*Qatar among the safest countries in the world
* Major crimes 98.3% lower than global average
* 88% of all crimes recorded in 2018 are of a minor nature
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said it has succeeded in bringing down the rate of major crimes in 2018, making it 98.3% lower than the global average despite an increase in Qatar's population by 3.6% last year.
Qatar is one of the safest countries in the world, according to many international rankings compiled by reputable organisations.
Highlighting the significant reduction in the rate of criminal offences last year across various parameters, statistics released by the MoI on Tuesday showed that the total number of crimes in 2018 decreased by 2.4% compared to 2017. Also, 88.3% of the total crimes committed in 2018 were of a minor nature, such as cases related to cheques, various violations and non-criminal disputes.
Major crimes against public security accounted for 0.1% of all offences committed in 2018. Statistics revealed a drop in such crimes in 2018 by 14.5% compared to 2017.
Crimes of forgery decreased by 31.8% compared to 2017, minor assaults and quarrels by 19.1%, breach of trust by 18.8%, non-payment by 16.3% and car thefts by 13.9%. This shows a marked improvement in the security situation in the country compared to 2017, the MoI stressed.
When compared to global figures, the MoI data showed that there were 0.4 cases of murder per 100,000 people, 95% lower than the global rate of eight cases.
In terms of aggravated assault, the country recorded a figure of 0.2, which was 99.8% below the global rate of up to 100 assaults. It also recorded figures of 0.1 for burglary cases, 99.9% lower than the global average of 100 burglaries; 0.1 in deliberate fire crimes, which is 99.6% below than the global average of 25; and 0.6 cases of forced theft, 99.4% lower than the global average of up to 100.
These low figures have been achieved due to the MoI's efforts in maintaining security and preventing crime and reassuring citizens and residents, the ministry said in a press statement.
Also, thanks to the efforts of the General Directorate of Drug Enforcement, MoI data and indicators showed a significant fall in the rate of drug abuse in the country. The rate of drug abuse was 0.1% of the total population, 95% lower than the global rate of abusers, which is 2%.
The security indicators were "very positive" and exceeded global rates, the statement added.
In the service and awareness fields, the 2018 indicators recorded significant progress compared to 2017.
Service transactions involving the public increased by 3.2% in 2018 to 72,200,506, amounting to around 200,000 transactions daily. In 2017, there were a total of 69,954,184 transactions.
The General Directorate of Passports topped the list with 22,837,019 transactions in 2018, while the General Directorate of Traffic completed 10,111,677 transactions. The Airport Passports Department completed 13,510,610 transactions for passengers, while the number of services provided by Metrash2 amounted to 14,389,763 through smartphones.
The emergency service (999) registered 2,447,015 calls, while applications for visas and transfer of sponsorship amounted to 767,069. Also, building permits were issued to 89,755 applicants, while 71,497 new vehicles were registered and 53,780 certificates of good conduct were issued.
In 2018, the Medical Services Department at the MoI provided medical services to 701,654 patients.
Also in 2018, the Civil Defence Department at the ministry extinguished 1,922 fires and carried out 1,203 rescue and relief operations.
The percentage of public satisfaction over the services of the ministry's departments was 90%, while 90% of the public complaints were resolved within five days.
As for awareness, the number of awareness programmes, activities and initiatives implemented by the MoI increased by 5%. The number of students from schools and universities benefiting from the MoI's awareness programmes went up by 10%.
The number of beneficiaries increased by 5% in 2018, compared to the previous year, and there was also a 5% rise in the number of awareness programmes provided to communities. Besides, the number of expatriate workers benefiting from the ministry's awareness initiatives went up by 10%.
Meanwhile, the ministry said it enhanced its performance level through the development of human resources with training programmes. The data showed capacity building and upgrading of the skills of 30,000 employees in the workplace and the enrolment of 2,000 employees annually in internal and external courses. This resulted in raising the level of their skills and practical experience, the MoI said.
The ministry increased the number of women employees annually by 5% and the indicators also pointed to a rise in job satisfaction among female staff members to 90%. In addition, the MoI reserves a large number of office posts for people with special needs.
