Notice Board

Saudi Arabia will host the World Cup in 2034

 
 

Originally, Australia was slated to host the 2034 World Cup, but Saudi Arabia appears set to fill the void after Australia revoked its bid.

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) had earlier opened the door to countries interested in hosting the 2034 World Cup. The 2034 edition of the World Cup is expected to return to Asia for the third time in its history.

Saudi Arabia officially submitted its bid for the 2034 World Cup on October 9, hoping to become the third Arab country to host after Qatar in 2022 and Morocco alongside Spain and Portugal in 2030.

Originally, Australia planned to bid for the 2034 World Cup hosting rights, but today announced its withdrawal and supported Saudi Arabia's bid.

According to the Australian Football Federation, "We wish FIFA and the rightful host of the 2034 World Cup the greatest success for the sake of the game and for all those who love it."

Australia highlighted its success in jointly hosting the Women’s World Cup with New Zealand and achieving significant profits. The focus will now shift to hosting other important football events.

The withdrawal of Australia makes Saudi Arabia a potential contender to host the 2034 World Cup, enhancing its chances of hosting the prestigious competition.

 
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The New Year's holiday may last four days

 
 
 

 The Civil Service Commission is considering announcing a public holiday for the New Year 2024. The holiday will either be one day corresponding to Monday, January 1, 2024, or extended for 4 days from Friday, December 29, 2023, until Monday, January 1, 2024, and the official working hours will resume the next day ie on Tuesday, January 2, on the basis that Sunday, December 31, is a “rest day” because it falls between two holidays — Saturday, December 30, which is a rest day, and Monday, January 1, 2024, which is an official holiday, it was decided to consider the day that falls between two days off.

The CSC pointed out that the first precedent was in 2017, when it was decided to consider Sunday, December 31, 2017, as a day of rest due to its falling between Saturday, December 30, which is a day of rest, and Monday, January 1, 2018, which was an official holiday on the occasion of New Year’s Day, reports Al-Anba daily.

The second precedent was in 2022, as it was decided to consider Thursday, May 5, 2022, as a rest day because it came between the Eid al-Fitr holiday and Friday – the official day off.

 
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The Kuwait Police now has a new dress code for winter

 
 
 

The Ministry of Interior made an announcement regarding a change in the uniform for all police personnel.

Starting from November 1, 2023, all members of the police force, including officers, non-commissioned officers, will be required to wear the black winter uniform.

This announcement has been made to ensure clarity and uniformity in the attire of all police officers during the winter season.

 
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Kuwaiti Government Lawyers Prepare for Tik Tok Ban

 
 
 

The Administrative Court has set Dec 3, 2023, to look into the lawsuit to ban the ‘Tik Tok’ application in Kuwait to allow the government lawyer to prepare the response.

According to a lawsuit filed with the Administrative Court the applicant has requested that the “Tik Tok” website and App be blocked in Kuwait, pointing out that it publishes materials that contradict the morals, customs and traditions of Kuwaiti society.

The plaintiff stated in his lawsuit that “the Telecommunications Authority law authorizes the Authority to block any electronic application that violates the state’s laws in public interest.”

The lawsuit indicates that the application broadcasts clips that violate morals, and promotes clips that encourage violence and bullying, in violation of the laws of Kuwait, most notably the Child Rights Law.

 
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Kuwait has the cheapest basic consumables in the Gulf

 
 
 

According to official statistics on the prices of basic food items in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Kuwait is considered the cheapest among the Gulf nations. This achievement has been attributed by economic sources to the successful management of the food security dossier and policies to mitigate inflation pressures, as well as monitoring market conditions. This has played a vital role in preserving the purchasing power of citizens, and has limited the impact of rising food and energy prices, thanks to the subsidy system and the non-application of value-added tax.

An official statistical report from the Technical Department of the Advisory Committee for the Supervision of Goods and Pricing, affiliated with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, compared the average prices of goods in Kuwait with those in the Gulf countries in September of the previous year. It revealed that several goods, including rice, flour, poultry, children’s dietary supplements, and canned goods, are the cheapest in the Gulf. Other food prices in Kuwait are within acceptable ranges when compared to neighboring countries.

