In a striking case of administrative negligence, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education unknowingly paid KD 105,331 in salaries over 19 years to an expatriate Arabic language teacher who had resigned in 2004 and left the country by mid-2005.

The teacher, appointed on August 24, 2004, was meant to join the 2004/2005 academic year. However, she was absent starting from September 4, 2005, and records show she exited Kuwait on June 14, 2005. Despite her absence, her status remained active in the Ministry’s system, allowing salary transfers until May 24, 2024.

The school principal had alerted the Personnel Affairs Department and the Elementary School Supervisor multiple times, yet her name remained in the system. The case came to light only after the fingerprint attendance system was implemented on February 11, 2024.

An investigation confirmed the error, resulting in the suspension of salary and official termination. The entire amount was untouched in the bank account, showing no criminal intent. The Central Bank of Kuwait recovered the funds and returned them to the Ministry.

The case has prompted calls for better oversight and real-time system updates within the education sector. The Ministry pledged enhanced monitoring and frequent audits moving forward.