in their cars, Kuwaitis chucking garbage out of their cars onto the streets, Kuwaitis smoking in no smoking areas like hospitals and malls.

not equal man, not just yet!

And again – you are saying that no Indian drivers ( for example ), no Egyptian women ( for example ) park where they shouldn’t or throw garbage?
Your hatred for Kuwait and Kuwaitis is blinding…..

“I have a British and International driving license, I have not had an accident in 12 years and have never been in trouble with the authorities before.”

The British Embassy have on their website instructions for those who wish to live and work in Kuwait. It also states somewhere clearly that you’re not allowed to use your International driving license in Kuwait if you’re living here and not just visiting.

This rule also works in the UK. I have a Kuwaiti friend of mine who is a student in the UK. She was stopped by the police and questioned about her driving license and sent to court in another City about two hours away from where she live where she faced a judge. Must I add she’s a mother of four who live in the UK with her.

I must admit she was treated very well throughout the whole process and the judge was kind on her… but the point is, there are rules and they are somewhat the same here and there. Factor in the fact that Kuwait is a third world country and that will justify the rude cops. Rule of thumb, avoid Kuwaiti cops by any means possible.

I don’t think anyone would complain if an expat caught driving without a license were sent to court or questioned by the police. Immediate deportation is a little excessive.

Excessive, stupid, dumb, inhumane… call it whatever you want and with all honesty I agree with you. Fact remains, if you want to avoid the “inconvenience” follow the rules and stick to the law. Simple.

Following the rules causes even more ‘inconvenience’, and this is why some expats choose to break the ‘law’. If there was an affordable, decent, clean alternative public transport system, these people would not feel it imperative to drive. It would also take expats off the road which Kuwait’s would love.

There is plenty of options that suits everyone. Problem goes down to “convenience” as you said. Some European nationals unfortunately lack respect to this country, its citizens and its laws. That is why they become so easy on breaking the laws.

” I have no idea why the answer to everything is deportation but whatever their reason might be, I hope I never end up on the wrong end of the stick.”

Because the expat population has become redundant. Two thirds of the population is non Kuwaitis. That large part of the population is no longer serving development needs. If anything the expat population is causing a burden on the country infrastructure and services. They are contributing negatively to the economy by influencing the job market and exporting their income rather than investing it back locally.

ah invest in what? How can expats invest in anything here? Besides the limited rights, you can be deported on craziest of things, what’s the security? If expats where treated better and had better rights, I’m positive that they would find a reason to not ‘export’ their income.

This post actually makes a lot of sense to me. An easy solution to the expat problem would be to stop issuing the work visa’s. Companies would be forced to adapt very quickly.

Part of Kuwait’s dependence on an expat work force is due to the ease of which labor is imported into the country.

Try getting a work permit to a Western Country. The process is very difficult and expensive so most of their workforce is local. Companies would love to import cost effective workers from other parts of the world but they can’t.

They are investing in the economy:

1. They buy cars.
2. They take out loans.
3. Do you think the Carrefours/Geants/Lu&Lu are there for Kuwaitis? Nope – all non-nationals.
4. They send their kids to school, and thus pay the outrageous tuition.
5. They pay the mandatory medical insurance; which they do not use.
6. They pay for third-party insurance, and thus keep your hospitals up and running.
etc. etc.

Do you really think Avenues is being expanded for Kuwaitis?

They have not become redundant – what has happened is that the government has been caught in a development “gap”.

They haven’t invested properly in the development plan in order to wean the country off-of oil. As a result there is a large gap in employment (especially for nationals).

Now you have a situation that the government needs to provide jobs; but for whatever reason they are unable to get the major projects off the ground – granted, these projects are built using foreign labor but they are there for the benefit of the country; because in the end they create jobs and feed the economy.

To counteract this – the government needs to show its doing something and what it has decided to do is use the expat population as the scapegoat; and thus show to the citizens that they are solving the problem by cracking down on the expat population.

Expats do not influence the job market. If the company owner doesn’t want to pay 3x the amount to hire locals – who may or may not be qualified or experienced for the job; you cannot blame him/her for hiring someone at less cost who can provide the same need for the business.

Its just simple economics.

If the government can get the planned projects off the ground (for example, the expanded KU campus) and start investing in education and youth employment programs – it can then benefit by providing businesses the skilled employees they need locally (thus, reducing the cost of sponsoring expats and making local worker affordable) it will provide jobs for locals.

