Kuwait has deported 714 Nepali migrants in the last three months for non-compliance with the residence and labour laws.

 

Out of them, 461 were housemaids, who were arrested on the charge of working illegally in the desert kingdom.

 

Nepali Ambassador to Kuwait Yagya Bahadur Hamal said they have issued travel documents to those who do not have passport. “We have handed over travel documents to police for their safe repatriation,” said Hamal, informing that the embassy had issued 333 travel documents in January, 256 in February and 124 in March.

 

In January, the Kuwaiti government had announced partial amnesty to illegal migrant workers living in the country. However, the partial amnesty will be granted only after paying a fine up to Rs200,000.

 

Following the announcement, Kuwaiti police began a crackdown on illegal migrant workers. Interior Ministry official Adel al-Hashas said an illegal worker should pay 2 to 600 Kuwaiti dinars (1KWD=Rs353) per day to get partial amnesty. “If arrested, the workers will be deported from Kuwait for good,” he said.

 

Those leaving the country on pardon can return to the country in future, al-Hashas said. Around 5,000 migrants workers have been arrested and placed in deportation process, according to the ministry. According to the local media, an estimated 5,000 Nepali migrants are staying illegally in Kuwait.