The Ministry of Interior announced ban on use of drone cameras along the Arabian Gulf Street, including Kuwait Towers and the Green Island areas, from Monday, February 20, until March 1.

The decision to ban drone photography is a safety measure since UAV shows are planned to take place in these areas during that time, according to a press release from the Ministry’s General Directorate of Security Relations and Media.

The statement urged the public, for their safety, to abide by the decision to avoid intervention in the radio frequencies of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) participating in the shows.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Defense Undersecretary Dr. Abdullah Mishal Al- Sabah received Monday Spanish Admiral of Fleet Juan Luis Sobrino Perez, on the occasion of his official visit to Kuwait accompanied by Spanish Ambassador Miguel Aguilar.

The Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources, Eng. Mishaal Al-Quraifa, announced, Monday, the reduction of feed prices, starting from the first of next March, for all livestock breeders and producers, reports Al-Jarida daily. Al-Quraifa said in a statement to Kuwait News Agency that the new prices would contribute to the return of stability to the local livestock and meat market and motivate breeders to increase their bids in order to achieve the state’s goals in enhancing food security.

Reduction
He added that the price reduction includes both barley, hay and concentrated mixtures, and was reached with the authority’s efforts and joint coordination with the Kuwaiti Flour Mills and Bakeries Company based on the decline in the global feed stock market and the Russian-Ukrainian war, which severely affected the global grain and food market.

He thanked the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company for their fruitful cooperation with the authority and for responding to the demands raised by it on behalf of the producers and breeders of livestock, wishing the continuation of the new prices because of the common interest that benefits both educators and consumers in general. He explained that the new feed prices will be implemented as of next March, as barley will be sold at 4 dinars, down from 4.250 dinars, straw from 4.950 to 4 dinars, mixtures and concentrates from 3.550 to 3.100 dinars, and center from 3.600 to 3.150.

Informed sources in the Ministry of Electricity and Water reassured about the coming summer, stressing that according to the data of the current situation and the expected consumption, the coming summer is safe, as the ministry has a production capacity exceeding 18,000 megawatts, while studies indicate that the maximum expected consumption will be around 17,000 megawatts, reports Al-Qabas daily. The sources indicated that the ministry is currently pushing for the implementation of many energy production and water desalination projects during the coming period to secure the needs in the coming years, in light of the increasing demand for electricity and water.

The sources indicated that the ministry’s officials held a meeting last week with the special advisor in charge of studying summer loads, who in turn presented a report on the upcoming summer loads, including many important short-term and long-term recommendations for the ministry to implement in order to avoid any interruptions. The sources confirmed that the ministry is working to implement all the recommendations, and work is underway to follow up the report and implement its contents, noting that the short recommendations in the report included the need to ensure the safety of the lines, and the work of the alternative lines of electricity, so that the supply is secured through the alternative lines if the main line is exposed.

For any sudden breakdown, in addition to ensuring the dissemination of the culture of rationalization within the community, and the dissemination of the culture of energy efficiency by using the devices provided, especially air conditioners.

An Indian lady identified as Akila Karthi committed suicide in Fahaheel after killing her two kids yesterday, 19th February 2023. She hails from Tamil Nadu and was living with her husband and 2 Kids, son 10 years old and daughter 12 Years old studying in Indian Schools in Kuwait .

She was under treatment for depression. She suffocated and killed her two children before jumping off from the sixth floor in Fahaheel.

This happened when her husband was not at home and gone for work. When the incident was informed to her husband, he tried contacting his daughter. The police had to break open the door, as it was locked from inside and nobody was responding. Police found both children lying dead inside the house.

Akila Karthi and her husband both are engineers and she is an active member of Tamil Association Kuwait.

The Indian community in Kuwait is in mourning following the tragic news , The incident has left the community in shock, and many are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, The incident has sent shockwaves through the Indian community in Kuwait, with many expressing their grief and condolences to the bereaved family.