Next, as the education system increases, you can see a shift from oil to more services focused economy. I can see research centers, educational centers, maybe even an arts and financial/trade hub. There is already proof that this can be done (see the Dasman Center for Diabetic Research – the largest such facility in the GCC).

I think this effort to show some progress (even if its by showing the number of deported) will continue until there is something else that can be shown as doing something for the greater social good.

“That large part of the population is no longer serving development needs.”

So they’re just sitting at home, fanning themselves? I think you’re confusing locals and expats.

if you were caught in the UK with out a driving lisence you wouldn’t be treated like shit the way foreigners are treated here in Kuwait. if people here knew how to to the jobs we do we wouldn’t need to be working in Kuwait.

I hope you aren’t teaching spelling Sara- think even the Kuwaitis could do a better job than that….

They do in Dubai if they break the law. This is going to hit the international press, if not the Dubai papers in the next few days. Just some more sludge to their country’s reputation which is quite poor.

I tell to this guy upon all Arab and middle-east and my self we are sorry for such a treatment you supposed to be a guest and you was playing good part in this country for teaching children and each one of us doing a good part in make this country better by teaching or designing or any one work here

and for you my friend don’t worry about leaving everything and start over there its not like that you left heaven its only a working country with no social life let your children rise in there country

Hi every one
Im expat born and living in kuwait.
I have travelled europe several Times.
I found no difference in law.
The only difference is behaviour.
Thats also not a big issue.
If you know the language of country you are visiting or living in,it solves 80% of problems.
If you talk about kuwaiti cops behaviour,i found almost same behaviour in UK.
and we all travel and observe.
Its never about the country race criticism and all things.
Everything depends on your own behaviour and response.
Give respect get respect.
I am Just neutral.
Every country has own laws and difficult processing.
But law is law have to follow it under every circumstances.

One more thing regarding before oil and after oil discussion.
Sorry to say whoever comes to kuwait,they are here for money.
If not for money then they could have stayed in their own country.
Secondly foreigners came after knowing about oil.
If there was no oil, and just dessert as before….im sure you wouldnt see any foreigners….
Im not a kuwaiti national, but i respect the country and feeling of people.
What would you do in your own country if you find foreigner every next door……
I appreciate kuwait and its people who accepted us all to stay in their country.

Except of course you are wrong. Some of us foreigners were born and raised here two or three generations. We did not come here for the money and we continue to stay because of our families and it is the only culture we know.

So you don’t have to be sorry to say it, especially since it isnt entirely true

Mixed emotions!

for a second i feel like yeah this law is actually good but then i go like wait what will local get if they drove without license ?

Im in favor with the deportation law but with an equal punishment for locals.

one more thing, follow the law and you wont worry about any kind of punishment regardless of who you are and what you do.

Sorry for the bad English ๐Ÿ™‚

@tk Behavior is the same?

You say you are ‘an’ expat but you sound more like otherwise.

I was born in Kuwait and lived in it long enough to realize within less than a week living in a common wealth country what a terrible mistake I’ve been making.

At least I know for sure I won’t get deported if I drive without a license (I don’t have to anyway since am on a working visa which makes more sense)
Over speeding or crossing a red light at least not without fair trial.

Not to mention that you won’t get your driving license withdrawn because the cop doesn’t like the look of your bumper or the sticker on the rear window while ignoring / not checking seatbelt (yes it happened to me and people I know).

If you guys are not going to admit the fact that you have an actual infrastructure problem, and won’t act seriously and come up with effective reasonable solutions, am sorry to ruin your dream, but you won’t eliminate traffic issues with deporting/license withdrawal.

The deportation principle works everywhere. I am in Switzerland right now and I own property here, but I’m not a citizen. If I decide to slaughter a camel on my front lawn to honor my visiting relatives from Kuwait, I will be arrested immediately and put in jail while a judge hears my case. After months of litigation costing me 10,000+ times the price of the stupid camel, she will enforce the Swiss law against cruelty to animals and she will make me spend six months in jail before being deported and banned from entering Europe ever again.

Saying that this is my ancestors tradition is not a defense. Yes, the jail will probably be nicer and the proceedings more civilized, but it’s the same idea, you break the law, you are locked in and deported back to your country.

