In less than 5 months, the governments of the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have come a long way towards launching the “bullet train,” which indicates the depth of the relationship, agreement, and smooth dealing between the two brotherly countries, reports Al-Qabas daily.

The daily has learned that the Kuwaiti executive and supervisory authorities are racing against time to complete technical and legal approvals regarding paving the way for the implementation of the consultative agreement regarding the completion of a high-speed railway line that will connect Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Informed sources expected that all approvals related to the Kuwaiti side would be completed during the current month or next at the latest, in order to begin studying the financial, economic, and technical feasibility of the project, followed by the remaining steps to launch the subsequent stages, leading to the implementation process.

In June 2023, an Amiri decree was issued approving the agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the railway link project between the two countries. On September 26, the Saudi Council of Ministers also approved the railway link project agreement between Kuwait and the Kingdom, according to what was reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Al-Qabas learned that Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Public Works and the Saudi Railway Company (SAR), agreed to appoint the French company SYSTRA — one of the world’s leading engineering and consulting groups specialized in public transport and mobility solutions. For more than 65 years, the Group has worked alongside cities and regions to contribute to their development by creating, improving, and modernizing their transport infrastructures — to implement the feasibility study.

Informed sources revealed that, according to this agreement to appoint one consulting company, the Ministry of Public Works completed the contracting documents, and addressed the Audit Bureau therein, in order to obtain its approval to approve the consulting company SYSTRA, and the amount contracted with it, so that the Ministry can sign consulting contracts for the financial and economic feasibility study.

The sources said that the cost of the feasibility study for the link project rose to $10.57 million, equivalent to approximately 3.270 million dinars, to be paid equally between the two parties, with 1.635 million dinars for each party. It is expected that SYSTRA will complete the feasibility study for the railway link project between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia Within a period not exceeding 6 months.

The sources explained that according to the agreement concluded between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the project of the two brotherly countries is a separate project and different from the railway project of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Regarding the “Gulf Train”, the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport about two months ago launched a special exercise to complete the feasibility study related to the project through the Central Agency for Public Tenders, and the offers of 9 local and international consulting companies competing to win the contract were accepted.

The sources indicated that the Roads Authority is now in the stage of sorting contracts to choose a company entrusted with conducting the feasibility study for the Gulf train project, expecting that the name of the winning consulting company will be announced before the end of this year.

The Kuwaiti-Saudi agreement stipulates that the railway line between the two countries will extend from the train station point located in the State of Kuwait — which will most likely be located in the south of the country — to the train station point which will be located in the city of Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Project highlights

— May 23, 2023, the Saudi Council of Ministers authorized the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, or his representative, to discuss with the Kuwaiti side regarding a draft agreement between the government of the Kingdom and the government of the State of Kuwait regarding the railway connection project between the two countries.

— June 4, 2023, the agreement was signed in the cities of Riyadh and Kuwait through diplomatic channels.

— June 12, 2023, an Emiri decree was issued approving the agreement.

— September 26, 2023, the Saudi Council of Ministers approved the railway connection project agreement.

It is expected that within less than two months, Kuwait will sign a consulting contract to launch the project study process.

 

 

 

Several banks have expressed concern that expatriate bank accounts that have been deported may pose a risk to the financial system because fraudsters can exploit these still-open accounts to commit financial frauds or to launder money.

 

Around 30,000 deported persons have bank accounts with various commercial banks in the country, according to estimates. Regional and international criminal gangs may target these 'live' accounts to move their illegal funds without drawing attention to themselves. These accounts could also be used to recruit more expatriates for fraudulent operations, either directly or in exchange for fees. Even dormant accounts that lack funds can be vulnerable to hackers, who seek to penetrate them for the largest possible amount of personal data and password information, as well as financial information.

 

Banks warn that continued exposure to financial fraud gangs or those engaged in money laundering increases the vulnerability of the financial system. Accordingly, they have called on the authorities to establish an information link between banks and the Ministry of Interior so that the names of deported people are immediately provided to the banks, which can then freeze these accounts, especially accounts that lack funds.

 

The regulatory authorities, led by the Financial Investigation Unit of the Central Bank, are said to be monitoring the accounts of clients who have deposits in their accounts, have liabilities, or have job or commercial dues to pay that will be deposited later, subject to further scrutiny by the bank.

 

 

 

 

According to Al-Rai Daily, the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) has launched three new services through the government application “Sahl” that cover customs release, frequency spectrum, and individual requests.

