As part of its security measures, the Ministry of Interior is imposing severe legal penalties on vehicles engaged in reckless driving that endangers the lives of others.

Through ongoing traffic campaigns and in cooperation with the General Administration of Logistics and Catering, the General Traffic Department has been impounding and crushing vehicles involved in reckless driving in a car crusher.

The Ministry of Interior emphasizes that it will not tolerate reckless behavior and will apply the law strictly by crushing and cutting vehicles to ensure the safety of road users. If you observe any reckless driving, please call the emergency phone (112) or WhatsApp the General Traffic Department (99324092).

Al-Qabas has learned from reliable sources that the Council of Ministers is considering cancelling street names and replacing them with numbers, with the exception of streets bearing the names of heads of state.

The source added that the principle of “reciprocity will be applied to the issue of streets bearing the names of heads of state.”

The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center announced on Tuesday that the hottest season of the year will commence on June 7. As temperatures begin to rise, the weather will become increasingly dry over the following two weeks, the center stated in a press release.

The country has now entered the Al-Bateen rainstorm, marking the final phase of the canna season, which lasts for 13 days. This period includes the start of the intense summer heat, characterized by short or non-existent shadows on some days and the sun’s rays being directly overhead.

During this period, temperatures will climb, reaching extreme highs in various regions, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center noted that the Al-Bateen star’s rise is marked by strong northwesterly winds, which cause temperatures to increase from sunrise to sunset, often resulting in dusty conditions.

Additionally, the center highlighted that during the Al-Bateen period, daylight hours will extend to over 13 hours and 47 minutes, while nighttime will become shorter, with sunset occurring at approximately 6:40 PM.

The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center’s announcement prepares the region for the approaching severe heat, emphasizing the need for residents to take necessary precautions as temperatures soar.

The Ministry of Interior is extensively promoting the government-announced Amnesty scheme aimed at rectifying the status of expatriates who are illegally staying in the country. This wide-scale publicity campaign is being conducted in multiple languages, including several Indian languages, to raise awareness among the expatriate community.

The campaign warns expatriates that after June 17, they will no longer be able to adjust their legal status concerning residency matters, as the amnesty scheme deadline ends on June 17. Before this deadline, expatriates with invalid residency permits can either switch to a new sponsor by paying a fine or leave the country without incurring any fees, with the option to return on a new visa after June 17.

Sources indicate that the Ministry of Interior is preparing a comprehensive plan to address residency violators who do not utilize the amnesty period to rectify their status or leave the country. These preparations are at an advanced stage and are aligned with directives from higher authorities.

The Public Authority for Manpower has stated that the Authority has updated its automated system to implement new regulations on work permits and transfers, set to begin in early June.

The updates include an additional fee of 150 dinars for issuing a work permit for the first time and a transfer fee of 300 dinars for transferring a worker to a different company if the worker has been in the country for less than three years, only if the employer approves.

The sources confirmed that the Authority’s systems are prepared to enforce the new decision starting June 1st. Additionally, inspection teams across all governorates are ready to commence their activities in open areas from June 1st.

According to a government source, the crackdown is a top priority, targeting employees who fail to adhere to certificate verification procedures.

The campaign has identified three primary charges for those implicated in certificate falsification: Misappropriation of public funds, forgery, and fraud for illicit gains and privileges. Violators face up to seven years in prison, along with being required to reimburse twice the amount of any unlawfully obtained salaries and bonuses.

This stringent action comes in response to the discovery that numerous employees, when requested to submit their certificates for auditing, opted for retirement instead.

This development has raised suspicions, prompting further investigations.

Individuals withholding their certificates under various excuses now face imminent legal consequences, including potential salary suspensions.

To bolster enforcement measures, Kuwaiti authorities are enhancing detection methods. This involves collaboration with cultural offices and foreign universities to authenticate certificates, particularly those issued abroad. Modern technology, such as barcode systems on certificates, facilitates easier authentication of newer documents.

The Criminal Court released two female citizens — who were accused of committing ‘violent acts’ on board a Kuwait Airways flight from Bangkok, Thailand — on bail of KD1,000 each, reports Al-Rai daily.