The report also pointed out that the rising global demand and increasing shipping costs have led to an increase in the prices of basic food items. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported a 27% increase in global food prices, attributed to the rise in the prices of most grains, vegetable oils, dairy products, and sugar. Countries have also suffered from food supply shortages.

The statistics indicate that the global price increase has put further pressure on countries that rely on food imports. It is expected to lead to increased inflationary pressures on food prices, prompting the need for several recommendations, including:

  1. Providing new storage facilities to ensure the availability of goods in the country before global price hikes.
  2. Stabilizing electricity and water prices and providing benefits for state-owned cooperative societies.
  3. Halting increases in any state fees on food imports.
  4. Facilitating the provision and recruitment of professional and skilled labor in the local market.
  5. Streamlining import procedures and opening land, sea, and air ports to goods, such as opening the Al Abdali border for the import of Turkish meat.
  6. Expanding trade and investment agreements in the field of food and animal resources.
  7. Expanding foreign agricultural investment and diversifying the crops invested in.
  8. Waiving customs duties and service fees, as well as fees for the release of essential food items, for two years.
  9. Expanding the list of exempted goods from fees.
  10. Improving and expediting customs facilities.
  11. Addressing any new customs duties or taxes that could lead to local price increases, such as excise taxes.
  12. Delaying the implementation of value-added tax until global food prices stabilize.
  13. Suspending port fees on services provided to imported food shipments for two years.

Recently, several government decisions have been made to control the prices of essential goods and protect them from the effects of global inflation. One of the most prominent measures is the enhancement of strategic reserves of food items. The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mohammed Osman Al-Aiban, issued several decisions in this regard. These include the formation of a permanent committee to regulate the categories of rationed items, the establishment of strategic storage areas for creating warehouses and depots, as well as the formation of a committee to develop mechanisms for preserving food and commodity reserves. This committee’s task is to study the existing mechanisms for preserving food and commodity reserves, prepare a comprehensive plan for developing these mechanisms, and raise awareness about the need to reduce food consumption and waste.

Note: This translation and rewrite is for informational purposes and may not fully capture the nuanced cultural and contextual details of the original article.

 
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HPV vaccination is free for Kuwaitis and KD 56 for expats

 
 
 

Informed health sources revealed the launch of the national campaign for vaccination against Human papillomavirus (HPV) in preventive health centers on Monday. In an exclusive press statement, they affirmed that the Ministry of Health provides the vaccination free of charge to citizens and at about KD 56 per dose to expatriates. The sources indicated that the Ministry of Health distributed the first batch of the vaccine to all preventive health centers in the country, amounting to 900 doses for each center, which will be followed by additional doses distributed to vaccination centers, hospitals, and other relevant agencies.

They stressed the importance of vaccination against HPV to prevent cervical cancers, skin tags, tumors of the throat and mouth, and other cancerous tumors, indicating that this virus causes about 70 percent of cancers of the reproductive system and mouth. The sources explained that the Ministry of Health approved the vaccine some time ago, and during the past few hours, it distributed the first batches of the vaccine to the centers, some of which have already begun the vaccination. However, other centers had many inquiries about the categories excluded from vaccination fees, such as wives and children of citizens, Bedouns, health workers, and others.

This prompted public health officials to hold an expanded meeting yesterday in the presence of heads of preventive healthcare units to issue a detailed circular about the categories excluded from vaccination fees.

The sources went on to explain that the HPV vaccination ranges from two to three doses and targets age groups from 9 to 45 years. Groups of ages from 9 to 14 years receive two doses, with the exception of immunodeficiency patients who receive three doses, similar to the age group from 15 to 45 years.

It is worth noting that Human Papillomavirus is a common virus that can affect different parts of the body. There are more than 100 types of HPV, including the strains of HPV that cause warts on the hands, feet, and face, as well as the rectum and anus. Human papillomavirus affects the genital area and occurs as a result of a sexually transmitted infection. The infection is transmitted by touching the skin.

