A Lebanese expatriate was denied re-entry into Kuwait at the Al-Salmi border crossing last week due to an outstanding traffic violation, Kuwaiti authorities confirmed. According to a security source, the individual had left Kuwait in June by land and attempted to return approximately two months later, only to be prevented from crossing because his name appeared on a deportation list tied to a serious speeding offense.

The violation involved driving at a speed of 170 km/h, according to the Ministry of Interior’s records. The source explained that the expatriate had left Kuwait shortly after committing the offense, prior to the violation being formally recorded in the traffic system and before he was added to the travel ban list. The delay is attributed to the processing time required to enter indirect traffic violations detected by surveillance cameras into the ministry’s systems, which typically ranges from 24 to 48 hours, whereas electronically issued fines through the ‘Rased’ platform can appear within as little as 30 minutes.

Upon being stopped, the expatriate reportedly told border officials that he may not have realized he exceeded the speed limit. He expressed his willingness to pay the prescribed fine of 150 Kuwaiti Dinars and acknowledged that his vehicle was impounded. Despite this, the authorities maintained the travel ban and instructed him to return to his point of origin without entering Kuwait. The individual was also required to complete procedures related to the return of the vehicle.

The incident highlights Kuwait’s strict enforcement of traffic laws and the penalties that can affect expatriates’ residency and travel status, particularly when violations are recorded and added to official sanction lists.