The incident has raised concerns about the mental health of expatriate women in Kuwait, who may face various challenges such as cultural differences, language barriers, and isolation from their families and friends back home. It is important for the community to provide support and resources for those who may be struggling with mental health issues and to raise awareness about the importance of seeking help when needed.

In recent years, there have been increased efforts to raise awareness about mental health issues and provide support to those in need. The Indian embassy in Kuwait and various community organizations have launched initiatives and programs to provide support and resources for those struggling with mental health issues.

The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues in the expatriate community in Kuwait and the need for greater support and resources for those who may be struggling. It is important for individuals to seek help and support when dealing with mental health issues and for the community to provide a safe and supportive environment for those who may be struggling.

The Indian community in Kuwait is a strong and resilient one, and they will undoubtedly come together to support the bereaved family during this difficult time. The incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental health and providing support and resources for those in need. 

Today, February 20, a specific bomb threat led IndiGo flight 6E 6191 operating from Delhi to Deogarh to be diverted to Lucknow.

The aircraft was cleared for takeoff after following all necessary security protocols. The airline says it is complying with the rules of security agencies in the probe.

A Dubai-bound flight from Warsaw was diverted to Krakow last month due to a "potential security threat". FlyDubai flight FZ 1830 from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) to Dubai International (DXB) on January 22 was diverted to Krakow Airport (KRK) "as a precaution", an airline spokesperson confirmed to Khaleej Times.

Upon landing, the passengers disembarked safely.

Upon screening by the local authorities in accordance with safety and security protocols, the aircraft was deemed to be a non-credible threat, the spokesperson said.

Earlier this year, a chartered flight from Moscow to Goa was diverted to Jamnagar after a bomb threat was received in Goa.

Indian authorities announced all passengers were safe following the security threat.

According to the Jamnagar Airport Director, all 244 passengers on board the Moscow-Goa chartered flight deboarded at the airport after the aircraft landed safely at 9.49pm.

 According to health sources, preliminary estimates indicate a decrease in the rate of expatriates visiting health centers by 20 to 25 percent since the imposition of fees for dispensing medicines from December 18 at KD 5 for health centers and hospital casualty departments, and KD 10 for outpatient clinics, reports Al-Rai daily. According to informed sources, the estimates are based on a comparison between the current numbers recorded between December 19, 2022 and early February 2023, and the official statistics for the year 2020 when visits by non-Kuwaitis to casualty clinics in hospitals reached 975,553 in total.

The number of visits may decrease by about 300,000 by the end of this year.

Regarding the outpatient visits in general and specialized hospitals, the sources said, “Visits by expatriates amounted to 701,156, according to 2020 statistics. It is likely that their number will decrease by a percentage similar to the decrease in visits to casualty departments.

Outpatient clinic visits are generally lesser than visits to casualty departments. Therefore, the rate of decrease may be higher than visiting casualty departments by the end of this year.”

Regarding visits to clinics, the sources expected a decrease of 25 to 30 percent.

In a related context, the sources revealed that the fees imposed to obtain medicines led about 30 to 40 percent of the expatriates, according to preliminary estimates, to go to the private sector pharmacies to buy their prescriptions. However, about 60 percent or more expatriates still get medicines from pharmacies of government health facilities, according to the sources, because the medicines dispensed to them equal or exceed the value of the fees they pay.

Kuwaitization of information system, technology and science jobs in the Ministry of Education has reached 100 percent; while the number of expatriates in all job categories who were terminated from Jan 1, 2017 till date totaled 2,048, reports Al-Seyassah daily quoting sources from the educational sector. On the other hand, sources said the ministry has recruited 629 employees since the issuance of Resolution 11 of 2017 on the rules and procedures for Kuwaitization of government jobs till date.

Meanwhile, sources affirmed that the ministry is closely monitoring the preparation of educational infrastructure in relation to the establishment of Mutlaa Residential City schools and the provision of educational services for all residents of the city upon its completion and connection of electricity.

