Kuwait to Impose Strict Banking Restrictions on Non-Biometrically Fingerprinted Expatriates Starting January 2024

Starting January 1, 2024, Kuwait will implement stringent banking restrictions on expatriates who fail to comply with biometric fingerprinting requirements. Banks across the country are upgrading their electronic systems to block accounts of non-Kuwaiti customers who have not completed the mandatory procedure by the December 31 deadline. This follows a similar enforcement carried out on Kuwaiti customers in October 2024.

The gradual restriction process involves four key stages:

1. Warnings and Alerts:
   Banks will send warning messages urging non-compliant customers to complete their biometric fingerprinting before the deadline. The alerts will leverage civil number data to identify violators. A sample message reads: “Dear customer, to ensure the continuity of bank accounts and related services, please fulfill the requirements for the validity of the civil card by completing the biometric fingerprint procedure before the specified deadline.”
2. Partial Suspension of Services:
   By December 15, online banking services, such as balance viewing, account statements, and fund transfers, will be disabled for non-compliant customers.
3. Card Suspension:
   On December 31, all bank cards—including credit, Visa, and MasterCard—will be deactivated for violators, leaving them unable to deposit or withdraw funds via ATMs or POS systems. Non-compliant customers must visit bank branches to access their funds temporarily.
4. Full Account Freezing:
   Starting January 1, 2024, accounts of non-compliant expatriates will be completely frozen, restricting all transactions, including withdrawals, deposits, and fund transfers. Customers will only be able to receive deposits without any access to their balances.

These restrictions extend beyond traditional banking. Accounts in financial markets, shares, real estate, and other portfolios will also be frozen, with proceeds from sales directed to frozen bank accounts. Loan installments and other financial obligations will continue to be deducted from frozen accounts.

The measures are aligned with a broader government initiative to enforce biometric compliance, impacting non-fingerprinted residents’ access to traffic, residency, and other official services. The Central Bank of Kuwait has emphasized strict adherence to these policies, highlighting the importance of biometric fingerprinting for ensuring continued access to banking and government services.