Businesses and individuals can streamline customs-related processes by using CITRA's customs release services, which include import, temporary import, temporary export, and export requests.

Radio amateurs and marine radio operators can now apply for permits related to frequency spectrum services. Additionally, the application process for the release of communications equipment is now more accessible.

In addition, "Sahl" offers users the opportunity to request the blocking or unblocking of electronic content, giving them more control over their online experiences.

 

 

 

 

 

The Ministry of Public Works is actively preparing for the impending rainy season, collaborating closely with relevant authorities, particularly Civil Defense and the General Fire Force, along with multiple organizations forming the Rain and Floods Consequences Committee, reports Al-Rai daily.

Reliable sources within the Ministry of Works informed the daily that “last week, the Rain and Floods Consequences Committee, comprising 15 agencies, convened to discuss the readiness of these entities for the upcoming rainy season.”

During this meeting, the committee members thoroughly examined the ministry’s plan and the specific tasks it will undertake. Each entity will execute its respective responsibilities in the event of heavy rain surpassing the drainage system’s capacity.

The sources further elaborated, “It was agreed that the emergency switchboards of the relevant authorities will be interconnected with the civil defense switchboard, ensuring seamless coordination of tasks among the involved parties.”

They emphasized that “the Ministry is currently engaged in activities such as cleaning manholes and drains, removing sediments and plankton that can obstruct rainwater drainage in certain areas.”

Additionally, they highlighted, “The Ministry will liaise with the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport to guarantee the secure operation of tunnel pumps, aiming to prevent any congestion, particularly during intense rain occurrences.”

Shifting the focus to the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy in readiness for the rainy season, ministry sources noted that the distribution networks sector is nearing completion of maintenance and isolation of roofs for secondary transformer stations requiring upkeep.

This measure aims to prevent any seepage into the station components during rainy periods. The sector has successfully finalized necessary maintenance work for approximately 90 percent of the insulation for stations’ roofs in need of attention.

 

 

 

 

Consultant endocrinologist and Head of the “Essentials of Endocrinology and Diabetes” conference Dr. Zidane Al-Mazidi yesterday highlighted the high rate of diabetes among children in the country, stressed that 40 out of every 100,000 children are diagnosed with diabetes every year.

In an exclusive press statement to Al-Seyassah on the sidelines of the inauguration of the two-day “Essentials of Endocrinology and Diabetes” conference, Dr. Al-Mazidi said, “Short stature is the most common endocrine disease among children in the country, followed by hypothyroidism, calcium deficiency, early puberty, adrenal and hypothyroidism, and undescended testicles in newborns.

Genes play an important role in endocrine diseases, as they represent approximately 10 to 20 percent of the causes of the disease.”

Dr. Al-Mazidi explained that the conference was organized by the Kuwait Society for Endocrinology, with the cooperation of the Kuwait Medical Association and the Dasman Diabetes Institute. An elite group of consultants and specialists in Kuwait, the Gulf countries and the world participated in the conference to discuss the latest therapeutic developments and to exchange experiences in this field.

The conference highlights the most important scientific developments in the treatment of diabetes and other issues related to endocrine glands, the importance of early diagnosis of these diseases, and the close link between obesity and diabetes.

It grants participants 14 points of continuing medical education from the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specializations.

Dr. Al-Mazidi expressed hope that the conference will come up with important recommendations that are in the interest of the health sector in the country.

He stressed the importance of such conferences that keep pace with the scientific development the world is witnessing, offer knowledge about the latest developments and research in the field of health care for patients with issues related to endocrine glands and diabetes, highlight methods for providing health care services and discuss what benefits medical personnel. 

 

 

 

An official memorandum showed that the Kuwaiti citizen, holder of a regular passport, can enter 50 countries without a prior visa, while he can obtain an electronic visa to enter 11 countries, and from the airport upon arrival to 32 countries around the world, reports Al-Rai daily. In response to a query by MP Osama Al-Zaid, Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah, said there are 104 countries on various continents for which the Kuwaiti citizen needs to apply for a visa from the embassies of these respective countries or through the offices approved by them, reports Al-Rai daily. The memorandum indicated that the 50 countries that a citizen can enter without a visa are as follows — 10 countries in Europe, 3 in the Australasia region and its neighboring countries, 7 in Asia, 4 in Africa, 13 in the Americas, and 13 Arab countries.