In the recently concluded court session, Attorney Abdul Mohsen Al-Qattan — lawyer for the accused — requested the court to release his clients on bail (any amount the court deems fit), affirming they are not a flight risk.

The court set another hearing on July 14 for the lawyers of both sides to present their arguments and pieces of evidence.

A week following the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy’s agreement to acquire 500 megawatts of electrical energy from Oman and Qatar via the Gulf Electricity Interconnection Authority, the ministry is now in talks to further boost its energy imports. This move aims to bolster Kuwait’s electricity capacity ahead of the summer season.

Informed sources at the ministry stated, “The ministry is negotiating with the Gulf Electricity Interconnection Authority to purchase an additional amount of energy, aiming to enhance the previously signed contracts for 500 megawatts, with the goal of securing the electrical network during peak periods in the summer.”

The statement indicates that negotiations are still in the early stages, and the exact quantities the ministry intends to import have not yet been determined.

After nearly four years of strict limitations on lending to non-Kuwaitis, major banks in Kuwait have begun to adjust their approach, signaling a shift in policy aimed at stimulating credit growth amidst a slowdown in individual financing since 2023.

Al-Rai learned from banking sources that major institutions have communicated internally about lifting restrictions on financing for residents, a move that was imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this shift is not without constraints. Sources reported that the new lending trend is more selective, with stringent criteria including a minimum ten-year end-of-service bonus and employment with a reputable, financially stable company.

Under the latest guidelines, non-Kuwaiti government employees earning salaries starting at 250 dinars are eligible for loans, while those in the private sector must earn a minimum of 500 dinars. Additional benefits, such as expanded end-of-service rewards, are also required, with banking institutions wary of default risks across all scenarios.

Eligible professions for borrowing include traditional roles like judges, doctors, engineers, and teachers, as well as newer categories such as cooperative society employees, construction supervisors, journalists, and technicians, among others.

Customers meeting the criteria are entitled to financing with an additional margin above the value of the reward, varying based on job stability and grade. However, loans are capped at 25,000 dinars, in line with Central Bank regulations. Installment limits are determined by solvency, including salary, end-of-service benefits, and existing deposits.

This shift in banking policy signals increased competition in the sector, as major banks vie for non-Kuwaiti customers, previously served primarily by medium and small banks. The move reflects a broader strategy to attract creditworthy borrowers amid a challenging economic landscape.

While banks maintain a conservative approach to lending, citing risk management concerns, the decision to ease restrictions underscores a need to balance prudence with growth aspirations. Banks remain cautious in financing government jobs subject to Kuwaitization initiatives, with certain roles excluded from lending eligibility.

The evolving landscape of lending to expatriates reflects a strategic response to market dynamics, as Kuwaiti banks navigate regulatory requirements and competitive pressures to drive sustainable growth in the banking sector.

A Gulf-bound plane, en route to Europe, was compelled to make an emergency landing at Kuwait Airport following a tragic incident involving the demise of a passenger. Sources confirm that the aircraft diverted its course to Kuwait Airport due to a critical medical emergency concerning one of its passengers. Upon touchdown, medical personnel swiftly attended to the individual, ultimately confirming the unfortunate passing of the passenger, identified as a Filipino national.

In response, Kuwaiti authorities swiftly intervened, taking custody of the deceased and initiating necessary procedures. The case was duly registered, and investigative measures were promptly set in motion, culminating in the referral of the body to the forensic department for further examination.

Following the completion of requisite procedures, the flight was able to resume its journey, albeit after a somber delay prompted by the unforeseen circumstances.

The Public Authority for Civil Information has called on approximately 5,500 individuals to update their residential addresses by providing supporting documents within 30 days, starting from Sunday, May 26.

The Authority announced the cancellation of residential addresses for 5,501 people due to either homeowner's approval or demolition of the building. These individuals are required to register their new addresses within the 30-day period or face penalties under Article 33 of Law No. 32 of 1982, which stipulates a fine of up to 100 dinars per person.