However, most strains of the virus are harmless, especially the type that causes genital warts. There are some more dangerous strains of HPV, which may increase the risk of cancer, especially cervical cancer, and early detection helps treat the condition better.

In most cases, HPV does not cause signs and symptoms, but some symptoms can be observed, most notably the appearance of warts in the affected area. They are swollen lumps on top of the skin and can appear a few weeks, months, or years after the infection occurs.

These warts can be caused by a virus infection, such as the various forms of the human papillomavirus, but they do not cause harm. In more serious cases, symptoms of HPV may not be noticed, but they may begin to appear as the cancer develops. Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer caused by the human papillomavirus, but there are some other types of cancer that can result from it, but they are rare, such as anal cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, penile cancer, and laryngeal cancer.

 
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The Return of a Deported Gulf National to Kuwait Raises Security Concerns Regarding Biometrics

 
 
  

The Ministry of Interior is currently investigating how an individual from an undisclosed Gulf nation, who had previously been deported after serving time in jail, managed to re-enter Kuwait despite having his biometric fingerprints registered in the system, according to a report by Al-Anba daily.

A reliable security source revealed that the suspect was arrested during a security inspection in the Nahda area and was held in custody as authorities sought to determine how he had returned to the country.

The source emphasized that when questioned about the means of his reentry, the accused was uncooperative with security personnel. This raised suspicions of potential collusion involving an employee at a landport who may have facilitated his return following his prior deportation.

 

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Cancelling Domestic Worker Residency in Kuwait Has Been Made Easier

 
 
 

Three months following a domestic worker’s departure from the country, sponsors will have the option to terminate the worker’s residency (under Article 20) using the “Sahel” application. This service in the app is scheduled to become available on November 5, 2023.

In cases where the sponsor does not initiate the cancellation process, the domestic worker’s residency will automatically be revoked after a period of 6 months from their departure.

This development comes as a result of direct directives from His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

To simplify the process for citizens, the Residency Affairs Sector has announced that, starting from November 5, 2023, individuals can either utilize the “Sahel” application or visit one of the Residency Affairs departments to request the cancellation of a domestic worker’s residency, without the previous mandatory 6-month waiting period.

 
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The Global Rule Of Law Index ranked Kuwait 52nd

 
 
 

In collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha) has included Kuwait for the first time in the World Justice Project's WJP Rule of Law Index for 2023, ranking 52nd out of 142 countries.

Kuwait scored 0.58 out of 1.00, with a score ranging from 0 to 1, where 1 signifies the strongest commitment to the rule of law.

In addition to supporting efforts to identify and prevent corruption, Nazaha also aims to assess aspects included in the index that have never been assessed in Kuwait before.

In terms of original and independent data on rule of law, this index stands as the world's most trusted source. It encompasses 142 countries and relies on more than 149,000 household surveys and 3,400 surveys conducted among legal practitioners and experts. Its aim is to gauge and compare the perception and experience of the rule of law at the national level.

In addition, the index provides up-to-date and reliable information for policymakers, civil society organizations, academics, citizens, and legal professionals. Its ultimate goal is to promote policy reforms, guide program development, and support research aimed at reinforcing the rule of law.

A total of eight primary factors are included in the index, each of which is divided into 44 subfactors. As part of these primary factors are "limitations on government authority," "absence of corruption," "transparent governance," "fundamental rights," "public order and security," "regulatory enforcement," and "civil and criminal justice."

 
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Government Employees May Be Given a Increment

 
 
 

Special increase" came under the directives of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Nawaf to improve the standard of living of the people," Al-Munaifi said in a press statement. The concept was discussed with CSC and is in its final stages, and will be submitted to the Council of Ministers soon. The expected step is also part of a series of decisions issued recently in which the Ministry of Finance participated and whose financial cost was approved, including disbursing labor support for micro-activities or special activities, and continuing to disburse labor support to patients and their companions who work in the private sector during overseas medical treatment. The funds will also be disbursed to private scholarship students completing their studies or training, as well as to small and medium enterprise owners whose loans are financed by the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development for a period of six months.

