Ghanaian in Kuwait Speaks: “327 Arrested in Crackdown – Deportation Ongoing for Illegal Migrants”
A Ghanaian man based in Kuwait, identified as Martin, has shared worrying details about the ongoing immigration crackdown targeting undocumented foreign workers in the Gulf country. Speaking in an exclusive interview on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami, Martin revealed that hundreds of Ghanaians have already been arrested as authorities intensify efforts to deport illegal immigrants.
According to Martin, the Kuwaiti government recently announced a mass deportation initiative, giving undocumented migrants a chance to return to their home countries voluntarily and later re-enter Kuwait legally. However, a special “crackdown team” has since been deployed to arrest those who refused to comply.
“The authorities have started arresting people without valid documents. So far, about 327 people have been arrested, and most of them are Ghanaians living in one particular community. Deportation is ongoing,” he disclosed.
Martin explained that many Ghanaians find themselves in trouble because they enter Kuwait with visit visas, start working illegally, and later get into disputes with employers.
“Most people come with visit visas, then start working. Later, problems come up — some employers lie that their workers stole something. One Ghanaian is in prison now because he stopped working and was falsely accused of theft. He was sentenced to eight months,” Martin said.
He further added that those with debts or unresolved financial cases cannot be deported until they settle their obligations.
“If you owe money, they won’t deport you until you pay. Even those with small debts must clear them first,” he explained.
During one of the recent operations, over 200 people were arrested in a single day.
“Last Friday alone, they arrested 203 people. About 26 were accused of prostitution, while the rest were arrested for not working with their legal employers,” Martin revealed.
He also explained that Kuwaiti laws strictly regulate cohabitation, making it illegal for unrelated men and women to live together.
“If the person living with you isn’t your wife or sister and doesn’t share your surname, they’ll assume you’re doing prostitution. That’s how strict the law is,” he said.
Martin mentioned that since 2016, Kuwait has banned the recruitment of housemaids from Ghana, but many still find ways to travel through unofficial channels.
“They stopped Ghanaians from coming to work as house helps in 2016, but every year about 200 to 300 people still manage to come,” he noted.
He emphasized that Ghanaians working in salons and delivery services (like Talabat) are among the most affected by the crackdown.
“Most of the problems come from those doing delivery jobs. The companies give them targets they can’t meet, and it causes stress for the drivers,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Martin praised the Ghanaian community in Kuwait for being strong and united.
“The Ghanaian community here is one of the best. When something happens, they come together and support each other,” he said proudly.
He urged fellow Ghanaians to understand the country’s legal system and seek help from the Ghana Embassy when in trouble instead of waiting until it’s too late.
“Most people only go to the embassy when they’re in trouble. But we must learn to follow the laws here. Kuwait is actually one of the most peaceful countries in the world,” he added.
Martin concluded by reminding viewers that life in the Gulf isn’t as easy as many imagine and that respect for the law is key to survival.
“Kuwait is not a bad country. The system works — you just need to understand it and stay legal,” he advised.
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