The Ministry of Interior has reported that 47,445 Kuwaiti citizens failed to complete their biometric fingerprinting before the deadline on September 30th, leading to immediate consequences for many. This mandatory requirement is linked to various essential services, including government and banking transactions, and non-compliance has triggered a suspension of services for affected individuals.

Bank Customers Face Service Disruptions

In addition to government services, banking sources revealed that around 35,000 bank customers received notifications informing them that their banking transactions and e-services had been suspended due to the incomplete civil ID and biometric fingerprinting requirements. The suspension primarily affects customers whose civil IDs are not updated with biometric data, a process now essential for accessing digital and electronic banking services in Kuwait.

Steps to Resume Government and Banking Transactions

The Ministry of Interior reassured citizens that 928,684 Kuwaitis had successfully completed the biometric fingerprinting process before the deadline. However, those whose transactions are suspended can visit the Personal Investigation Departments under the General Department of Criminal Evidence in their respective governorates to complete the biometric process. Once done, the suspension will be lifted automatically, allowing citizens to resume their normal government and banking activities.

Discrepancies in the Numbers of Affected Citizens

Banking and government sources highlighted a discrepancy of approximately 12,445 individuals between the Ministry’s figures and the number of bank customers affected. This difference might be due to various reasons, such as elderly citizens who are exempt from banking services, or those without active bank accounts. Moreover, some customers hold accounts with multiple banks and might have received notifications from more than one institution, reducing the actual number of impacted citizens below 35,000.

Impact on Kuwait’s Banking System

Kuwait's banking system has implemented stringent measures to ensure compliance with biometric requirements, which are now integral to civil ID validity. By linking the completion of biometric fingerprinting with access to electronic and digital services, the system aims to enhance the security and efficiency of transactions. Customers are advised to complete the necessary procedures promptly to avoid further disruptions.