Deputy Director General of the Labor Protection Sector at the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) Dr. Fahd Al-Murad has unveiled the plan of the authority to establish a shelter for male expatriate workers, reports Al-Anba daily. According to Al-Murad, this shelter is currently being prepared and Kuwait will be the first country in the region to provide such a facility.

The aim of the shelter is to protect the rights of male expatriate workers and address any problems that may arise between employers and employees. The shelter will also assist workers in meeting their needs and facilitate their return to their home countries, he explained. In another development, Al-Murad said the authority is currently working on launching the online ‘To Whom It May Concern’ certificate issuance service, which will allow attachment of this certificate to documents submitted to government agencies for tender participation.

Al-Murad revealed that the certificate will be available within a few days as part of PAM’s electronic services. He stated that the purpose of the ‘To Whom It May Concern’ certificate is to ensure that companies applying for tenders comply with Private Labor Law No. 6/2010, regulations and decisions. It also confirms that the company has no recorded serious violations that would hinder it from entering into contracts with government agencies, he added.

In other news, the Public Authority for Manpower, through the National Manpower Affairs Sector, is gearing up to implement regulations aimed at increasing the employment of Kuwaiti nationals in government contracts, as per Cabinet Resolution No. 1179 of 2023, reports Al-Jarida daily. This move is aligned with directives from the political leadership and the Council of Ministers to bolster the presence of citizens in the private sector while ensuring their job security and stability

The regulations are designed to incentivize young people to seek employment in the private sector by enhancing job security in government contracts and creating more opportunities for national cadres to gain scientific experience and develop technical skills. These contracts serve as mechanisms to boost the proportion of national workers in non-governmental agencies.

The implementation of these regulations is expected to curtail opportunities for unskilled and unqualified workers in the labor market while minimizing violations. Initial steps are crucial for the effective implementation of the regulations, with plans to expand their coverage to include contracts across various entities to further increase the proportion of national workers.

The draft regulation for Kuwaitizing government contracts was approved by the Committee for Adjusting Demographics and Labor Market Development last October. It mandates the Kuwaitization Unit to determine the proportion of national labor for each government contract based on its nature and available positions. The contractor must adhere to conditions stipulated in government contracts when selecting applicants, and the Kuwaitization Unit will announce available jobs.

Applicants with disabilities confirmed by the Public Authority for the Affairs of People with Disabilities are exempt from advertising procedures. Upon acceptance, the relevant authority must promptly provide the contractor with candidate data, and the contractor is obliged to complete recruitment procedures within 30 days of notification or the start of the government contract, whichever comes first.

The latest statistics from the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy highlight the significant increase in electrical energy demand during the summer months, reports Al-Jarida Daily. The maximum load of electrical energy this summer peaked at around 17,250 megawatts, indicating a consistent upward trend in demand. Projections suggest an annual growth rate of 4 to 6 percent based on current consumption rates, with an increase of 3,595 megawatts over the past 8 years.

The rise in electrical loads is attributed to various factors, including urban expansion, housing development, and soaring temperatures, which have reached as high as 52 degrees Celsius in some years. To meet this growing demand, the Ministry is implementing measures to ensure uninterrupted access to electrical energy, including periodic maintenance of electrical networks and power stations, as well as expanding energy production through ongoing projects. In March, the Ministry’s monthly statistical report revealed a total of 73,271 kilowatts of electrical installations across all sectors.

The private sector accounted for the majority of extensions, serving 529 customers with loads totaling 44,418 kilowatts, followed by the agricultural sector with 13,526 kilowatts across 7 plots. The government sector ranked third, delivering power to 20 plots with total loads of 9,335 kilowatts, followed by the industrial and investment sectors. The commercial sector had the fewest extensions, with loads reaching 40 kilowatts for two plots. These statistics underscore the diverse distribution of electrical installations across different sectors of the country, reflecting the comprehensive efforts to meet the nation’s energy needs efficiently.

Kuwait’s commitment to infection prevention and control has been highlighted by Dr. Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Director of the Infection Prevention Department at the Ministry of Health. Dr. Al-Mutawa announced Kuwait’s commendable status as one of the countries with minimal infection spread in intensive care units for infants and premature babies, underscoring the nation’s significant progress in combating infections within healthcare facilities.

Speaking at the inauguration of the annual hand hygiene campaign titled “Knowledge is the First Line of Defense,” held at the Infection Prevention Department headquarters in the Al-Sabah Specialized Medical District, Dr. Al-Mutawa emphasized the campaign’s objective of promoting awareness and health literacy regarding hand hygiene. He stressed the importance of enhancing skills and expertise to elevate healthcare services and prevent healthcare-associated infections.

