Kuwait’s Cabinet issued a statement regarding a decree pardoning the freedom-restricting penalty imposed on a number of individuals in a court ruling. In its statement, the cabinet outlined the “belief of the political leadership… (in) national reconciliation that brings good to the people of this nation,” labeling the decision “the opening of a bright new page.”

The move is aimed at “stability,” the document mentioned, highlighting that “Kuwait is more important through its children.” “This step will create an atmosphere for fruitful cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities in accordance with the constitutional foundations and remove all obstacles that would hinder development and achievement,” it said.

The ministers also praised “the father of all,” His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for his “noble Amiri initiative” to pardon the individuals. “This honorable Amiri pardon was issued by the pure will, firm determination and sincere desire of His Highness the Amir,” added the cabinet

A maximum interest rate of 6.5 percent annually should not be exceeded on consumer loans and housing installment loans in Kuwait, according to the Central Bank of Kuwait (3.5 percent discount rate, plus a margin of 3.0 percent under the current interest rate structure), reports Al-Qabas daily. As evidenced by surveys conducted by the Central Bank of Kuwait on interest rates applied continuously, the Central Bank stated in response to a question from MP Osama Al-Zaid that this borrowing cost is lower than that of major world countries and countries in the region.

 The Central Bank explained in its statement that the interest rate structure at the level of local bank loan and deposit portfolios, as well as the intervention of the Central Bank of Kuwait, determines the maximum interest rate on loans. Banks are bound to these maximum interest rates without having to have minimum or maximum interest rates on customer deposits in return.

Additionally, if the discount rate increases, banks can increase interest rates on loans within the maximum limits, while the interest rate on deposits may not always increase, which the Central Bank of Kuwait does within the framework of monetary policy operations, by interfering in a way that ensures consistency in the work of the interest rate structure to ensure that dinar deposits are attractive and competitive.

The Council of Ministers approved holidays of Isra and Miraj and the National Day for Isra and Miraj: on 19th Feb, work will resume on the 20th of Feb while National and Liberation Day: from the 25th to the 27th, and work will resume on the 28th of February

The Kuwaiti Cabinet studied Monday recommendation of the follow-up committee of implementing major development projects on the periodical report submitted by the Ministry of Public Works regarding Kuwait International Airport Terminal 2. This came during the Cabinet’s weekly session, headed by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at Sief Palace, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Barrak Al-Shaitan said after the meeting.

The Cabinet decided to task the Ministry of Public Works and the Central Agency for Public Tenders with taking necessary steps to cut red tapes, Al-Shaitan noted. The Cabinet then discussed National Assembly affairs and was briefed on the Speaker’s letter submitted on January 10 by MP Mubarak Al-Hajraf concerning the grilling motion against Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Abdulwahab Al-Rushaid.

The motion will be listed on the next parliament session’s agenda in line with the Article 135 of the bylaw. The Cabinet expressed reassurance about the minister’s responses, stressing that interpellation is a constitutional right for MPs.

On Arab and international political affairs, the Cabinet expressed Kuwait’s strong condemnation of the terrorist attack that took place near Afghanistan Foreign Ministry headquarters and resulted in casualties and injuries. The Cabinet stressed Kuwait’s principled and firm position of rejecting all kinds of violence and terrorism, affirming standing with the Afghan people, offering sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims, and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. The Cabinet further voiced Kuwait’s sympathy and solidarity with Nepal over a passenger plane crash in Pokhara, offering condolences to its leadership, government, people and relatives of the victims

In a step that is considered a gateway to improving the public transport environment in Kuwait, Hawally Governorate has inaugurated a model bus stop for public transport bus passengers, which is the first of its kind, as it contains an air conditioning unit, outlets for charging mobile phones, and surveillance cameras around the clock, reports Al-Qabas daily.

This bus stop, which will be a precursor to 15 other stations in the Capital Governorate, is characterized by its innovative design, as it meets the needs and requirements of passengers, with a modern concept, and is in line with international standards. In a press statement, the Hawally Governor Ali Al-Asfar said, “The aim of the project is to eliminate congestion by 80 percent if it is circulated to the rest of the governorate.” He called for the contribution of private companies to develop means of transportation and bus stops.