Guess camel isn’t on the menu tonight ๐Ÿ˜‰
Well said- simply do NOT break the law of the country you are in- and if you do, at least man/woman up and don’t moan about it when you are caught.

‘The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.’ – GBS

Amen to the unreasonable man.

So this was a British teacher, writing about having a driving ‘license’?

Let’s hope that they will get back to the UK safely and get a job as a teacher.
Then, they can teach children that the British spelling is “licence” not the American, “license”!

“There where business men…” WHERE did you learn English?!
“There were businessmen.”

I think Kuwait is better off without teachers of your calibre!

:)horrendous

I’d really like to/too no/know which/witch school he was teaching inn/in, sew/ so eye/ I know/no where/wear/were/ware not/knot to/two send my kids inn/in the future.
Mark- can you/ewe give us a heads up here/hear?!

The topic here was about the Law in Kuwait it is not all about an English grammar, the problem is you are too quickly to judge well if you are really good in English then why don’t you challenge you self to get a Ph.D. Program in English Language and Literature in any colleges school in US or UK and prove how really good you are. There is really big problem to some people who can speak and write little English they know little but they are the first person to judge others.

please don’t confuse people if you are already confused.

same with:

licence(Verb) The officer licenses the pedicabs here
licence (Noun)I have a driving licence

So the verb has s while the noun has c

It is nothing to do with UK or US grammar. it depends on how you are going to use the words to construct your sentence.

yes that’s true, I’ve been there before. Also the policewomen or whatever you called them, before getting inside the jail they will ask you to remove everything with them, they took my things like straightening iron, branded things and they didn’t even put in my file that I owned it.. I stayed for 1 day and 2 nights. So I’ve heard all the sad story of people inside there .. Before I left the place I ask the policeman where’s my things, he told me nobody put in the file that have all this things they just gave my mobile but after 2days more.. So I need to go back to take it. She’s right there is no human rights inside deportation, I don’t have any violation, the only thing they brought me there is because when I need to pass my requirements for a new job, the new employer ask me to go to there place so we can meet up there and sign everything, but on my bad luck shoun went there and insisting that they so me working inside. They are all liars, i showed them everything but they didn’t believe me also the new owner they didn’t even believe.. I have a son that time 4months old I even showed they his pictures but they just ignoring it… God! I swear I almost die on that moment.. They will not listen to you. They are so selfish people,

if you guys really believe that anyone here gives a s*** if you like it or not you are delusional. In fact, the strategy from “the top” is to reduce the number of expects regardless of the effect that may have economically or socially. In fact most kuwaities believe that the demographics needs a serious structural adjustments. So save your effort and energy that has not worked before and will never work in the future. Obey the law and you should generally be ok in Kuwait. The fact that the person is a teacher doesn’t help either. Unfortunately expat teachers (western specifically) have earned a very bad rep and it is commonly viewed that those who actually make it to Kuwait are those who are not qualified and couldn’t find jobs elsewhere. Anyways moral of the story is get a freaking Kuwaiti license or take public transport. Alternatively, leave.

I came through some recent news about MP taking sides of expats and asking to stop harsh rules against them…. What happen to those MP’s?? No one supported or implemented whatever idea they brought in.. Were they subjected to some sort of tribal warnings or whatever you may call it?? Why no politicians defend expats rights??? After all we are equally human..

MP Khalil Abul didn’t bring in any new idea, he just said some government officials mistreat some expats. He supports the deportation measure.

Your rights are protected as long as you obey the laws of this country. Deportation is extreme, but this is the law. Every country has its own laws. Please just respect the law.

“STFU, if you don’t like it, leave.” = Waaaaa

Leaving won’t solve the problem genius, the problem is still there. Derrr.

Clean up the offices of traffic and immigration and the ENTIRE associated administrative paperwork and procedures. It’s a joke.
I shouldn’t have to take a WHOLE day off and walk hundreds of metres when, by rights, the paperwork can/should be done by ONE PERSON.
1) Have clear signs written in Arabic and English in each traffic and immigration dept. with EXACTLY what papers you need to have.
2) Have brochures and pamphlets with the information so people can take them home or show to their friends.
3) Have clear signs written in Arabic and English in each traffic and immigration dept. with where you have to go.
4) Have an efficient and well staffed information area. (You could even have automated screens if you like.)

It’d be awesome.

Could you please ask him to contact me via email with his situation, I might be able to help him out .