Dr. Al-Mutawa highlighted the national program’s significance in combating infection spread and reiterated the Infection Prevention Department’s commitment to organizing annual awareness campaigns since 2005. These campaigns align with global initiatives by the World Health Organization and patient safety programs observed every May.

Throughout the month, various awareness activities and events are planned in hospitals and health centers as part of the campaign. Infection prevention teams will set up awareness corners to educate healthcare professionals, patients, and visitors about the critical role of hand hygiene in infection prevention. Additionally, awareness leaflets and symbolic gifts will be distributed to participants.

Dr. Kholoud Al-Fadali, Head of the Infection Prevention Department, echoed the call for heightened awareness, announcing plans for 19 lectures across health facilities, public hospitals, and other centers to educate medical teams. Practical training sessions for medical staff and awareness lectures for clinical and non-clinical departments are also on the agenda. An awareness booth will be established for medical and public staff in hospitals and centers affiliated with the Ministry, further emphasizing the importance of infection prevention measures.

The members of the Municipal Council Sharifa Al-Shalfan and Abdullatif Al-Daei yesterday presented a proposal to redevelop the Shuwaikh Industrial Area by focusing on redesigning and developing the streets, sidewalks, public spaces, services, and infrastructure in the Shuwaikh Industrial Area No. 1, provided that it includes, at least, streets No. 4, 5 and 6. The preamble of the proposal referred to the issuance of a previous decision by the Municipal Council regarding the Shuwaikh Craft and Commercial Service Area to create some activities in the area.

Some of its plots, especially the Shuwaikh Industrial Area 1, became characterized by a commercial and recreational nature, which led to a change in the type of its patrons. It was stressed that the proposal coincided with this change, as it was supposed to redevelop the area’s streets, sidewalks, and public spaces surrounding its buildings according to an integrated vision for their development, and to avoid problems of pressure on services.

The preamble stated that the absence of development resulted in random solutions that lack methods of urban and aesthetic development in the region, especially vehicular traffic with the increasing number of visitors to the area and activities that encourage movement in the area on foot. Therefore, it has become necessary to redesign it in accordance with this change. The proposal presents a modern, sustainable vision that includes ten basic components, which are re-studying vehicle routes, traffic, and parking, infrastructure adapted for pedestrians and any other means of transportation, pedestrian crossing paths, ease of access for people with special needs, shades, planting and greening, a unified character for directional signs, urban furniture and lighting, as well as specifying the materials used and finishing materials for streets, sidewalks, urban furniture, etc., and any other components intended to serve the project.

The proposal concluded by emphasizing the necessity of coordination with the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, and other relevant authorities. Meanwhile, the Municipal Council, under the chairmanship of Abdullah Al-Mahri, is scheduled to convene its meeting on Monday. Among the key agenda items for discussion are the objections raised by Minister of Municipality, Dr. Noura Al- Mashaan, concerning the Municipality’s proposed amendments to the regulations and requirements for private housing in building codes, reports Al- Jarida daily.

During the session, the Municipality will deliberate on Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s appeal to incorporate a commercial component into the oil sector complex building in Shuwaikh. Additionally, considerations include requests to allocate state property to plots in Kuwait City’s Al-Qibla area (Block No. 1), as well as the Ministry of Interior’s proposal to establish surface parking lots in the front yard of the Rawda Police Station within Plot No. 2. Another significant matter up for discussion is the development request for the JW Marriott Hotel located in Kuwait City’s Al-Qibla District, Plot No. 13. Furthermore, the Council will address a proposal by members Al-Farsi, Farah Al-Roumi, Sharifa Al-Shalfan, Abdul Latif Al-Daei, and Ismail Behbehani, advocating for the allocation of a site for a recycling materials facility.

Member Al-Shalfan’s proposals regarding recycling plastic bottles and preserving beaches will also be reviewed. Additionally, the Council will examine the Central Agency for Information Technology’s request to allocate part of the site of the Umm Al-Haiman Post Center, previously Umm Al-Hayman, for the establishment of a national data center. This center will focus on business continuity and disaster management. President of the Municipal Council Abdullah Al-Mahri’s proposal to expand activities in the Ardiya Industrial Area and Vice Chairman Khaled Al-Mutairi’s suggestion to assign parking lots adjacent to private housing plots in all Kuwait areas to plot owners will also be on the agenda.

