Dubai: As per the reports by some local media, there are fifteen ex-pats accompanied by children arrested by Kuwait police for begging.

As per the General Department of Residency Affairs, the Ministry of Interior launched a campaign against begging, which resulted in the arrest of 15 ex-pats from Jordan, Syria, and Sri Lanka attended by children.

However, police will take action against the arrested persons, a case of negligence against minors has been registered against them, and they were referred to the competent authorities for further legal measures.

Sponsors of these ex-pats who were caught begging were also summoned.

The Ministry of Interior emphasized that it would make every effort to combat and eliminate the scourge of begging in collaboration with Kuwaitis and ex-pats.

As per the ministry, they had arrested 6 Asians- 2 men and four women who were involved in the prostitution business. The charges have been referred to the competent authority to take necessary measures and legal action.

Prostitution in Kuwait is illegal but common. Most of the prostitutes are foreign nationals. Law enforcement usually expels prostitutes or makes them sign a “good conduct pledge” before release. Those running prostitution rings usually receive jail sentences.

However, two MENA countries do not have an outright prohibition against prostitution: Israel and Lebanon. Lebanon, however, has specifically legalized prostitution for women but not men.

Different nationalities of prostitutes and their controlling pimps tend to be found in different areas. Filipinos in Ahmadi Governorate, Ethiopians in Hawalli Governorate, and Indians, Sri Lankans, and Bangladeshis in Farwaniya Governorate and part of Salmiya. Indians and Chinese work the malls in Salmiya. There are also Arab and European prostitutes in the country.