Regarding the costs of establishing the bus stop, Al-Asfar said, “The governorate was the one that undertook its construction, and the cost amounted to KD 5,000.” He went on to say, “The governorate was keen for the maintenance period to be ten years in order to ensure the quality of service. What we lack is for some state agencies to help us deliver electricity so that we can implement the project in crowded areas within four months.

The bus stop contains automated doors and air conditioning units to provide comfort for passengers and to protect them from humidity and hot weather. There are also CCTV cameras installed to maintain security therein.”

On January 8, Imad Al-Jalawi, Deputy Director General for Air Navigation Services, wrote to the Director General of the General Administration of Civil Aviation to inquire about the expiration of Kuwait International Airport's license certificate on December 31, 2022, and was informed that the renewal took place on time on January 1 for two years.

Al-Qabas daily reports that the deputy director had no news about the renewal, which prompted him to write in his official letter.

It was alleged that the airport operated without a license for several days after its license certificate expired on December 31, 2022, and it was not renewed before it expired.

Several sources told the daily that the airport's operation following the expiration of its license could lead to problems with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in addition to fears that some major airlines will not fly to Kuwait.

The letter sent by the Deputy Director General for Air Navigation Services, Imad Al-Jalawi, to the Director General of the General Administration of Civil Aviation, stated, “We inform you that the Kuwait International Airport license certificate expired on Dec 31, 2022, and the Air Navigation Department addressed the Aviation Safety Department on Dec 15, 2022 in the same regard, and the statement of the Safety Department said the certificate had not yet been signed; therefore, “please kindly instruct those who are required to approve the new certificate, as one of the airlines has contacted the air control officials to inquire about the validity of the airport certificate, due to its importance to the authorities of the state licensing airlines.”

Rainy weather is expected to start gradually Monday evening until Tuesday afternoon across the country, said Kuwait Meteorology Center on Sunday. The presence of a deep low pressure in the atmosphere mixed with high surface humidity creates the perfect conditions for low and mid-level clouds formation, as well as thunderstorms, indicated meteorologist Abdulaziz Al-Qarawi.

Light to moderate rainfall is expected with the possibility of some heavy downpours over the southern part of the country. High wind and low visibility make for bad sea condition as waves expected to reach up to six feet. Al-Qarawi said conditions will improve as a cold weather front is expected to arrive later on Tuesday bringing dry cold conditions.

The Ministry of Interior on Sunday cautioned the public to be cautious of the turbulent weather with forecast rainfalls in some regions. The ministry in a statement urged people in difficulty to call 112 for emergency aid. Kuwait since the dawn has witnessed sporadic rainfalls amid low visibility, particularly sensed by motorists. (KUNA)

The COVID-19 situation in Kuwait is stable and under control, said Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi on Sunday. This came on the sideline of the 13th conference for the Islamic Organization for Medical Sciences. Dr. Al-Awadhi affirmed that the ministry gathered daily random samples to make sure that the situation was monitored. The three-day conference is focusing on sexually transmitted disease and the Islamic answer to this problem. Treatments and means of prevention would be discussed during the course of the event.

The World Health Organization, meanwhile, appealed to China to keep releasing information about its wave of COVID-19 infections after the government announced nearly 60,000 deaths since early December following weeks of complaints it was failing to tell the world what was happening.

The announcement Saturday was the first official death toll since the ruling Communist Party abruptly dropped antivirus restrictions in December despite a surge in infections that fl ooded hospitals. That left the WHO and other governments appealing for information, while the United States, South Korea and others imposed controls on visitors from China. The government said 5,503 people died of respiratory failure caused by COVID-19 and there were 54,435 fatalities from cancer, heart disease and other ailments combined with COVID-19 between Dec. 8 and Jan. 12.