Sources confirmed the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) has started the construction of 20 schools in this residential city — six kindergartens, three primary schools for boys and another three for girls, two intermediate schools for boys and another two for girls, and two secondary schools for boys and another two for girls.

On Sunday, the permanent committee for national celebrations announced that the celebrations of the 62nd National Day and 32nd Liberation Anniversary would include a variety of activities and be held in collaboration with public and private organizations.

The committee told Kuwait News Agency that a fireworks show would kick-start celebrations and it would be visible from Gulf Road, the Green Island, and Kuwait Towers.

The show would be accompanied by laser lighting displays, stunning visual performances and more, the committee added.

A number of exhibitions and functions would be held throughout the national festivities in commemoration of those joyful occasions, it affirmed.

The committee extended its congratulations to the country's leadership and to all people living in Kuwait.

The celebrations will take place on February 25th and 26th.

A sit-in was conducted by a number of employees from the Islamic Studies sector and Al-Sarraj Al-Munir within the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs to protest a circular which increased working hours according to a resolution issued by the Civil Service Commission.

The new working hours are expected to come into force as of Monday and stipulate that working hours should be adjusted from 7 am to 1 pm, and evening hours from 3 pm until 8 pm.

The protesters expressed their categorical rejection of those decisions that were have been issued, describing them as unreasonable.

The Minister of Justice, the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and the Minister of State for Integrity Promotion Abdulaziz Al-Majed said he was surprised by the sit-ins and listened to their demands concerning their working hours.

Al-Majed promised to find appropriate solutions to all observations in accordance with the rules and laws regulating working hours issued by the CSC. "I am ready to listen to all demands and complaints directly," he said.

The Ministry of Health has signed a contract to purchase new equipment for a number of hospitals, including Al-Adan, Al-Sabah and Jaber Al-Ahmad, reports Al- Qabas daily. The Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi, said, on the sidelines of the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Conference these devices will arrive in the country within three months, saying this is within the framework of the Ministry’s keenness to keep abreast of the latest developments in international medical technology.

Speaking of the conference, Al- Aawadhi said that it is being held after interruption due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic while at the same time expressing his pride in the presence of national cadres in various specialties, whether in the radiology and radiotherapy departments at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center and the nuclear medicine departments.

He pointed out that these three disciplines play an important and essential role in the advancement of technology with the participation of international companies, as radiation therapy systems and treatment through nuclear medicine develop, in addition to the diagnostic role and progress in the standards of accuracy in devices and related lectures. He expressed his happiness with the participation of many scientists, doctors and consultants from countries of the world to enrich the scientific discussion.

About 1,800 expatriate teachers await their fate in light of the Ministry of Education’s intention to cut down the number of expatriate teachers in some disciplines for which alternative Kuwaiti teachers are available, most notably Islamic education, social studies, computers, art education, and music, reports Al-Rai daily. According to educational sources, the Public Education Sector in the ministry has provided the Administrative Sector with a list of the teachers’ names to take the necessary measures.

 A meeting with the two sectors will be held soon to develop a mechanism to terminate the services of this large number of members of the educational staff, and to set dates for informing them of the decisions and signing the termination letters. However, the sources denied that the termination of the teachers’ services was based on instructions from the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

 They said, “About three years ago, they were included in the replacement policy, because the ministry is committed to the specified percentage of male and female teachers, as the percentage of Kuwaitis exceeds 72 percent, and the percentage of expatriates is less than 27 percent.” The sources indicated that the teachers’ services would be terminated in August due to their entitlement to summer vacation salaries, according to the educational stage and the end dates of the year according to the academic calendar.

They said this approach is based on the instructions of the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Hamad Al-Adwani regarding ending the services of expatriate teachers if national components are available. In addition, the Ministry of Education is still receiving applications from new teachers (local contracts) on its website, as well as rejecting the applications of dozens of applicants for some majors, because they are limited to children of Kuwaiti women only, according to the official website of the ministry.