The Ministry of Awqaf, through its Fatwa and Sharia Research Sector, has issued a ruling prohibiting the practice of using the hand or face print to unlock the phone of the deceased, reports Al-Qabas daily. This fatwa was prompted by a query from the Funeral Affairs Department Director regarding the permissibility of such actions.

In the fatwa, the Ministry clarified that accessing the deceased’s phone in this manner violates their privacy and raises suspicions about potential sensitive or shameful content. Consequently, it is deemed impermissible to undertake such actions, as they infringe upon the dignity and sanctity of the deceased. The Ministry emphasized that if there arises a legitimate need to unlock the deceased’s phone, such matters should be handled through proper legal channels, either by seeking judicial authorization or involving the relevant security authorities.

Dr. Fahd Al-Murad, Acting Deputy Director of the Public Authority for Manpower and Workforce Protection Sector Affairs, emphasized the significance of adhering to labor regulations during the Authority’s celebration of International Labor Day. Al-Murad stressed that failure by private sector employers to pay workers’ wages and transfer them to financial institutions monthly constitutes a serious violation, resulting in the suspension of the employer’s file and potential worker transfer to another employer.

During the event, which took place at the Avenues Mall and was organized in collaboration with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the General Union of Kuwaiti Workers, Al-Murad reiterated the Authority’s commitment to enforcing Article 57 of Law 6/2010 concerning private sector employment. This article governs wage payments and worker entitlements.

Al-Murad highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with labor laws, including developing inspection mechanisms to accommodate commercial expansion. The Authority aims to facilitate the submission of documents proving monthly wage transfers by employers and has expanded the use of automated systems for labor dispute resolution.

Furthermore, the Authority is actively engaged in promoting legal awareness among workers and employers to resolve disputes and maintain stability in the labor market. Aseel Al-Mazyad, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department, emphasized the Authority’s dedication to providing information in multiple languages and launching an integrated awareness campaign on social media platforms.

Representatives from civil society institutions, including Yahya Al-Dosari of the Workers Union and Hussein Al-Tarkait of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reaffirmed their commitment to protecting workers’ rights and fostering cooperation with the Authority.

Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah, underscored Kuwait’s commitment to respecting workers’ rights and providing equitable employment opportunities for both national and expatriate workers. She highlighted the significant contribution of expatriate workers, who represent 75% of Kuwait’s total workforce, and reiterated Kuwait’s commitment to ensuring their well-being.

The celebration of International Labor Day served as a platform to underscore the importance of upholding labor laws and promoting fair working conditions in Kuwait.

The Department of Combating Cybercrime at the Ministry of Interior issued a warning urging the public to exercise caution when engaging with individuals or entities offering hourly domestic worker services.

Emphasizing the potential for fraudulent activity, the department advised against dealing with such parties. Specifically, it highlighted companies like Al-Durra Company and other labor agencies and to not facilitate reservations for their services through social media platforms or messaging applications like WhatsApp. This cautionary statement serves to protect individuals from falling victim to scams and fraudulent schemes related to domestic worker services.

The Ministry of Health in Kuwait assured the public on Wednesday that COVID-19 vaccines have shown no unexpected side effects apart from those anticipated. This announcement comes amidst global concerns regarding vaccine safety and efficacy.

In a press release, the Ministry emphasized that the vaccines available in Kuwait have been rigorously evaluated and endorsed by leading international medical authorities. Notably, these vaccines demonstrate adaptability in combating emerging variants of the coronavirus, offering a crucial layer of protection against evolving threats.

The statement from the Ministry addresses recent speculations linking a particular COVID-19 vaccine to an increased risk of blood clots since 2021. However, no such correlation has been identified in Kuwait, reaffirming the safety profile of authorized vaccines in the country.

Highlighting the paramount importance of vaccination during a pandemic, especially for vulnerable demographics such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, the Ministry underscored that the benefits far outweigh the rare occurrences of side effects. Vaccination remains a vital tool in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and safeguarding public health.

After years of the 'Corona' pandemic, Kuwait removed 'vaccination status' from the personal data inside the "My ID" mobile application. Ministry of Health also discontinued the mobile applications 'Immune' and 'Shlownik', which were launched during pandemic time.

Earlier the "My ID" application used to display a green label for those who successfully completed Covid vaccination. According to sources, the authority has discontinued the link between the My ID app and vaccination status.

Yousef Saleh Al-Husseini, Secretary General of the Union of Petroleum and Petrochemical Industry Workers, extended congratulations to the union movement and oil sector employees on the occasion of the anniversary of "International Workers’ Day,” which falls on May 1.