The announcement “allows for a better understanding of the epidemiological situation,” said a WHO statement. It said the WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, talked by phone with Health Minister Ma Xiaowei. “WHO requested that this type of detailed information continued to be shared with us and the public,” the agency said. The National Health Commission said only deaths in hospitals were counted, which means anyone who died at home wouldn’t be included.

It gave no indication when or whether it might release updated numbers. A health official said the “national emergency peak has passed” based on an 83% decline in the daily number of people going to fever clinics from a Dec. 23 high. The report would more than double China’s official COVID-19 death toll to 10,775 since the disease was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019. China has counted only deaths from pneumonia or respiratory failure in its official toll, which excludes many fatalities that might be attributed to the virus in other countries. Meanwhile, high-speed train service resumed Sunday between China’s mainland and Hong Kong under restrictions that allow 5,000 passengers from each side to make the trip daily and require a negative virus test within the previous 48 hours.

The two sides are reopening travel links that were suspended under Beijing’s “zero-COVID” strategy, which aimed to keep the virus out of China. Hong Kong imposed different but similarly severe restrictions that blocked most international travel. Candice Zhong, a resident of the neighboring mainland city of Shenzhen who arrived in Hong Kong, said she planned to visit the city’s two major theme parks. “I want to come to Hong Kong to see what it’s like now,” Zhong said at the Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway terminal. “I will go to Disneyland and Ocean Park.”

The residence affairs sector of the Ministry of Interior has no intention of extending the campaign to join a family and those who have been outside the country for more than 6 months, indicating that all campaigns under Article 22 “joining a family” for students, wives and others must happen before January 31, 2023.

The source told the Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Residency Affairs, Fawaz Al-Masha’an, has ordered the automatic cancellation of the residence permit of all expatriates who have been outside the country for 6 months at the end of this month, saying their residence permits will be automatically cancelled and they will not be entitled to re-enter except with completely new procedures and approvals.

The source added, the situation that the whole world faced during the Corona pandemic necessitated the Ministry of Interior to take humanitarian decisions, including renewing residence permits without the person coming to the country within 6 months, as well as renewing their residence while they are outside the country, and by the end of this month, all these privileges will end.

The Ministry of Interior had announced that the Nationality and Residence Affairs Sector would begin the electronic cancellation of the residency of workers, Article 17 (government sector), Article 19 (partner in the private sector), Article 22 (joining a family), Article 23 (student), and Article 24 (self sponsor), who have been outside the country for a long time (more than 6 months).

The Google Chrome browser and other browsers based on the Chromium project have been found to have serious security vulnerabilities, affecting about 2.5 billion users worldwide.

Researchers at Imperva said that the vulnerability is serious because it allows hackers to steal sensitive files such as cryptocurrency wallet contents and login credentials, reports Al-Rai daily.

The researchers discovered a flaw in the way Chrome and Chromium-based browsers (the open source web browser project) handle symbolic links.

Researchers explain that "Symlinks" are files that point to other files or directories in operating systems, and allow these files or directories to be treated as if they were in the same location as the original files.

"These (symbolic links) can be useful for creating shortcuts, redirecting file paths, or organizing files in a more flexible manner," according to the researchers. But if these files are not handled properly, they can become a vulnerability for hackers.

Researchers described a possible attack scenario in which a hacker creates a fake cryptocurrency wallet and website asking users to download its recovery keys.

If the user downloads these files, they may contain symbolic links to sensitive files on the user's computer, and the browser's failure to handle these files may result in the theft of cryptocurrency wallets and credentials.

The worst part, according to the researchers, is that the victim will be completely unaware that their sensitive data has been compromised, especially since many cryptocurrency wallets and other online services require users to download recovery keys to access their accounts.

The attacker would exploit this common practice by sending the user a zip file containing a symbolic link, instead of the actual recovery keys, according to the researchers.

The security vulnerability is currently being tracked and addressed by Google with version 108 of the Chrome browser.

Prior to downloading any recovery keys, users should install the latest version of the browser and browsers based on the Chromium project.