Director General Mansour Al-Mizan explained that changing a residential address invalidates the civil card. Affected individuals must visit the Authority’s headquarters or branches to update their card data by presenting a rental contract, rent receipt, and a statement from the homeowner verifying the data. If the cardholder owns the property, they must bring the new property document.

Al-Mizan noted that this process can also be completed via the Sahel application, eliminating the need for an in-person visit. If the Authority discovers an address deletion, a text message alert is sent through (Sahel). If the individual does not respond, their civil card will be suspended and canceled from the Kuwait Mobile ID application, though the data will remain on the Sahel app. Additionally, their name will be published in the Govt Official Gazette (Kuwait Eliom), and failure to comply will result in judicial referral.

Al-Muthen urged government and private agencies to verify the validity of civil cards and not rely solely on the card’s optical image for transactions or contracts without confirming its status in (Sahl) or (Kuwait Mobile ID).

The Interior Ministry intends to impose harsher penalties on anyone who violates traffic regulations in a bid to enhance road safety and control reckless driving, says a reliable source from the government.

According to the source, the proposed amendments to the Traffic Law that will be approved soon include the following: 

One to three years' imprisonment or a fine ranging from KD 1,000 to KD 3,000 for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Three months in jail or a KD 300 fine for using a mobile phone while driving. – Three months' imprisonment or a fine of KD 500 maximum for driving beyond the speed limit.

Two months jail time or a fine of KD 200 maximum for violating the tinted windows regulation.

The new law also addresses other reckless driving habits as follows:

KD 75 fine for leaving children or pets unattended in a car or allowing them to protrude from windows. – Fine ranging from KD 100 to KD 200 for allowing children under 10 years old to sit in the front seat or not using the child seat at the back seat.

Fine ranging from KD 250 to KD 500 for failure to give way too emergency vehicles like fire trucks, ambulances and police cars. –

Imprisonment for three months or a fine ranging from KD 200 to KD 500 for beating the red light.

The source affirmed that these strict penalties aim to deter precarious behavior on the roads and to raise public awareness of the importance of adopting safer driving habits.

In a move aimed at expanding specialized healthcare services and enhancing accessibility to integrated health facilities, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health, has issued a ministerial decision mandating the establishment of a neurosurgery department at Jaber Hospital.

Under the same initiative, another decision has been issued appointing Dr. Tariq Al-Sheikh as the head of this newly established department, with both decisions set to take effect immediately.

The ministerial decree by the Minister of Health reflects the Ministry’s commitment to its strategic plans aimed at bolstering healthcare provisions across the country. These plans prioritize the delivery of high-quality healthcare services in all governorates, considering population distribution, geographical coverage, and the need for streamlined access to medical services, thereby reducing wait times and ensuring prompt appointment scheduling.

The Ministry of Interior has announced that it will not allow those who violated the Residency Law to leave the country or legalize their status after June 17 — the humanitarian deadline it set for violators to leave or amend their status without paying fines. Security sources confirmed to the daily that the ministry will intensify its campaign against the Residency Law violators once the deadline ends, indicating it will pursue those who violated the law and then deport them.

Sources pointed out that violators can amend their status through legal frameworks within the abovementioned deadline in order to avoid being pursued by security personnel. Sources also warned that those who will be deported during the intensified inspection campaign can no longer return to the country. Last year, the ministry arrested and deported about 40,000 Residency Law violators; and the number of violators before the amnesty was estimated at about 120,000, sources added.

Rashid Al-Owaihan, the Controller of Trademarks and Patents at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the detrimental effects of trademark imitation, citing its role in deceiving consumers and perpetuating commercial fraud through the sale of poor-quality, counterfeit, and non-original goods, reports Al-Jarida daily. This not only harms consumers but also inflicts financial losses on original brand owners and companies.

Al-Owaihan underscored the pivotal role of trademarks in fostering competition and sustaining the commercial sector. Protecting trademark owners is essential for facilitating advertising and familiarizing the public with their products, he explained, stressing the importance of trademark registration. Al-Owaihan outlined the ministry’s proactive approach to combating trademark imitation, including conducting inspection campaigns to identify and penalize offenders.