How about deporting people who actually commit crimes? Like stealing, harming others, trafficking?

How about an amnesty for people who are ‘trapped’ here …. Please leave … You’re giving me a headache.
It would be nice for the man connected with this story to add a few words at this stage ( I’m sure he’s reading). Here are some questions for him:
1. Why DIDN’T you ever get a kuwaiti licence? ( I know of five Brits and a Spaniard who got theirs within a month since December)
2. Someone earlier (MuchAdo?) mentioned a ‘lie’ and the embassy – could you elaborate ?
3. We’re you charged with any other offence apart from the illegal driving licence?
4. How many days did they hold you for?
5. As there were no toilets- when and how did you eventually get to the toilet?
6. Did your employer know you were driving on an illegal licence and did they advise you to change it?
7. How long were you given to get out of the country?
8. You say you were beaten- did you seek any medical treatment afterwards?
I think if you could answer a few of these questions it could clarify the whole thing.
Also, the embassy can feel free to step in here at any time and add their comments too.

This guy lied to the policeman that pulled him off for inspection by telling the policeman that he was new in Kuwait and that he did not have his residency sorted out yet! This was the reason why he was driving on his British and International licence. He has admitted to having been in Kuwait for two years already! He also lied about his passport which he said was with the embassy. When they found out about the lies…….!

I have to say that the punishment may be harsh but in the end if you’re a foreigner in someone else’s country then you should go out of your way to follow the rules. I am an American myself and have no sympathy for everyone working illegally or doing anything else illegal. And furthermore with all of the deportation stuff going around the internet for the past year or so you would think that foreigners (non-kuwaitis) would take it more seriously.

INKUWAIT, i’m sorry to tell you that it is not just one school. I am a teacher (a legal one) here in Kuwait and I can tell you that every school I have worked in, including the one I work in now has illegal staff working for them.

I never said one school lol- oh I’m well aware if the numbers. It’s appalling and the lack of visas AND the lack of real qualifications in many schools makes a mockery of education. You are completely right.

Something doesn’t sound quite right. The letter sounds like it was written by someone who does not have English as a first language.

Why in Kuwait is the solution to traffic problems to limit the number of licenses issued? I’m not aware of any other countries that try to manage this way (I could be wrong). Don’t typical countries try to manage through improved road infrastructure, improved public transportation, and enforcement of traffic regulations. It’s a crazy idea but maybe Kuwait could give it a try.

I know lots of people that would be happy to take the bus to work but when it takes them 3 or 4 hours to make the connections and travel the 20 KM to the office it isn’t feasible. (That’s assuming the bus isn’t broken down on the side of the road somewhere).

because it is cheap solution and not affecting interest of kuwaitis who have businesses dependend on expats…

If Kuwait had proper public transport perhaps companies wouldn’t have to hire drivers and purchase buses to shuttle their employees back and forth to work everyday.

BINGO!

This is our problem, big businesses are not interested in partnering with the government to make life better in Kuwait. They’re more interesting in privitising and gaining monopoly on services that the government offers.

A more civil businesses would approach the government and decision makers with their problems… since large businesses are often successful in planning and implementing projects… I’m pretty sure they have number of ingenious solutions to the problems they’re encountering.

In other parts of the world, they’d approach the government in an attempt to solve the problem by showing honest and good intention. Intention that does not involve the business gaining millions off the government pocket.

Unfortunately, this is not the situation over here.

you are fully right… actually it is anoying for me to use car. when I am at home I use only public transportation. it’s more comfortable and way faster… after so many years of driving I love to go by train and read book ๐Ÿ™‚

Sadly yes. But I believe this blog is allowed some freedom of expression because its being used by foreign governments to measure opinions and public response. So we might get a free pass for a while.

Are you a member of the Freemasonry? I’ve been Ancient Aliens lately and there was an episode about foreign governments spying on Kuwaitis and it was implied that Kuwaitis are the master race superior to all other nationalities. Foreign governments are dying to hear the views and opinions of Kuwaitis (and expats). The whole world is dying to hear your opinion. You’re such a special snowflake.

To be honest, it isn’t like there was any sense of regulation when expats were being allowed in. This is the only method that would clear them of that. A terrible and degrading method, but hey what if we all just up and left? Economic collapse that’s what. Especially if the older more established foreign families just leave. A lot of my friends and their families are leaving man and I don’t blame them. Then again I am no economist, nor an expert on governmental policies. But this is no way to treat people, whether Arab or Foreign.