Since the LNG terminal in the Al-Zour region began operating in early July 2021, Kuwait has become the largest and most important market for importing natural gas in the Middle East and North Africa region. According to a report issued by the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), the terminal has an estimated design capacity of 22 million tons per year.

According to the report, Kuwait imported about 2 million tons of natural gas during the second quarter of 2022 and about 1.9 million tons in the third quarter, making the total amount imported by Kuwait through Al-Zour port during the first nine months of 2022 about 4.8 million tons, which is a new record for Kuwait — total imports of liquefied natural gas by the end of 2022.

The report pointed out that the majority of Kuwait’s imports of natural gas came from three main destinations:

- Qatar accounts for 45%

- Nigeria 24%.

- The United States of America 11%

Kuwaiti roads have recently been equipped with smart traffic cameras to improve safety for motorists, according to a ministry official.

According to Lieutenant General Tawheed Al-Kandari, Director General of Relations and Security Information, these high-sensitivity cameras can detect drivers using mobile phones while driving, a major cause of accidents, as well as speeding and violating light signs. Unhallowed turns are also caught on the new cameras.

Lieut. Gen. Al-Kandari affirmed that application of the state-of-art cameras would help in decreasing accidents that inflict losses in materials and souls.

Dr. Badr Al-Rajhi, a law professor at Kuwait University, said they would be quite useful in deterring violators and reducing accident fatalities.

In spite of this, he believes that adherence to the law is the "guarantee for our traffic security and safety on the roads." He also agrees that using a mobile phone while driving is a primary cause of accidents, advising both drivers and riders to buckle up.

According to his peer at the Faculty of Law, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Enezi, motorists must adhere to ethics and a sense of responsibility toward people's safety rather than simply paying tickets.

Nonetheless, this type of camera will be useful for enhancing traffic safety and instilling a sense of fear among drivers.

Recently, the MoI announced the installation of 6-generation cameras on roads and at some public locations to monitor illegal use of mobile devices while driving, failure to wear a seat belt, illegal turns or driving backwards.

According to MOI statistics, there were 3.4 million traffic violations between January 1 and November 30 of 2022. One hundred and seventy lives were lost in accidents, with lack of focus among drivers being the primary factor.

According to Al-Qabas daily, Kuwait University Council has agreed to stop Kuwaitization for four years. In a letter sent to the deputy directors and assistant secretaries of Kuwait University, written by Dr. Suad Al-Fadhli and Dr. Fayez Al-Dhafiri, of which the daily has obtained a copy, the University Council has decided to retain the administrative and technical staff at Kuwait University whose expertise is currently needed.

In a statement released on December 29, the Pacific regional president of the Canadian Association of Correctional Officers reported that Canadian authorities caught a pigeon carrying methamphetamine in its backpack attached to it in the yard of Pacific Correctional Institution in British Columbia.

As a correctional officer, I hear for the first time in 13 years about the use of birds, reports a local Arabic daily quoting foreign sources, that prison officers have been searching for drones carrying drugs and contraband.

He added, “The use of the pigeon raised difficulties in the investigation compared to drones, because the accuracy of drones allowed the identification of the intended recipient of the smuggled goods,” in response to the fact that “criminals' creativity in drug smuggling should be a source of concern for all of us.”

Pacific Institute assistant warden Davinder Ogla confirmed a "recent interception of contraband" at the facility was under investigation.

The Ministry of Social Affairs signed a contract to establish the ‘National Day Kashta’ entertainment project. A group of Kuwaiti young volunteers presented the idea of the project to Social Affairs Minister Mai Al-Baghli.

The idea includes establishing a national entertainment project inspired by the Kuwaiti heritage with a desert theme. Minister Baghli adopted the idea and coordinated with Chairman of the Kuwait Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies Ali Al-Fahad to implement it. The project will be held for a five-week period starting in February. Special areas will be allocated for producing families and farmers to support local products.