In order to determine the percentage of profits from delivering civil ID card applications, which are estimated to amount to about 80 thousand cards, the Public Authority for Civil Information changed its procedures, reported Al Qabas daily, leaving it up to bidders to decide, since the contract lasts for three years, subject to renewal.

PACI will close the submission of bids for the card delivery auction on 23 February.

In addition, PACI’s specifications brochure revealed that the company that will win the award will be the one to submit the highest bid with a cut-off value of the delivery service fees, which are specified at KD 2 in favor of PACI, and the first contract specifies the percentage of commission at 650 fils for each card.

In a statement, Josep Borrell, Vice-President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to the European Union, affirmed his desire to resolve the issue of exempting Kuwaitis from Schengen visa requirements.

 Al-Qabas reports that he said this during a meeting with Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Al-Abdullah today, Friday, at the 59th Munich Security Conference.

At both official and popular levels, the Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed Kuwait's position regarding the recent decision taken by the European side regarding exempting Kuwaiti citizens from Schengen visa requirements.

Borrell expressed his understanding of this matter, expressing his eagerness and interest in closing this file, valuing in this context the close relationship established between the two.

Security challenges on the regional and international arenas were also discussed, including the Ukrainian crisis and the Middle East situation, as well as the Iranian nuclear issue.

The Ministry of Health has suspended expats medical examination center from Mishrief exhibition grounds hall no 8, Thursday was the last working day for the center.

The MOH stated that it will shift temporarily to Shuwaikh at the Expat Medical Examination Center until Rumaithiya Health Center is opened. The MOH will announce the opening date of the Expat labor health center in Rumaithiya very soon.

The Ministry of Interior announced the launch of a project to link traffic violations in Kuwait and the UAE in implementation of the decisions of the Interior ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states, reports Al-Rai daily. 

According to a statement from the Directorate General of Security Relations and Media, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior in the UAE Major General Khalifa Hareb received the Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic and Operations Affairs and the Head of the delegation of the technical team to link traffic violations Major General Jamal Al-Sayegh, on the occasion of the inauguration of the project.

Al-Sayegh affirmed that the project is a starting point for linking all other security services, which contributes to increasing efficiency of the system and security between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The statement stated that the work to complete the connection took eight months, according to the schedule of all Gulf countries, to link the traffic system in the near future, using Gulf technology that enhances cooperation and coordination between the GCC countries.

The inauguration of the project was attended by the Acting Director General of the General Department of Information Systems Colonel Osama Al-Wahib, the Director of the Technical Office in the Traffic Affairs and Operations Sector Colonel Haqouqi Khaled Al-Adwani, and from the Traffic Investigation Department Colonel Haqqi Faisal Al-Ali, Assistant Director of the Information Systems Department Colonel Bashar Al-Sayed, and from the General Administration of Ministerial Councils and Committees Lieutenant Colonel Nasser Al-Daihani.

In a bid to prevent deportees, including those involved in forgery, from returning to Kuwait, the Ministry of Interior is implementing biometric scan features, including iris, face, hand scanning and electronic signature procedures, at Kuwait International Airport and all borders soon.

 Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Acting Minister of Defense, initiated Kuwait's central biometric system's testing today. The first stage of this project will be open next month at all entry and exit ports in Kuwait.

The integrated central system for bio-metric features includes hand and palm prints, facial image, iris, and electronic signature for all individuals.

This feature will update the entry and exit procedures for travelers by matching the traveler’s vital features by checking fingerprints, face, and iris of the eye, and checking local and international prohibited lists before travel.

At the ports, vehicles will also be checked for security.

 The Ministry of Health said the crisis of shortage of some medicines which some ministry facilities complained as of late is expected to end within two months, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting health ministry sources. The sources said the ministry will complete processing between 90 and 95 percent of the observations related to the unavailability of medicines in some health centers and hospitals.