According to Al-Munaifi, the Subsidies Committee is making efforts to rationalize subsidies and direct them to those who deserve them. She explained that the study is specifically related to subsidies for diesel and kerosene, and when it is completed, it will be submitted to the Council of Ministers to issue a decision. The matter comes in the context of studying the development of non-oil revenues and rationalizing the state’s general budget. Meanwhile, the Government Communication Center announced the approval of the Council of Ministers of a draft decision for obligating public entities to include the provisions of the Kuwaitization of government contracts regulations among the contracting requirements.

According to the center's account on the X platform, "the step was prompted by a letter from the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khalid, Chairman of the National Demographics Committee. The regulation aims to create more job opportunities for national cadres to work for government contractors gain practical experience and develop technical skills while achieving continuity, development, and transition between contracts. The benefits of the government contracts list include a wage scale starting at KD 450 per month for a recent university graduate, health insurance for the worker and his family, a social allowance (employment support), and an annual raise ranging from KD 20 for the recipient of a “Very Good” rating to KD 30 for the recipient of an “Excellent” grade, as well as 40 days of paid annual vacation and an annual bonus.”

 
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Kuwait's Cabinet has approved a child allowance for working women

 
 
 

When their husbands are unable to earn an income and do not receive a regular salary, pension, or assistance from the public Treasury while neglecting their obligation to support their children financially, Kuwaiti government has approved granting a child allowance to working women in the private sector.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Khalid Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, proposed the decision, which was announced by the Government Communication Center. In line with their counterparts in the public sector, it provides support for Kuwaiti women working in the private sector.

 

 
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The Advantages of Kuwait's New Government Contracts for Professional Advancement

 
 
 

In conjunction with the issuance of the decision by the Council of Ministers concerning the “Regulation for Kuwaitization of Government Contracts” and in line with what was previously published in the Al-Seyassah issue on August 18, 2023, regarding the development of a comprehensive program known as the “Strategic Alternative” to review public sector salaries, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, Aseel Al-Munaifi, has announced an ongoing study in cooperation with the Civil Service Commission to approve a “special increase” for government sector employees.

In a statement to Al-Seyassah, Al-Munaifi explained that the study was conducted in response to the directives of His Highness the Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Nawaf, aimed at improving the quality of life for citizens. She noted that the concept has been discussed with the Civil Service Commission and is now in its final stages, set to be presented to the Council of Ministers in the near future. Additionally, the Undersecretary of Finance clarified that this anticipated step is part of a series of recent decisions, with financial costs already approved.

As part of these decisions, support is provided for workers engaged in micro-activities or specific fields, patients and their companions employed in the private sector are extended assistance during overseas medical treatment, scholarship students from the private sector can receive assistance in completing their studies or training, and small and medium enterprise owners can receive a six-month loan installment deferral from the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises, Development and Care.

Additionally, Al-Munifi reported ongoing efforts by the Subsidies Committee to optimize and direct subsidies to those who are eligible for them. She specified that the study is specifically focused on subsidies for “diesel and kerosene,” and once completed, it will be presented to the Council of Ministers for a decision. This initiative is part of the broader strategy to enhance non-oil revenues and rationalize the state’s overall budget.

 
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The 'Sahel Lab' is inaugurated by Minister Al-Shuala

 
 
 

In a statement released on Wednesday, Fahad Al-Shuala, Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Communications Affairs, announced a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the "Sahel" application. The initiative involves the launch of the "Sahel Lab," which will receive innovative ideas, valuable experiences, and constructive suggestions for improving the quality of electronic services.

KUNA reported that Minister Al-Shuala emphasized the importance of advancing plans to enhance the "Sahel" and "Sahel Business" applications following a meeting of the Ministerial Coordination Committee. By providing a broader range of electronic services, both citizens and businesses can meet their aspirations. Furthermore, this initiative aims to foster greater collaboration among government agencies.