The countries for which Kuwaiti obtains a visa from the embassy are 36 in Europe, 7 in the Australasia region and its neighboring countries, 10 in Asia, 28 in Africa, 20 in the Americas, and 3 in Arab countries. The 11 countries in which a citizen obtains an electronic entry visa are 4 in Europe, 3 in Asia, 2 in Africa, and 2 in the Americas. As for the countries where the citizen obtains a visa from the airport are 5 in Australasia and its neighboring countries, 12 in Asia, 13 in Africa, 1 in the Americas, and one Arab country.

 

 

 

 

The Acting Secretary General of the Municipal Council (MC) Dr. Fahad Al-Otaibi issued an administrative circular yesterday to declare that the official working hours in the Secretariat General of the Municipal Council will be as per the flexible working hours, which is seven working hours from Sunday to Thursday.

According to the circular, the start of work will be between 7:00 am and 9:00 am. An employee is allowed to report at any time within that period, and they can leave work after completing seven working hours from the time they reported to work.

This timing is applied without prejudice to the grace period specified for the employee at the beginning of the work which is 30 minutes, or the 15-minute grace period set for female employees at the end of work, or the permission system or other rules and provisions contained in Civil Service Council Resolution No. 41/2006 regarding the rules and provisions governing flexible official work in government agencies. The circular specified three controls for calculating the grace period and the delay period for reporting at the beginning of work, as follows:

1. The grace period is calculated at the beginning of the work day after the end of the last attendance time, that is, after 9:00 am.

2. The minutes of delay at the start of work are calculated after the end of the grace period set at the start of work from 9:30 am.

3. The hours for seeking permission to leave work are calculated after the employer approves, at the beginning of the work day from the time specified by the employee during the period from 7:00 am to 9:00 am.

The aforementioned controls are not applied to those subject to reduced working hours or those subject to the system of partial absence without pay for any reason.

The working hours for this category are from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm or from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm, or from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm or from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. In addition, the employees in the aforementioned category are obligated to notify the Administrative Affairs Department about the timings they have chosen through their departments, within five working days of the issuance of the circular.

 

 

 

 

The Minister of Health, Ahmad Al-Awadhi, has approved the imposition of 2,176 fines on several companies with contracts with the Ministry of Health since April 1, reports Al-Rai daily. Reliable sources indicated that these penalties, which are part of safeguarding public funds, were imposed on various companies involved in health service implementation or the supply of medical consumables.

These companies were fined and penalized by the Ministry of Health according to the correct contractual procedures, with a total of approximately 5 million dinars. The sources affirmed that these penalties were imposed to uphold the protection of public funds and to enforce penal conditions outlined in the contracts signed between the ministry and the concerned parties. This number of fines is being applied for the first time, and these measures are intended to address years-old observations from regulatory authoritie

 

 

 

 

During the second quarter of this year, Kuwaitians spent about 1.016 billion dinars on travel, a decrease of about 25.3% compared to the first quarter of 2023, where they spent about 1.36 billion dinars. In contrast, Al-Rai daily reports that spending increased by about 21.6% compared to last year's second quarter — 835.8 million dinars. In the first half of this year, total travel expenses reached 2.377 billion dinars, up 20.5 percent from 1.972 billion dinars in the first half of last year.

As of the second quarter of 2023, remittances from expatriates were about 1.168 billion dinars, a decrease of 5.6% compared to the first quarter, which totaled 1.237 billion dinars, according to the Central Bank of Kuwait's balance of payments report. As compared to its level of 1.495 billion dinars in the second quarter of 2022, it decreased by about 21.9 percent.

 

 

 

 

Banks and telecommunications companies in Kuwait are becoming more sensitive to the risks posed by the increasing number of expatriates being deported from the country. Banks are concerned about the potential exploitation of bank accounts belonging to deported expatriates, as well as the possibility of fraudulent and financial fraud operations against citizens and residents. They are examining a procedural mechanism to identify the names of deported expatriate workers to secure their banking systems.

There are approximately 30,000 bank accounts, equivalent to the number of expatriates deported from Kuwait since the beginning of the year, which pose security risks to the financial system. Banks fear that these accounts will be exploited by financial fraud gangs that recruit more expatriate workers for fraudulent operations.