The Ministry of Education intends to terminate the services of 1,875 expatriate teachers at the end of the current academic year 2022/2023, under the directives of the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Hamad Al-Adwani, within the plan of Kuwaitization of educational jobs, reports Aljarida daily. The Kuwaitization plan prepared by the Public Education Sector revealed that the concerned authorities finished preparing the Kuwaitization statistics in specializations in which there are suitable numbers of Kuwaiti teachers. The plan and replacement rates were prepared according to the numbers in each educational zone and in each educational stage separately.

The plan relies on applying the principle of proportionality in implementing the replacement of expatriate teachers, and appointing citizens in specializations in which the national element is available. According to the statistics, the services of all expatriate teachers will be terminated in specializations in which 25 percent or less of expatriates are available and they can be replaced by the national element to provide the appropriate numbers, in addition to the expected graduates from teaching colleges. The specializations in which more than 25 percent of the expatriate teachers are available, the replacement plan will be implemented in stages, reaching 100 percent after several years, bearing in mind that the continuation of the replacement plan at this pace will be bindingly linked to the rate of hiring Kuwaitis.

With regard to the Kuwaitization of educational supervisory positions (department heads), the majors that could be qualified were determined based on the numbers of Kuwaiti candidates on the waiting lists, and an estimate of the numbers to which the conditions for candidacy were applied in the current academic year. The majors that were excluded have no candidates on waiting lists. It is not expected that there will be sufficient numbers of those who meet the candidacy requirements. The number of specializations that Kuwait will cover for female teachers is 14, including “Islamic studies” with 107 female teachers, 568 female teachers for Arabic, 284 for English, 3 for social studies, 20 for history, 80 for geography, one for psychology and sociology, one for science, 29 for biology, 18 for geology, 45 for art education, 39 for decoration, 27 for electricity and mechanics, and 92 for computer science.

Kuwaitization in male majors will include 6 majors, which are Islamic education with 262 teachers over two years, history with 43 male teachers, psychology and sociology with four teachers, electricity and mechanics with 35 teachers, and computer science with 21 teachers. Teachers for social studies will not be replaced this year to ensure the preparation of graduates in teacher preparation colleges. The plan also indicated that there are majors covered by Kuwaitization this year, and others next year. A small number of specializations have been postponed to later years until the local labor market data improves due to the small number of graduates, especially in the field of electricity and mechanics. The total number of teachers in the government education sector who will be replaced is 1,77

The Ministry of Interior began checking files of expats who are on Article 24 (Self Sponsorship) as there has been suspicions of unworthy cases, those who deserve to stay under this article sorting has begun.

There are between 9,000 to 10,000 expats who have been granted residence under Article 24. Generally self sponsorship residence is given to businessmen, partners in commercial business license and to the wife ( of husband who is serving a criminal sentence)  who is on dependent visa/family visa, and other specific cases.

Residence affairs discovered that many Article 24 visas were unlawfully acquired, they did not meet the required conditions, reports Al Rai. The Residence Affairs department developed a comprehensive plan to prohibit renewal of any Article 24 residence or granting new self sponsorship residence. The residence will be renewed or a new self sponsorship visa will be issued only through Assistant Undersecretary of Residency and Nationality Affairs Sector, Fawaz Al Mashaan. Approval will be given only to those who fulfill the conditions of the article. Those who have violated the law will be referred to the audit committee and the renewal of residence of Article 14 will be done between 10 to 3 weeks.

 Meteorologist Fahd Al-Otaibi has predicted a fall in temperature at dawn Thursday to between 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in desert and agricultural areas, reports Al-Rai daily. He also said “It is on Friday, Saturday and Sunday there are chances of light, sporadic rain at intervals in some areas, before the rainy situation intensifies to reach its peak next Monday,” saying it will be similar to what the country experienced a couple of days ago.

Kuwait witnessed hailstorm at Umm Al-Haiman, south of Kuwait City during rain a few days back

Al-Otaibi explained that “the amount of rain expected to fall next Monday until Tuesday morning will be medium to heavy,” pointing to Abdali which recorded 51 mm, while the Meteorology Department recorded 47 mm.