Digital applications, channels, and platforms are essential tools for advancing digital development in modern states, according to Minister Al-Shuala. These resources play a vital role in elevating the quality of services provided to citizens, residents, business owners, and entrepreneurs.

Streamlining administrative processes for government services to make them easy to access and highly effective is a priority for the government, he stated. The Ministerial Coordination Committee, through its regular meetings, strives to monitor the steps and procedures taken in alignment with the state’s development vision. This reflects the sincere determination of government leaders to progress in this crucial aspect.

The Kuwaiti minister commended the concerted efforts of government agencies to enhance cooperation to support these national projects, all in pursuit of the well-being and prosperity of Kuwaitis.

 

 
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Embassy relocation in living areas

 
 
 

MP Hani Shams has submitted a proposal to stop the issuance of licenses for the embassies and consulates of other countries whose offices are in residential areas. He suggested relocating these embassies and consulates to the designated diplomatic area.

On the other hand, MP Hamad Al-Elyan criticized the decision of the Council of Ministers that the State Audit Bureau (SAB) has no right to look into the regulations on the work of ministries. He said the decision contradicts Law No. 30/1964 on the establishment of SAB, particularly Article 20 stating that SAB has the right to look into the administrative and financial regulations to ensure compliance with monitoring rules. He stressed that the decision limits transparency and disrupts the monitoring tasks of SAB, so he called for immediate cancellation of the decision. He added the decision violates Article 29 of the aforementioned law, which grants SAB the right to check every document or form needed to complete its tasks. He went on to say the decision also violates Article Five of law number 12/2020, which obligates public institutions to publish decisions and regulations on their websites to be available to the public. He concluded that the government has no other option but to cancel the decision; otherwise, it must bear political responsibility.

Meanwhile, Inter-Parliamentary Group Treasurer MP Hamad Al-Obaid revealed that the proposal of Kuwait to hold an emergency session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to discuss the Israeli attacks on Gaza obtained the majority vote – 607 votes of the delegations at the 147th IPU Assembly in Angola. He asserted this indicates full international support for the Palestinians and shows that the world’s people are against the Israeli violent attacks. He pointed out that the proposal, which was adopted by the Arab group at IPU, includes calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to stop the Israeli attacks on civilian Palestinians.

Moreover, MP Abdulhadi Al-Ajmi asked Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research Adel Al- Mane’e to provide him with copies of all decisions and correspondences with the Legal Advice and Legislation Department concerning the rare specialization allowance for teachers, heads of departments, school assistant managers, school managers, monitors of educational stages and heads of educational districts. He wants copies of the career development of these employees, delegation and reshuffling decisions, and the comments and observations of SAB on the distribution of rare specialization allowance.

MP Badr Al-Mulla forwarded queries to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahd regarding Military Conscription Law No. 20/2015. He asked about the number of citizens referred to the General Department of Investigations for violating Articles 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42 of the aforementioned law since it was enforced to date. He wants to know the number of those who violated these articles and were not referred to the General Department of Investigations. Lastly, National Assembly Speaker Ahmad Al-Sa’adoun met HH Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for National Assembly and Cabinet Affairs Essa Al-Kandari, Minister of Finance Fahd Al-Jarallah and Minister of Social Affairs and State Minister for Family and Childhood Affairs Sheikh Feras Al-Sabah. Al-Sa’adoun also met a delegation from Germany including MP Christopher Plob and German Ambassador to Kuwait Hans-Christian von Reibnitz. In addition, he sent a cable to Speaker of the Senate of Kazakhstan Mäulen Äşimbaev and Speaker of the House of Representatives Yerlan Koshnov to greet them on the National Day of their country.

 

 
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Kuwait's Health Ministry has begun distributing free home diabetes monitors

 
 
 

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has started issuing home diabetes monitors to diabetic patients in primary healthcare centers, reports Al-Jarida daily. Director of the Central Department of Primary Healthcare in the ministry Dr Dina Al-Dabaib stated in a circular to the heads of primary healthcare centers that this step is in line with the strategic and executive plan to prevent chronic noncommunicable diseases by improving the quality of health services provided to patients with diabetes and chronic diseases, while reducing pressure on diabetes clinics in public hospitals.