Telecommunications companies and banks are also concerned about the possibility of financial fraud gangs exploiting the phone lines of deported expatriates to communicate with citizens and residents for financial fraud, reports Al Rai. To protect bank accounts from hackers, consumers should use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and ensure that they are on their bank or financial institution’s website or app when transacting business. Banks are obligated to alert regulators and law enforcement through a Suspicious Activity Report if there is irregular behavior that they cannot easily explain. The financial services marketplace continues to become more disaggregated, and consumers are bundling services and providers (bank and nonbank) in new and interesting ways.

This disaggregation may provide greater choices for consumers but also may make it more difficult for consumers to clearly distinguish differences between bank and nonbank products and to understand the protections available, such as deposit insurance. More consumers became banked and sustained their banking relationship through financial distress, and initiatives to bank consumers at opportune moments have existed for some time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information has recently been circulating on social media that the Internet will be cut off on October 11 due to geomagnetic storms. On the basis of rumors, suspicions and expectations, stories spread quickly among social media users.

Al-Seyassah daily followed up on what was happening on social media platforms in order to clarify the facts and highlight the government’s role regarding the phenomenon, by posing questions to experts in fields of IT and cybersecurity, in an investigative report in this regard.

The experts emphasized that just talking about something like this requires the government to take all measures and precautions, even if the possibility of it happening is weak.

They called for making backup copies of databases and strengthening computers with programs to protect against piracy and viruses.

Professor of Information Technology at Kuwait University Dr. Ahmed Al-Munees indicated that the possibility of a global Internet shutdown on October 11 due to a geomagnetic storm is just a rumor, stressing that the last geomagnetic storm was before the current technology.

He said, “However, the state must make backup copies and keep them permanently, as well as strengthen computers with anti-piracy and anti-virus programs on an ongoing basis, and take all security precautions related to cyber security.

Geomagnetic storms cause electromagnetic flares that may reach the Earth and cause distortions on the Internet or the cables that connect the continents of the world. However, the possibilities are very weak, especially since most cables are usually established under a strong structure capable of confronting these risks.

As it was mentioned that cutting off the Internet is a common occurrence and some geographical areas may be affected by it, the percentage of impact will be limited.”

Dr. Al-Munees reiterated that a global Internet shutdown is a rumor, indicating that such a rumor occurred five years ago, “but Kuwait must take into account all possibilities”.

 

 

 

 

 

60 workers, including 34 Indian nurses who were arrested in a security raid at a clinic in Kuwait City last month, have been released after being detained for 23 days. Reports suggest that the release was facilitated by the intervention of higher authorities, following appeals from relatives of those arrested, tweeted the Indian Embassy.

Among those detained were women who had recently given birth, as well as individuals who had been working legally at a private clinic for several years. The Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, and the Indian Embassy in Kuwait also played a role in securing the release of the Indian nurses. It remains unclear why the group was arrested in the first place, but their release is being hailed as a positive outcome for all those involved.

 

 

 

 

Drug Inspection Department of the Ministry of Health closed a famous medical center in Salmiya, which included an unlicensed nursery in the basement of the center, in violation of the license. The Ministry of Health announced that inspectors from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with the participation of employees from the Health Licensing Department, Immigration Affairs Investigations, and the Public Authority for Manpower, closed the center.

The Ministry of Health explained that a number of secret unlicensed warehouses to store medicines and cosmetics for the purpose of selling to the public were discovered. All these medical items were seized, due to the failure to meet storage and general hygiene conditions, in addition to the center not obtaining the Ministry of Health’s approval to possess the medicines.

Violation reports were also issued against a number of employees practicing the medical profession and technical assistant professions without the necessary license to do in the State of Kuwait. In this regard, the Director of the Ministry of Health’s Drug Inspection Department Dr. Reem Al- Essa stressed the need to adhere to the laws regulating the practice of the pharmacy profession. She said the department continues to monitor the distribution of medicines and health materials, and ensure that efficient, quality medicines, which are stored in a manner that meets the necessary requirements, reach patients and consumers.

Dr. Al-Essa affirmed the keenness to implement the provisions of control over the practice of the pharmacy profession and the circulation of medicines in the private sector in the State of Kuwait, and to activate law No. 28/1996, amended by law No. 30/2016 regarding regulating the practice of the pharmacy profession and the circulation of medicines, and the ministerial decisions regulating it.