According to official data about the labor market as of the end of September 2022, the Kuwait labor market received about 212,250 citizens and residents during the first nine months of 2022. This includes 85,900 expatriates in the public and private sectors, and 8,675 male and female citizens. This brings the total workforce in the two sectors to 1.97 million male and female workers by the end of September 2022, as compared to 1.88 million by the end of December 2021, reports Al-Anba daily. With the entry of about 117,700 new male and female domestic workers, the total number of workers in the family sector increased to 711,340 workers as of the end of September. This increases the total number of expatriates to 203,600. In this regard, the labor market data as of the end of September 2022 showed that India has returned to top the list of the highest number of workers in Kuwait, after Egypt fell to second place during the last period.

Community
The Indian community topped the list of labor distribution according to nationality in Kuwait, after it constituted about 24.1 percent of the labor force in the Kuwaiti market with 476,300 male and female workers as of the end of September, with an increase of 39,219 workers who entered the local labor market in just nine months. Their numbers at the end of December 2021 was 437,100 without counting the domestic workers. The Egyptian community retreated to the second place in the labor market, as their number reached about 467,070 male and female workers, constituting 23.6 percent of the workforce in Kuwait.

Their numbers increased by about 16,000 male and female workers, who entered the labor market in nine months. Their numbers were about 451,050 workers as of the end of December 2021. The Kuwaiti workforce remained in third place with 438,800 male and female workers, constituting 22.2 percent of the total workforce in the country, after their number increased by about 8,675 male and female citizens, compared to 430,120 citizens at the end of December 2021.

The Bangladeshi community ranked fourth after witnessing a slight increase to 158,900 male and female workers at the end of September 2022, compared to 158,700 at the end of December 2021. In fifth place is the Filipino workforce, whose numbers increased to 65,260 from 64,300 at the end of December 2021. In sixth place is the Syrian labor force, whose numbers increased to 63,680 compared to 63,360 at the end of December 2021. The increase in the number of Nepalese workers was noticeable. Their numbers increased by about 18,500 male and female workers, bringing their number to about 56,500 male and female workers by the end of September 2022, as compared to 37,900 at the end of December 2021. The number of Jordanians increased to 26,850 male and female workers, as compared to 25,500 at the end of December 2021.

Iran disappeared from the list of the top 10 nationalities present in the labor market in Kuwait, after Lebanon took its place in the tenth place with their numbers reaching 20,270, including 13,900 men and 6,300 women. Iran was ranked tenth at the end of 2021 after it recorded about 19,940 male and female workers.

In a related context, the number of domestic workers in Kuwait increased during the first nine months of 2022 by nearly 20 percent, or by 117,690. Their numbers reached about 711,340 at the end of September 2022, as compared to 593,640 at the end of December 2021.

In the list of domestic workers based on nationality, Indians top the list with the largest number of domestic workers, reaching 323,800 at the end of September after their numbers increased by 44,200 male and female domestic workers, as compared to 279,500 by the end of 2021.

The number of domestic workers of Filipino nationality increased by 49,500, reaching 184,960 by the end of September 2022, compared to 135,430 at the end of December 2021.

Sri Lankan domestic workers increased by 15,900 male and female workers, bringing their number to 80,590 at the end of September, as compared to 64,600 at the end of December 2021. The Nepalese domestic workers increased by 6,099 male and female workers, bringing their number to about 17,550 at the end of September 2022, as compared to 11,451 at the end of December 2021.

Salary
The average salary of Kuwaiti citizens increased during the first nine months of 2022 to KD 1,519, as compared to KD 1,491 at the end of 2021. The average salary of citizens in the government sector was KD 1,563 at the end of September 2022 as compared to KD 1,539 at the end of December 2021. The average salary of Kuwaitis in the private sector increased to KD 1,294 compared to KD 1,255 at the end of 2021.
The average salary of expatriates increased during the first nine months of 2022 to KD 340 from KD 338 at the end of 2021. The average salary of an expatriate in the government sector was about KD 744 at the end of September 2022, as compared to KD 738 at the end of December 2021. The average salary of expatriates in the private sector increased to KD 319 from KD 317 at the end of December 2021.