Al-Husseini stated, “This anniversary marks our acknowledgment of the accomplishments of union efforts and the Kuwaiti union movement’s role in driving development and progress for the working class, highlighting the contributions of human resources to the revitalization of the national economy.”

He continued, “This anniversary serves as a reflection on past workers’ demands that we’ve embraced, renewing our commitment to turning them into achievements that workers aspire to. It also highlights the accomplishments of the Kuwaiti trade union movement, its contributions, and its significant role in promoting stability and addressing various societal issues, particularly those directly affecting the working class.”

“We recognize workers as the largest segment of Kuwaiti society, especially those in the oil sector, and we consistently work towards achieving our goals for progress and revitalization in this vital industry,” Al-Husseini added.

He urged May 1st to be recognized as a paid public holiday, akin to other nations worldwide, emphasizing its significance for the Kuwaiti working class. He prayed for divine protection over the government and its people, wishing for a secure and safe environment under the guidance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The Kuwait Municipality has unveiled plans to kickstart the “License Your Advertising” campaign across all governorates of the country, starting at the beginning of May. This initiative aims to ensure that all advertisements comply with the necessary licensing regulations.

Muhammad Al-Mutairi, the official spokesperson for Kuwait Municipality and Director of the Public Relations Department, announced in a press statement today. He revealed that teams from the municipal services’ auditing and follow-up departments will be deployed to intensify field campaigns, focusing on verifying the validity of licenses for all advertisements.

As part of the campaign, supervisory teams comprising both male and female inspectors will conduct thorough inspections of various types of advertisements, including commercial, promotional, construction, seasonal, and event-related. This initiative aligns with the implementation of new advertising regulations.

Al-Mutairi highlighted that Kuwait Municipality has launched an awareness-raising advertisement displayed on screens in the main buildings of the municipality. Additionally, road advertisements have been deployed across all governorates to spread awareness about the campaign.

Addressing advertisement owners directly, Al-Mutairi emphasized the importance of obtaining or renewing licenses for all types of advertisements through the licensing departments located in the municipality’s branches across governorates. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to five thousand Kuwaiti dinars.

Furthermore, Al-Mutairi warned that violation reports will be issued for advertisements lacking proper licensing or violating the terms and controls outlined in the advertising regulations. Financial penalties specified in the regulations will be enforced accordingly.

A significant development has emerged in the legal battle surrounding AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, as the pharmaceutical giant has admitted for the first time in court documents that its vaccine can cause a rare side effect. This admission, made in an apparent about-turn, could pave the way for substantial legal payouts amounting to millions of pounds.

A class action lawsuit has been filed against AstraZeneca, alleging that its vaccine, developed in partnership with the University of Oxford, has led to death and serious injury in numerous cases. Central to the claims is the contention that the vaccine triggered a rare side effect with devastating consequences for affected families.

The legal proceedings were initiated last year by Jamie Scott, a father of two, who suffered permanent brain injury after experiencing a blood clot and brain bleed following vaccination in April 2021. AstraZeneca, while contesting the claims, conceded in a legal document submitted to the High Court in February that its Covid vaccine “can, in very rare cases, cause TTS” (Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome).

TTS, characterized by blood clots and a low blood platelet count, has been the subject of intense legal scrutiny, with fifty-one cases currently before the High Court. The potential damages sought by victims and their families are estimated to reach up to £100 million.

The acknowledgment by AstraZeneca follows a year of legal wrangling and could signal the beginning of payouts if the company accepts responsibility for specific cases of serious illness and death linked to the vaccine. Notably, the Government has committed to covering AstraZeneca’s legal expenses.

While AstraZeneca maintains that the vaccine’s benefit-to-risk profile remains positive, the company’s admission of the vaccine’s association with TTS marks a significant shift in its stance. However, it has not conceded that the vaccine is inherently defective, as alleged by lawyers representing claimants.

Despite AstraZeneca’s acknowledgment, the Government has yet to intervene directly in the legal proceedings, opting instead to indemnify the pharmaceutical company against any legal action. Families affected by the vaccine’s adverse effects continue to seek fair compensation, calling for expedited resolution and accountability from both AstraZeneca and the Government.

The admission by AstraZeneca comes amid ongoing debates over vaccine safety and efficacy, underscoring the complexities surrounding mass vaccination campaigns. As legal battles unfold, the broader implications for public health policy and corporate accountability remain under scrutiny.