 

 

 

 

 

Najat Al-Yousef, Acting Deputy Director General for National Employment Development at the Public Authority for Manpower, has disclosed an ongoing project aimed at revising and modernizing the proportions of national labor within the private sector. In a statement, she outlined that the Authority is meticulously assessing proposals and insights presented by various stakeholders concerning labor market regulation, including suggested rates, fees, and Kuwaitization of job roles. Upon completing the evaluation and deliberation process, the Authority compiles the proposal and forwards it to the relevant minister for subsequent submission to the Council of Ministers for approval.

Al-Yousef emphasized that the Kuwaitization program is applicable across the board, encompassing cooperatives, corporations, banks, and major institutions. The Authority, through its National Labor Development sector, plays an active role in this initiative. The Career Guidance Department, staffed by specialized professionals, conducts one-on-one interviews with job seekers interested in positions within the private, cooperative, or oil sectors.

Furthermore, they organize guidance activities to aid individuals seeking employment in the private sector. In a separate development, sources have disclosed a recent meeting convened at the Civil Service Commission, involving various government agencies, including the labor sector. During the meeting, there was a collective call for prioritizing the appointment of male and female citizens within the private sector, while ensuring they receive all necessary assurances and support. Inquiries were also made regarding the labor support budget, its total cost, and the number of beneficiaries, with preparations underway for potential increases in this allocation.

Citizens were encouraged to consider employment opportunities within the private sector. On Monday, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to executing essential plans and procedures aimed at achieving the objectives of demographic modification and labor market development within the State of Kuwait.

Following a meeting of the National Committee for Demographic Adjustment and Labor Market Development, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled stressed the imperative to make progress in realizing the goals outlined in the executive regulations of the Demographics Law. These regulations are designed to serve the best interests of Kuwait and its citizens.

Furthermore, he emphasized the need for expeditious implementation of all projects that contribute to the creation of employment opportunities for Kuwaiti youth. This statement was issued by the Security Relations and Media Department. Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled expressed his appreciation for the dedication and efforts of the National Committee members who are actively addressing demographic imbalances and labor market challenges within the State of Kuwait. He expressed hope for their success in fulfilling their responsibilities.

During their meeting, the Committee deliberated upon the current state of the population structure, the challenges it confronts, and strategies for labor market development to enhance job prospects for the youth. They also discussed methods to strike a balance among various sectors and ensure the sustainability of their efforts. The Committee conducted a thorough review of the latest economic and social developments, assessing their impact on demographic composition and labor market requirements. They also explored mechanisms for enhancing vocational education and training to ensure that educational outcomes align with the evolving demands of the labor market. It is worth noting that the Council of Ministers had previously endorsed the formation of this committee on May 8th. The committee, chaired by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, also included representatives from several government agencies.

 

 

 

 

The Public Services Committee in the Council of Ministers is convening today (Sunday) to review the report presented by Municipal Minister Fahd Al-Shula on the current situation in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area, reports Al-Qabas daily. A reliable source has informed us that the committee will thoroughly analyze vital aspects concerning the enhancement of the northwestern section of the region. This analysis includes addressing challenges, evaluating property ownership and status, scrutinizing traffic and security conditions, and exploring various potential solutions.

The discussed options encompass imposing restrictions on leasing residential units to singles or the so-called bachelors, allowing the development of worker housing within industrial plots and agricultural areas, and granting permits for labor accommodations within major projects. The source highlighted that six specific locations have been designated for labor cities, collectively covering an area of 13,335,000 square meters. Additionally, eight sites have been earmarked for worker housing complexes, spanning a total area of 18,600,000 square meters.

Furthermore, the committee will carefully evaluate the recommendations outlined in the Minister of Municipality’s report. Depending on the evaluation of the current state of the area, appropriate actions will be determined. He added that the committee will review the recommendations included in the report of the Minister of Municipality, and if the current status of the area is maintained, the matter will require finding solutions to address the imbalance in the demographic structure; improving the security and traffic situation and putting an end to existing violations; developing the main and internal road network and modernizing and developing the infrastructure network (electricity, water, and sewage); taking advantage of plots 19 and 20 to provide residential care, which was previously acquired, and no specific use has been decided for them to date and improving and developing the health system

He stated that in the case of radical development of the area to keep pace with the surrounding uses, the following is needed to be done:

— The necessity of expropriation in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 of Decree Law No. 86/131, regarding the expropriation of real estate for which expropriation formulas have been issued. The Council of Ministers may issue expropriation formulas in the event of extreme necessity for considerations required by the public interest, and this shall be based on the request of the concerned authority and the presentation of the Minister of Municipality.