The same sources said Medical Warehouses Department has recently obtained 3 new warehouses to store large quantities of medicines and medical supplies to support the strategic stock of medicines for long periods, in anticipation of any crises or emergencies in future, similar to what happened during Covid-19 pandemic instead of waiting for the medicines to arrive from international medical firms and factories indefinitely, which may be controlled by shipping and transportation companies, in the event of closure of some factories, or even the increase in drug prices and other unknown factors.

The source explained the additional warehouses will be in the Jaber Hospital, the old Jahra Hospital and the Sabhan region, indicating that the capacity of the three warehouses is approximately 5,000 square meters, and is subject to direct supervision by warehouse officials, especially with regard to storage and methods of distributing medicines to health facilities in all regions, according to their needs. The sources stated the medicines are expected to arrive next April to ensure all medicines are available of medicines, stressing that the strategic stock of some medicines at the moment is 12 months, at a time when the Ministry continues to supply medicines for chronic diseases such as the blood pressure, diabetes and cancer medications unhindered at all government facilities.

On a related level, the sources revealed that the Ministry of Health recently provided injections for patients suffering from rare diseases, such as muscular dystrophy, at a cost of 4 million dinars, explaining that the cost of one “course” for a patient varies according to the condition and treatment protocol, and may reach 250,000 dinars for the diseased condition since the medicines is taken in stages over months. The sources indicated this disease usually begins to appear during early childhood, and if it is not properly treated, it causes a person’s inability to walk and is genetic that affects the muscles in the body.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Technical Affairs, Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Mutairi, affirmed, during the inauguration of the fifth conference for the management of medical laboratory services the day before yesterday, that laboratories are an integral part of any health system, and are directly related to the quality of health care provided to patients not only in Kuwait, but in the entire world. The most important steps to be taken in the health area include, providing new warehouses for storage of medicines, covering shortages for some treatments and increased coordination with local agents.

Kuwait Ministry of Interior announced on Thursday the trial launch of the VISA KUWAIT electronic application concerned with regulating the entry of expatriates to Kuwait. The country will check the entry features of workers and visitors, and approve entry visas electronically, quickly and accurately, before boarding the plane. The ministry said in a press statement that this comes in implementation of the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Acting Minister of Defense Sheikh Talal Khaled Al-Ahmad Al- Sabah organizing the entry of expatriates into the country and limiting the process of forgery and manipulation of the entry visas that are issued by the Ministry of the Interior.

Application
He also added that launch of the VISA KUWAIT application also aims to protect society from entry into the country of those with criminal records, those wanted by the courts, or those infected with infectious diseases. Stressing that work and coordination are currently underway with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, various airlines and Kuwaiti embassies abroad for the official launch of the application, which will not allow expatriate workers and visitors may not enter Kuwait except through it.

Ministry of Interior said that the experimental launch of the application allows airlines, expatriate workers, and workers in Kuwaiti embassies to download and use this application to ensure the validity of the application features of entry of expatriate workers.

He indicated that work is underway to add a set of services in coordination with the various ministries of the state, which aim to educate workers about labor laws, entry procedures, and many more benefits that aim to regulate demographics and develop the labor market. Meanwhile, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Acting Minister of Defense Sheikh Talal Khaled Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah inspected on Thursday the implementation of final stages of the development project and the establishment of an integrated central system for biometric features for the State of Kuwait which will be operational as a first stage next March.

Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled confirmed in a press statement to the General Department of Security Relations and Media at the Ministry of Interior that the ministry, with the support and directives of the wise leadership, is continuing to implement development and modernization plans in all sectors. He praised the efforts of the Ministry’s employees and leaders and their efforts in confronting all types of crime.

Al-Ajairi Scientific Center has announced that the first day of Shaban will be Tuesday, February 21st, and the first day of Ramadan will be Thursday, March 23rd.

The center, in a statement, said that the astronomical month of Ramadan for this year will start on Thursday, March 23rd.

The moon will be visible on Wednesday for a period of up to 52 minutes, the center said.