Meteorologist Issa Ramadan has warned of an upcoming depression that will affect the country for several days, accompanied by light to moderate southeasterly winds. These winds will intermittently increase relative humidity and reduce horizontal visibility, reports Al-Qabas daily. The forecast indicates cloudy to partly cloudy weather with expected rain, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms. The chances of rain will be particularly high on Tuesday, continuing into Wednesday and Thursday.

During this period, relative humidity will increase further, reducing visibility and leading to high waves. Ramadan emphasized the need for caution in the coming days, highlighting that the weather patterns in May are unusual this year. He advised that southeasterly winds and high humidity are expected to persist into the following week.

Additionally, Ramadan noted that some Gulf countries may experience moderate to heavy rainfall due to the convergence of warm, humid air masses from the Arabian Sea with cold air masses from the upper atmosphere. This phenomenon is attributed to a positive dipole in the Indian Ocean, which elevates water temperatures and increases humidity in the upper layers of the atmosphere. Consequently, towering clouds form, bringing heavy rainfall. These observations align with research presented by climate specialists studying the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean region.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, the Minister of Health, unveiled plans for the forthcoming Kuwait Cancer Control Center during a press conference yesterday. This state-of-the-art facility in the Al-Sabah Health District is poised to be equipped with cutting-edge international devices, including groundbreaking technology described as “the first of its kind in the Middle East.”

The announcement coincided with the inauguration of the inaugural forum of the Kuwaiti Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, attracting widespread attention from local, Gulf, and international participants. Minister Al-Awadhi emphasized the Ministry of Health’s commitment to leveraging advanced treatments and technologies to serve cancer patients effectively. He underscored the importance of updating medical protocols and nurturing national talent to enhance the quality of healthcare services.

During his address, Minister Al-Awadhi highlighted the prevalence of lymphoma diseases, constituting a significant proportion of leukemia cases in Kuwait. He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to prioritizing cancer treatment, including cutting-edge therapies like immunotherapy, and emphasized the need for continuous improvement in healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.

The forum, designed as an educational platform for healthcare professionals and patients alike, features an array of lectures, workshops, and discussions led by experts from various countries. Topics of discussion include first-line treatments for lymphoma, molecular nuclear scanning, leukemia diagnosis and treatment, plasma cell disorders, and advancements in cellular therapies.

Dr. Abdul Aziz Hamada, Head of the Hematology Department at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center and President of the Kuwait Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, emphasized the collaborative nature of the forum, bringing together medical professionals and patients to exchange knowledge and experiences.

Dr. Fatima Khadada, a specialist in hematology and head of the forum, emphasized the forum’s focus on holistic care, integrating medical knowledge with psychological and nutritional support for patients.

Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq, a Kuwait Leukemia and Lymphoma Society board member, outlined the society’s objectives, including raising awareness about blood cancer, improving healthcare quality, and fostering support programs for patients and their families.

The Kuwait Cancer Control Center, established in 1968, stands as a beacon of hope for cancer patients in Kuwait. Comprising specialized surgery, oncology, and diagnostic radiology units, the center is staffed by over 600 highly qualified professionals and equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities.

As Kuwait continues to invest in cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure and innovative treatments, the new Cancer Control Center heralds a new era in cancer care, promising hope and healing for patients across the nation.

The Central Bank of Kuwait announced on Sunday that Kuwait’s balance of payments faced a deficit of 150 million Kuwaiti dinars in 2023, a stark contrast to the surplus of 1.1 billion dinars recorded in 2022.

According to statistical data provided to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the country’s current account registered a surplus of approximately 15.8 billion dinars in 2023, marking an 18.3% decrease from the previous year. The bank attributed this decline to a reduction in the surplus in the merchandise balance and an uptick in the net deficit within the services account.

The merchandise balance surplus saw a notable decrease of about 6.3 billion dinars, or 28.7%, compared to the preceding year, settling at 15.7 billion dinars. This decline primarily stemmed from a reduction in oil revenues, which dropped by approximately 4.8 billion dinars, or 16.7%, due to a decrease in average oil prices.

The services account, encompassing transactions related to services between residents and non-residents, including transportation, travel, communications, and construction services, experienced a deficit of 5.8 billion dinars in 2023, compared to 5.1 billion dinars in the previous year.

Regarding the secondary income account, the Central Bank noted a decline in the value of current transfers abroad, reaching approximately 3.9 billion dinars (approximately 12.8 billion dollars) in 2023, down from 5.4 billion dinars in 2022. This decrease was attributed to a decline in remittances from working expatriates, which fell to 3.8 billion dinars last year from 5.4 billion dollars in 2022.