— Handing over workers’ cities and residential complexes to workers in accordance with the decisions of the Municipal Council issued regarding them, and beginning their implementation in parallel with the expropriation and evacuation plan for the area.

— Reorganizing the region in a civilized manner that is consistent with its distinctive location, finding solutions to create the necessary balance for the demographic structure, ending the phenomenon of existing Arab houses and the problem of commons spread within them, and organizing the network of external and internal roads in the region in accordance with developments in the surrounding areas.

— Raising the level of services in the region by providing the necessary public facilities and services according to the proposed new uses. It is noteworthy that Minister Al-Shula explained, in his report, that the value of the acquisition of plots in the region, according to estimates for the year 2023, amounts to about 1.432 billion dinars. At its meeting, the Ministerial Services Committee will consider the request of the Public Authority for Housing Welfare to overcome the obstacles facing the S2 Investment Opportunity Project in Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City.

The Minister of Justice and Minister of Housing, Faleh Al-Ruqabah, had sent a letter to the Council of Ministers, regarding the delay in issuing building permits for the S2 Investment Opportunity Project in Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City, referring to the partnership contract concluded on September 8, 2020 between the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) and one of the companies for the management and development of lands and real estate, regarding the building design, financing, operating, maintaining and transferring the investment opportunity that serves the residents of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City in particular, and the areas surrounding the city in general.

Al- Ruqabah said that these projects are developmental, reduce the financial burden on the state, and translate the vision and plan of the State of Kuwait into the contribution of private sector activity to the implementation of development projects. Accordingly, the delay in issuing building permits negatively affects the indicators of the State of Kuwait. The committee will review the letter from the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, regarding its approval of the concerned party’s donation project to build a mosque in a public park in the Al-Masayel area, Block 1, at its own expense, if the neighbors agree.

 

 

 

 

Two important draft regulations that will improve Kuwait's demographics have been approved by the Demographics Amendment Committee. Kuwaitization of government contracts and electronic lease contracts are the goals of these regulations. They both have the potential to enhance the management of data and the tracking of the country's population.

In addition, the committee has evaluated an initiative to create a national platform for labor market data. An examination of the legality of the electronic labor contract project has been assigned to the Public Authority for Manpower in coordination with the Fatwa and Legislation Department. In addition, the committee is developing a plan to reduce the proportion of foreign workers in government contracts with the Ministry of Finance and the General Secretariat.

During a meeting led by Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, who heads the Committee to Adjust the Demographics and Labor Market Development, these decisions were made. Meeting objectives included monitoring the committee's progress and discussing demographic issues.

He thanked the committee members for their tireless efforts in addressing Kuwait's demographic and labor market imbalances. Specifically, he stressed the importance of aligning with the objectives outlined in the executive regulations of the Demographics Law, which benefit Kuwait and its people. Kuwaiti youth must be provided with employment opportunities as soon as possible, according to him.

Among the topics discussed at the meeting was an assessment of the current population structure and its challenges. It also explored strategies for enhancing the labor market and expanding employment prospects for young individuals. Furthermore, discussions focused on achieving equilibrium across different sectors and ensuring sustainability.

A review of recent economic and social developments as well as their potential impact on demographic composition and labor market requirements was also included in the meeting. Lastly, there was a focus on strengthening vocational education and training to ensure that educational outcomes align with the evolving needs of the labor market.

Kuwaitization of government contracts and promotion of Kuwaiti employment
A draft regulation aimed at Kuwaitizing government contracts has been approved by the committee. This initiative is designed to incentivize young people to seek employment in the private sector and enhance job security for workers engaged in government contracts. Additionally, it is expected to boost national employment and create new job opportunities within government contracts.

In order to swiftly implement this draft regulation, the committee has given the "Workforce" the responsibility of completing the necessary procedures to present it to the Council of Ministers.

Kuwaiti citizens will be offered employment opportunities within government contracts as a result of this regulation. It also places an obligation on contractors to offer national workers enticing employment benefits, which may include health insurance, annual travel allowances, and a structured salary scale.

Review of the National Data Platform
A comprehensive review of the proposed initiative aimed at establishing a national labor market data platform was conducted by the committee. This platform is set to serve as a critical foundation for organizing academic sector outputs and aligning them with the evolving requirements of the labor market.