The circular also indicated that the conditions for issuance of the home diabetes monitor are as follows:
1:Tthe patient must be of Kuwaiti nationality,
2: His/Her address on the civil ID card must match while issuing the form
3: He/She has type I or type II diabetes
4: Uses three or more insulin injections daily
5: More than 65 years old
6: Have had diabetes for more than five years
7: He/She must not have previously applied.

Regarding the method of disbursement, the circular confirmed that the application must be approved by the authorized treating physician, head of the center, and his representative or a consultant physician.

 
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Sri Lanka has announced free visa entry for Indians

 
 
 

As part of a pilot project, Sri Lanka will allow visa-free entry for visitors from seven countries, including India, China, and Russia.

Minister Ali Sabry said the Sri Lanka Cabinet approved the decision.

A pilot project that began with immediate effect will continue until March 31, 2024, according to the minister.

According to Minister Sabry, "The Cabinet approves issuing free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia & Thailand as a pilot project until 31 March."

According to The Daily Mirror, the Ministry of Tourism announced last week that a Cabinet Paper had been presented during the previous Cabinet meeting, proposing free visas for foreign tourists from five countries

 
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The government is considering replacing existing tax laws with new ones

 
 
 

The government is studying a proposal to replace the country's current tax laws with a new one. The proposed legislation, called the “Business Profits Tax Law”, would impose a 15% tax on profits for all legal persons, including major international companies, whilst ensuring that citizens and small businesses are not subject to the tax, reported Al-Rai Daily.

A two-stage implementation process would be involved in the introduction of the proposed law. The first phase, which would begin on 1 January 2025, would see major international companies being taxed, whilst the current tax laws continue to apply. The second phase would begin on 1 January 2026, involving the comprehensive application of the new tax law to all legal persons, and the abolition of the current tax laws.

As part of the legislative map for the National Assembly session, which begins on 31 October, the government intends to submit 14 priorities to the Parliamentary Coordination Committee for approval. The sources have explained that, according to the scenario in place, the major international corporate tax will be implemented on the globally specified date of 1 January 2025, giving Kuwaiti companies more time for the comprehensive implementation on 1 January 2026.

A government memorandum submitted to the Council of Ministers outlines the requirements for implementing the major international corporate tax. It has been recommended that Kuwait joins the comprehensive framework of the project, preventing the erosion of the BEPS tax base, and contracts a consulting office to provide a comprehensive study of the second pillar, determination of rules, standards, and requirements related to tax application, the preparation of necessary policies to implement the project in line with international best practices, and the drafting of law. Additionally, the consultant will train national cadres on the application.

Consulting firms include Price Waterhouse (PWC), Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, and Baker Tilly. As part of the government's proposal, a tax procedures law will also be issued, which will include all procedural provisions governing the implementation of all taxes. Once a consultant has been contracted for the new tax law, tax awareness regarding the new tax will be spread three months later.

According to reports, the Planning Committee in the Ministry of Finance is considering adopting the proposed organisational structure for the tax sector, with employees being trained and supported by current tax consultants and specialists.

Sources have noted the difference between "first-stage" and "second-stage" companies. The list of companies ready to begin applying the new tax on 1 January 2025 reportedly includes around 15 multinational companies, including government entities operating in foreign markets, all with annual revenues exceeding €750m.

Those Kuwaiti companies that are financially prepared to enter the tax period in the next two years will be required to prepare their systems and infrastructure for comprehensive implementation by 1 January 2026.

As a result of the second phase, the number of companies subject to tax is expected to double. The proposed tax structure will reportedly be dynamic, allowing companies to enter once they meet the conditions laid out by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Kuwait's government plans to push for comprehensive tax legislation that follows accounting rules and systems in the country, ensuring that all eligible companies are subject to the new tax law.