According to the law, imitation of trademarks can result in imprisonment for one month to three years or financial penalties to compensate for damages incurred. Regarding the ministry’s plans for enhancing its operations, Al-Owaihan revealed ongoing efforts to strengthen the monitoring and protection of industrial intellectual property. This includes the development of a comprehensive violations system to electronically track and prosecute offenders, ensuring strict adherence to legal provisions. By implementing robust measures to safeguard trademarks and patents, the ministry aims to uphold consumer trust, promote fair competition, and safeguard the interests of original brand owners and businesses in Kuwait’s market.

A recent report by Astute Analytica predicts phenomenal growth for the electric vehicle (EV) market in Kuwait, forecasting a market value of $1.12 billion by 2032, up from $51.2 million in 2023. This represents a staggering compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 42% over the next eight years.

The anticipated surge in EV adoption in Kuwait is attributed to several key factors:

The government’s active promotion of sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation is fostering a supportive environment for EV adoption.

Growing awareness among consumers about the environmental benefits of EVs is driving demand for these eco-conscious vehicles.

Continuous advancements in EV technology are making them more affordable, accessible, and attractive to a wider range of consumers.

Infrastructure investments

Kuwait’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing renewable energy sources is evident in its significant investments in EV infrastructure. The development of charging stations across the country and incentives for EV purchases are crucial elements of Kuwait’s strategic commitment to decarbonization.

In addition to government support, the Kuwaiti EV market is witnessing a surge in partnerships between local and global automakers. These collaborations aim to strengthen the EV ecosystem, encompassing manufacturing, distribution, and after-sales services, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable growth model for the country’s EV sector.

Supportive factors

Market analysts highlight that the growing diversity of EV models, advancements in battery technology, and the overall shift towards more sustainable practices in Kuwait will continue to propel the EV market forward. They note that the Kuwaiti population, particularly younger and environmentally conscious segments, is increasingly favoring EVs over traditional fuel-powered vehicles.

A transforming auto industry

The anticipated growth of the EV market in Kuwait signifies a significant transformation in the automotive sector. This shift not only underscores the potential for economic diversification but also positions Kuwait as a frontrunner in the transition towards sustainable transportation.

While the Civil Service Commission recently acknowledged that the shift allowance related to the nature of the work “is not considered part of the salary, like other allowances such as the social allowance, specialization allowance, etc.,” loan officers in local banks opened an extensive discussion on this matter.

They concluded that compliance must be made when granting loans based on the client’s net salary, excluding any financial allowances he receives unless they are included in his net salary, even if they are listed on his salary certificate.

The sources indicated that banks were providing loans to Kuwaiti government employees based on their total salary, which includes all continuous and intermittent allowances they receive, such as nightlife allowance, food allowance, and value allowance.

In essence, this procedure means that the loan value will be calculated based on the net salary, without including irregular allowances, especially those that the employee does not receive during leave as they are related to actual working hours.

The sources indicated that the bureau recently decided to separate the allowances from the components of the net salary. This means, in banking terms, the value of the loan granted to the employee will decrease in the future by the equivalent amount of the net income, even if the total income remains unchanged.

Sources indicated that, following the Civil Service Commission procedure, the net salary of some employees in bank accounts will decrease by 10 to 20 percent, especially those with shift allowances, nighttime bonuses, food allowances, and other interrupted and unrelated bonuses. This reduction occurs because employees are not entitled to these allowances during vacations.

The sources pointed out that the bureau considered the continued disbursement of shift allowance related to the nature of work in line with the categories mentioned in the Civil Service Commission’s decision and its amendments regarding compensation for overtime assignment and the shift system.

This decision allowed the entity to specify numbers of employees to complete work and continue public services for citizens around the clock. Accordingly, bank officials will deduct these allowances from employee’s total salary, based on which the value of the loan is estimated.

Certainly, the banking discussion raised questions about how banks will handle employees who borrowed before the decision of the bureau to separate salary components. Specifically, those exposed to the scenario of having the regulatory-deducted deduction rate increase to a maximum of 40 percent of their salary after their net salary decreased.