In a recent statement to the press, Aseel Al-Mazyad, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department and the official spokeswoman for the Public Authority for Manpower, confirmed significant changes in the recruitment process for workers from abroad. The decision entails allowing transfer after three years or for a fee of 300 dinars, subject to sponsor approval. However, Al-Mazyad clarified that this amendment does not pertain to domestic workers but is exclusively for those recruited to work in the private sector.

The new mechanism, according to Al-Mazyad, abolishes the previous categorization of recruitment rates based on activity categories. Its implementation is scheduled to commence on the first of June, with estimates of each company’s or institution’s needs determining the recruitment process. The decision will be effective for one year from its initiation, during which its impact will be evaluated by the Authority’s Board of Directors.

Al-Mazyad emphasized that applying for work permits will now be facilitated through the Authority’s “Ashal” application for business owners, eliminating the need for manual review processes. Furthermore, efforts are underway to integrate all services within the “Sahel” application.

Addressing concerns about the issuance of work permits, Al-Mazyad reassured us that there is no halt in the process. However, there are ongoing deliberations to regulate specific professions on the Kuwaiti labor market exclusively.

In other news, the Authority is set to commemorate World Occupational Safety Day on the upcoming Sunday under the theme “Towards a Safe Work Environment.” The event will feature a workshop comprising seven topics, with the participation of seven government agencies, each presenting insights relevant to their expertise. The workshop will span a full day and include discussions on inspection mechanisms, new procedures, and safety methods in the field of occupational safety and security.

The announcement marks a significant shift in Kuwait’s labor landscape, aiming to streamline recruitment processes while prioritizing occupational safety and security at the workplace.

According to a report by Al-Anba daily, the amendment to the 'nature of work' allowance involves the elimination of category C, with affected staff members being transferred to category B. Furthermore, some individuals from category B are being upgraded to category A.

The allowance adjustment varies between KD 30 to KD 50, contingent upon the category and job title of the staff member.

The ministry is currently in the process of finalizing the amendment within its financial and administrative frameworks to facilitate the disbursement process.

The General Administration of Security Relations and Media, representing Kuwait's Ministry of Interior, has launched a comprehensive outreach initiative targeting expatriates who have violated residency laws. This communication effort spans across eight languages, ensuring that violators are informed about their options within a three-month grace period to depart the country without facing fines or the need to adjust their residency status.

Brochures containing crucial information have been distributed, specifying that violators can avail themselves of assistance during official working hours in the morning and from 3 to 8 p.m. in the evening at designated centers in Farwaniya and Mubarak Al-Kabeer administrations.

The ministry clarified that expatriates with valid passports do not need to visit residence departments and can depart directly to their home countries.

A concerning incident unfolded along the shores of the Shuwaikh region as a significant number of fish were found dead strewn across the beach from opposite the Petroleum Corporation building to the National Assembly building. The distressing sight, brought about by waves from Kuwait Bay, has prompted swift action from local authorities.

Marzouq Al-Azmi, Deputy Director of the General Authority for Agriculture for the Fisheries Sector, shed light on the situation, acknowledging the limited scale of fish mortality near Al-Salam Beach and Shuwaikh. He attributed the phenomenon to various factors, including environmental stressors such as rain outlets, red tide occurrences, and the degradation of seawater quality due to human activities.

In response to the crisis, the Authority has reached out to the Environment Public Authority to assess the extent of mortality and explore mitigation measures. Al-Azmi assured the public that efforts are underway to clean the coastline and remove dead fish in collaboration with relevant agencies.

Furthermore, plans are in motion to convene a committee to investigate the recurrence of such incidents, analyze the underlying causes, and devise preventive strategies.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Zaidan, Deputy Director General of the Environment Public Authority for Technical Affairs, provided additional insights into the situation. He explained that the annual mortality of jade fish, observed around mid-April, is attributed to coastal sewage sources affecting water quality, leading to phenomena such as red tide and nutrient enrichment.

Al-Zaidan emphasized that the current mortality event is exacerbated by the fish’s migration patterns and reproductive behavior, making them susceptible to the adverse effects of environmental pollutants and red tide blooms.

Efforts are underway to monitor environmental conditions through advanced forecasting systems and satellite imaging, collaborating with state agencies, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, and the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment. These measures aim to assess chlorophyll levels, sea surface temperatures, and the presence of red tide, facilitating proactive responses to mitigate further fish mortality incidents along the affected coastline.