 
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Unstable Weather in Kuwait for the Next 16 Hours

 
 
 

The Meteorological Department of the General Administration of Civil Aviation has issued a weather alert, forecasting that Kuwait will experience a period of weather instability beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, lasting for approximately 16 hours. During this time, there is a likelihood of scattered rainfall, with the possibility of thunderstorms.

In a notice categorized as “moderate intensity” and published on Tuesday evening on its website, the Meteorology Department anticipates that active winds will sweep through the country, reaching speeds exceeding 50 kilometers per hour. Additionally, there may be reduced horizontal visibility in certain areas, and sea waves could rise to more than seven feet.

 
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Kuwaiti Youth Entrepreneurs Will Replace Expat-Run Shops, According to a Committee

 
 
 

The National Committee for Regulating Demographics, under the leadership of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, is currently evaluating a set of decisions aimed at facilitating opportunities for young people to enter the private sector. Reliable sources said the committee is pursuing multiple avenues, including measures to curb the practice of visa trading, putting an end to irregularities in the issuance of commercial licenses, ceasing the inclusion of commercial shop licenses for non- Kuwaitis, and encouraging citizens to operate businesses under the licenses they hold.

The intention is to take stringent measures to prevent the inclusion of commercial shops for expatriates, which is already prohibited by law. The committee has explored all available prospects in the private sector, with a focus on attracting young men to work in this sector. Additionally, there are plans to enhance services for small and medium-sized enterprise owners (SMEs), inspiring young people to foster creativity and develop their ideas and projects.

The sources also confirmed the inclination to leverage job opportunities in companies with government contracts, including their facilities, so that Kuwaiti youth can secure a share of the workforce. It is emphasized that a review of worker recruitment for these contracts will not allow an unjustified increase. One proposal includes diversifying the the job market across various sectors, thereby reducing over-reliance on a single nationality.

Furthermore, the conditions and qualifications needed for specific roles will be set to ensure specialization and prevent unqualified individuals from occupying positions, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of the private sector workforce. These decisions will be accompanied by campaigns against fictitious companies that hire surplus workers without a genuine need in the private sector. Such practices disrupt the demographic composition and lead to an increase in under-the-table employment.

Such companies will be followed by a gradual increase in violations as preparation for their eventual elimination and the accountability of those responsible. The anticipated decisions are expected to yield positive outcomes in terms of encouraging foreign investment, rebalancing the demographic composition, reducing shop rents, facilitating the launch of private ventures by Kuwaiti youth, and safeguarding tenants from shop owners.

These measures will also contribute to enhancing Kuwait’s international and global ranking. It is noteworthy that Article 9 of Kuwaiti Commercial Registry Law No. 18 of 2018 prohibits anyone registered in the commercial registry from enabling others to exploit their registration. It is also forbidden for individuals to use commercial registries they do not possess, falsely indicate registration, or employ incorrect registration data on storefronts or documents. This law does not affect the right to use names or trademarks arising from international trade contracts, technology transfer agreements, concession contracts, or international agreements valid in the State of Kuwait. The use of trade names by others is strictly prohibited.

 

 
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In November, Kuwait will experience stunning Leonid meteor showers

 
 
 

The Kuwait Scientific Center announced today, Monday, that Kuwait will witness the third astronomical phenomenon during the upcoming month of November, including the Leonid meteor showers that will grace its sky in the middle of the month.

The center, in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), highlighted that among the most prominent and eagerly anticipated of these phenomena is the visitation of the Leonid meteor showers to Kuwait’s skies, peaking between November 14 and 17.

It further explained that the Leonid meteor showers are active annually between November 6 and November 30, originating from the dust particles of the Temple-Tuttle comet. These meteor showers are considered medium in intensity and typically produce between 10 to 15 meteors per hour at their peak.

In this context, the center pointed out that on November 3, observers and enthusiasts will have the opportunity to witness Jupiter throughout the night, as it will be in opposition, meaning it will be directly opposite the sun.

Furthermore, the statement mentioned that the moon will reach full moon status on November 27, while the new moon of the lunar calendar will occur on November 14, with the first day of Jumada al-Ula on Wednesday, November 15.

 
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IFL Kuwait