Additionally, sources confirmed that there will be no change from the banks in dealing with existing borrowers. Their monthly deductions are scheduled to continue without any increase, while the net salary mechanism is expected to be applied to new borrowers.

Sources reported that banks are continuing to target newly appointed Kuwaiti employees or candidates for appointment with financing packages and distinctive offers. This effort aims to stimulate credit movement, which has faced widespread slowdown for a long time, resulting in a decline in credit growth rates to tangible levels.

Sources stated that new employees have become a major target for banks looking to expand their customer base. This trend is due to the growing slowdown in movement among individuals and companies, driven by the decline in the business environment in recent periods and the rise in interest rates to historical levels. Borrowing has become very expensive and selective based on the necessary need.

Sources stated that new employees have become a major target for banks looking to expand their customer base. This trend is due to the growing slowdown in movement among individuals and companies, driven by the decline in the business environment in recent periods and the rise in interest rates to historical levels. Borrowing has become very expensive and selective based on the necessary need.

On the other hand, the General Insurance Corporation has renewed its calls for all banks to provide special banking offers for retirees, including lending and attracting deposits. It noted that there is widespread interest among many credit policy officials in local banks in this segment, to the extent that they are willing to provide special financing offers for retirees. This is accompanied by the provision of several fee-free services and the possibility of granting retirees specific loans with zero interest up to 25 thousand dinars.

Central Bank of Kuwait allocates KD 240 million bonds and Tawarruq at 4.375% return

The Central Bank of Kuwait announced that it allocated the latest issuance of bonds and Tawarruq with a total value of KD 240 million for a period of three months, offering a return rate of 4.375 percent.

The Ministry of Interior has launched an awareness campaign entitled, “You Can Leave the Country or Amend Your Legal Status,” for all those who violate the Residency Law. The ministry advised violators to visit the Residency Affairs Department in their respective areas to complete the necessary procedures to leave the country or legalize their status.

Last March, the ministry started implementing amnesty to allow those who violated the above-mentioned laws to leave the country without paying fines or legalize their status upon payment of fines. It has been reported that the number of violators was estimated at 120,000 before the implementation of amnesty and a large number of these violators have benefited from the humanitarian gesture since March.

According to government data released on Sunday, Kuwait’s annual inflation rate increased to 3.17% in April, up from 3.02% in March. The Central Administration of Statistics reported on its website that several sectors contributed to this rise.

The food and non-alcoholic beverages category saw a significant increase of 5.79%, while the prices of cigarettes and tobacco edged up by 0.22%. Clothing and footwear prices also experienced a notable rise of 5.95%, and the housing services group increased by 1.41%.

Inflation, defined by the rise in prices of goods and services, can be categorized into four main types based on the speed of price increases. Additionally, there are specific forms such as asset inflation and wage inflation. Economists often classify demand-pull inflation and cost-push inflation as separate categories, alongside inflation driven by an increase in the money supply.

Despite the reported figures, some experts argue that the inflation index in Kuwait does not fully capture the true extent of inflation in the country.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the new Coronavirus variant ‘FLiRT’ as the most contagious and dangerous in the world, especially with the expected rise in air temperature this year. In an exclusive statement to the daily, Internal Diseases and Epidemiology Consultant at Adan Hospital Dr. Ghanem Al-Hujailan clarified that the entry of ‘FLiRT’ into the country is inevitable, coinciding with the return of students from abroad and the start of the travel and summer season. He said it is expected to appear in Kuwait in the middle of June.

Al-Hujailan pointed out this variant is way different from Omicron, because it is more contagious and resistant to vaccination as a result of numerous mutations in its genetic chain. He said the antibodies formed through repeated infections made it more resistant to vaccination, so it is considered one of the most evasive variants. He confirmed there is no danger at present, so there is no reason for fear and anxiety and it is not necessary to take additional preventive measures; because ‘FLiRT’ is like the rest of the Corona variants and the same mechanism will be used to deal with it. He added the symptoms of infection are the same as those of previous variants — high fever, congestion in the upper part of the respiratory system and other known influenza symptoms; but it is more contagious and resistant to vaccination, which means those who have been vaccinated are also at risk of infection.