This initiative aims to provide real-time data on the labor market and population movements. Additionally, it will create a solid foundation for the development of mechanisms and legislation aimed at enhancing and organizing the labor market. A pivotal role is expected for this forward-looking initiative in improving labor market insights and facilitating informed decisions.

Electronic Lease Contracts and Streamlining Rental Agreements approved
An electronic lease contract project has been approved by the committee, marking a significant step towards improving data quality and organization. This project aims to catalog the residences of individuals within the State of Kuwait, while also exerting control over the rental process across commercial, investment, and residential real estate, ensuring the compliance of both parties involved in the contract.
An important benefit of this project is the precise documentation of lease contract durations, which will be associated with licenses. This linkage serves to guarantee that property owners adhere to the state’s laws and regulations.
Furthermore, the project will present contract data in a secure electronic format that is resistant to tampering. The responsibility of launching this project within six months lies with the Public Authority for Civil Information. Kuwait's electronic lease contract project aims to improve efficiency and transparency in the rental process.

 

 

 

 

Expatriates being laid off increased the number of vacant apartments in Kuwait, which led to a drop in property sales. Kuwait Times reports that around 50,000 rental investment apartments were unoccupied by the end of the first half of this year.

According to the report, residential property sales declined significantly, reaching KD 363 million, the lowest level since the second quarter of 2020. This is primarily due to a reduction in the number of property transactions. The expatriate population continues to face challenges that limit their spending and even force some to leave. The restrictions on granting visit visas to expatriates have also contributed to an increase in vacant apartments, the daily reported.

There was an unprecedented decline in expatriate population growth rates during the first half of this year. Over the past five years, the growth rate has fallen from 5 percent to approximately 1.8%.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Cancer Awareness Campaign, has disclosed that the annual rates of cancer incidence in Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are on the rise, with an increase ranging from 1% to 5%. This increase can be attributed to various factors, including heightened community awareness regarding the significance of early cancer detection and the region’s high population density.

In a special statement to Al- Seyassah marking the launch of the annual breast cancer awareness campaign, themed “Your Health is Your Capital,” Dr. Al- Saleh reported that Kuwait recorded 640 new cases of breast cancer. Among these cases, 41% were Kuwaiti citizens, while 59% were expatriates. Furthermore, Dr. Al-Saleh highlighted the introduction of new initiatives this year, notably in the Mubaraki

ya area. Over a three-day period later this month, these initiatives will involve participation from a delegation representing GCC countries. Their objective is to raise awareness about the critical importance of early breast cancer screening. Dr. Al-Saleh encouraged women above the age of forty to get in touch with the campaign to receive guidance on conducting early self-examinations for breast cancer detection.

 

 

 

 

 

A Kuwaiti oversight team reviewing documents for the teacher's licensing initiative has completed the preliminary draft of the teacher's license, which consists of two distinct tracks - administrative and technical.

On Sept 30, this draft will be presented to Dr. Adel Al-Manea, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. It will be decided after this when the implementation will take place as well as how the application process will be handled within schools.

A source within the education industry told Al-Rai that the license will be applicable to educational staff members, school principals, assistant principals, and technical mentors. However, the application will vary based on the administrative and technical tracks.

Al-Manea will play a crucial role in determining if the license will apply exclusively to new teachers or to all educators.

Dr. Fawzi Al-Dokhi, Assistant Dean of Admission and Registration at the General Authority for Applied Education and Training and Professor of Curricula and Teaching Methods, was at the helm of the review team on April 9.

This team includes seven notable figures from the educational domain, whose roles are defined as establishing the mechanism for implementing the teacher's license and developing the field application strategy. Additionally, they must outline the project's administrative, legislative, and technical prerequisites.

 

 

 

 

 

In October 8th and 9th, Kuwait's skies are expected to witness a meteor shower between sunset and midnight, according to the Al-Ajiri Scientific Center. The center also revealed that the Sayadiyat meteor shower will be visible in Kuwait's skies on October 21st and 22nd.

The October moon will appear on the 14th of the month in further astronomical events. Furthermore, on the 23rd of October, the planet Venus will be observed at its greatest distance from the sun.

Skywatchers can look forward to the Hunter's Moon, which will illuminate the night sky on the 28th of October as we near the end of October.

This October, the world will also witness two significant celestial events. On the 4th and 14th, an annular solar eclipse will occur, although it will not be visible from Kuwait. On the 29th, a lunar eclipse is scheduled, but it is not visible from Kuwait.