Article 12
The State safeguards the heritage of Islam and of the Arabs and contributes to the furtherance of human civilization.

Article 29
All people are equal in human dignity and in public rights and duties before the law, without distinction to race, origin, language, or religion.
Personal liberty is guaranteed.

It’s really depressing, but what can you do? If any change would occur it must come from the Kuwaiti people and the only hope therein lay with the youth; you never know.

Just stick to the laws and avoid that crap all together, regardless of how trivial the mistake, it is obvious that there is no room for error. I still like Kuwait, I grew up in it as most of us have, so it’s just horrible seeing such radical and unregulated changes. Removing people who improve your country en masse is just unethical. It’s like taking a piece of pie and saying thank you, then when you turn around they spit it on your back.

Kuwaiti and their laws simply sucks. Poor human rights record. Whatelse you can expect?

Thats the best kuwaitis can do…deport expat.

im a canadian citizen i was born in kuwait , so let me tell you guys somthing very easy to see, WASTAAAAAH is the root of all evil, this country is doomed and i hope soon they realize that without us they even breath, we do there work, but driving without a license is breaking the law, i think soon after they clean kuwait off 200k people of all kinds they will release a law that will charge your emploee 2000kd which raise pressure on him to hire a driver or rent a bus, but speaking of licenece do they have train system?? do they have clean roads?? do they have honest fair driving system??? do they have equal rights when paying fines??? i think if we all leave and let it burn it will be the best choice, i love this country my mom is kuwaiti but enough is enough, i cant take this shit anymore, we pay for everything thing we are boosting there shit economy and we pay high rents while our salary is pure shit , time to leave time to end this journey in this shit country, no more money to be made here and spent here, let them deal with there own problems, Karma is a bitch and kuwaitis knows that AKA iraq war, and if they treat us like shit here wait till they come to us and we will show them how it feels, they send there kids to study in usa , canada , uk and they get special treatment habeeebe we will drain your pockets just like what your dad did to us, enough is enough and i cant wait to see u guys travel i will be happy to help u ๐Ÿ˜‰

Concerning the EMail that was provided, how true is it? Was it confirmed that it was real? Is that person even real? or just a hater?

Kuwait is enforcing a lot of uneducated rules. This is clearly a sign for foreigners to leave the country.

I left and moved to Canada, I live here and started my Immigration firm and recruiting. I am getting clients from the middle east and around the world seeking a better life everyday. So don’t think it’s only Kuwait.

But honestly, I seriously doubt the email, and would like the blogger to try to ask around more before posting something like this. It could be from a fake person trying to hurt Kuwait laws intentionally. Even though I know the law is ridiculous, but the treatment which was mentioned is hard to believe. I seriously doubt it.

Now this post is about me expressing my feeling and I hope I don’t offend anyone by it.
I do believe that deportation was a very harsh act for a drivers license. And yet it’s true, deportation has become almost like a trend here where whatever you do could get you deported.
For every act there has to be a correct consequences. A little while ago, an article from a newspaper read that any foreigners who try and seduce ladies while driving a car will immediately be deported. (here is where the hate will begin and honestly I mean no offense to anyone) but so far I have never seen a foreigner try doing that cause we are scared sh*itless. Now some of you will say I’m an idiot. But I’ve been driving for over 4 years now with countless encounters of such behaviours, but never a foreigner.
Returning on point, I do believe it was harsh. But hey, not my country, not my rules, I actually live by the rules. I don’t text/call while driving and I don’t eat.
Final point, try to fix yourself before you look at others.

I hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow.
Goodnight ๐Ÿ™‚

Sounds like deportation is a real threat to foreigners working in Kuwait, unless of course they have the blessings of someone from the royal/ruling family. I know of a few such foreigners who’re regularly breaking laws but because of having the hand of a woman who belongs to the privileged Al-Sabah family on their heads the deportation police turns a blind eye to these yuppies.

There must be a reason. The kuwaiti government is applying a rule where they are getting rid of foreign teachers and replacing them with bidoons and kuwaitis but idk

I am a citizen and I feel ashamed of what I am hearing.
This is ridiculous! Why the hell are people deported for such small offenses?!
The root of the problem is that we keep hiring goons as cops and this is what we get.

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