As Kuwait continues to experience sweltering temperatures approaching 50°C, electricity consumption has reached critical levels, with the load index hitting the red zone at 16,406 megawatts. The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy has taken measures to preserve the stability of the national power grid by conducting rolling power cuts in several non-residential areas.

This emergency intervention is a direct response to both the increased demand for electricity and the need for urgent maintenance of two electricity generation units at the Subiya and South Zour stations, which together produce 590 megawatts. Affected areas include Abdullah Al-Mubarak, Farwaniya, Sabah Al-Ahmad, Jahra, Jabriya, Sulaibikhat, and more.

The Ministry has stressed the importance of energy conservation to mitigate the ongoing crisis. Air conditioners, which account for 70% of energy consumption, are a major focus of these efforts. Residents are advised to set their air conditioners to 23°C rather than 18°C, as even a small adjustment can make a significant impact on overall power usage.

Additionally, the Ministry highlighted the need for government agencies to apply rationalization policies by reducing electricity use in unoccupied areas or where consumption is unnecessarily high during peak hours from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The sources also pointed to structural issues within the electricity grid, such as bureaucratic delays in the tendering and completion of energy projects. These delays have exacerbated the situation, forcing the Ministry to rely on temporary solutions like importing electricity from the Gulf network. The Ministry called for an expedited process to address these challenges and ensure the completion of long-term energy projects.

More than 30 private schools in Kuwait are currently grappling with an unprecedented licensing and rental crisis, causing significant disruptions in their operations. According to Al-Rai daily, Private Schools Union President Noura Al-Ghanim highlighted the serious issues these schools face, particularly their inability to renew licenses and rental contracts. This situation has also hindered schools from renewing residency permits for their employees, leading to uncertainty among teachers and staff.

The crisis has severely impacted the renewal of residency permits for employees, as schools are unable to secure long-term licenses. Al-Ghanim explained that renewing a school's license for only one year is insufficient for obtaining residency permits that are valid for two or three years. This is particularly problematic for foreign schools, which typically hire teachers under contracts lasting at least two years. The short-term license renewal creates reluctance among foreign teachers to accept positions in Kuwait, as they are not willing to relocate for such a limited period.

Al-Ghanim criticized the Ministry of Education for its slow decision-making process, which has worsened the situation for private schools. She noted that the ministry’s neglect and failure to act promptly could lead to the loss of qualified academic staff, who may seek employment in neighboring countries. Al-Ghanim attributed much of the problem to the previous administration’s mismanagement, which left the Private Education Department in the hands of officials unfamiliar with the complexities of private school operations.

Al-Ghanim expressed hope that Dr. Nader Al-Jalal, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and acting Minister of Education, will address the crisis. She urged him to take immediate action to restore order and ensure the smooth functioning of private educational institutions in Kuwait.

The Ministry of Interior has announced an extension of operating hours for biometric fingerprint centers across Kuwait's six governorates. These centers, located within identity investigation departments and commercial complexes, will now be open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day of the week.

The new working hours are designed to improve service efficiency and offer greater convenience to both citizens and residents. By operating for longer hours, the Ministry aims to streamline the fingerprinting process, making it easier for individuals to complete their procedures without disrupting their daily routines.

Biometric fingerprint centers are situated in various identity investigation departments and major commercial complexes across the governorates. This strategic placement is intended to ensure that residents from all areas have access to the services they need.

The decision to extend operating hours addresses previous concerns about limited availability and long wait times. With the new schedule, individuals can visit the centers at more flexible times, reducing the need for time-off work or lengthy waits.

The Ministry of Interior's move to extend the hours of biometric fingerprint centers reflects a commitment to enhancing public service efficiency and accessibility. This adjustment is expected to facilitate a smoother process for obtaining necessary biometric data.

India’s trade with Kuwait has experienced significant growth, with Indian exports to the Gulf nation reaching an impressive USD 2.10 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24. This marks a 34.78% increase compared to the USD 1.56 billion recorded in the previous fiscal year, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Several sectors have contributed to this robust growth. Leading the charge are exports of aircraft and spacecraft parts, which have seen significant demand in Kuwait. Other sectors that have shown strong performance include cereals and precious and semi-precious stones.

Additionally, India has seen a rise in exports of imitation jewelry, coins, vehicles (excluding railway or tramway rolling stock), and pharmaceutical products, which have played a vital role in boosting the total export value to Kuwait.

This growth underscores the strong and growing trade relations between India and Kuwait. Both nations have historically enjoyed a mutually beneficial trade relationship, with Kuwait serving as an important trading partner for India, especially due to its petroleum-based economy.

According to the latest OPEC data, Kuwait holds 101.5 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, which is about 6% of the world's total reserves. Furthermore, Kuwait has proven natural gas reserves amounting to 1,784 billion cubic meters (or approximately 63 trillion cubic feet), making it a key player in the global energy sector.

India’s strong export growth reflects the increasing economic integration between the two countries and is expected to open more opportunities for bilateral trade expansion in the future.

India’s trade with Kuwait continues to show a positive trend, driven by strong export sectors and robust economic cooperation. As both nations continue to strengthen their trade relations, more opportunities are likely to emerge, further enhancing the economic partnership between India and Kuwait.

Seven months after a Kuwaiti boat was seized upon reaching Mumbai undetected, the vessel has been handed over to its owner following the completion of legal formalities. The boat was apprehended on February 6, 2024, when three men from Tamil Nadu sailed from Kuwait to Mumbai, raising serious concerns about maritime security.

The three individuals, employed in Kuwait, embarked on a 10-day journey from the Gulf state to Mumbai, navigating with a GPS device. Upon their arrival, the boat was spotted near Sassoon Dock in South Mumbai, prompting immediate action by local police. The trio was arrested for illegal entry into India, and the boat was confiscated as part of the investigation.

The incident triggered alarms among Indian security agencies, recalling concerns from the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which had also involved seaborne intrusions.

On Thursday, after months of legal processes, the boat was officially returned to its owner, Abdullah Sharahit, who traveled to Mumbai with two lawyers to finalize the handover at Colaba Police Station.

The boat's release marks the end of a complex investigation that had prompted widespread concerns over India's maritime security measures.

The Ministry of Health has announced the availability of seasonal vaccines at 43 preventive health centers and 14 hospitals across Kuwait to make it easier for all community members to access winter vaccinations.

Vaccination Locations by Health District:

Capital Health District

Vaccines will be available at 14 preventive health centers and the preventive health center at Amiri Hospital. Centers include:

Hamad Al-Saqr (Adailiya)

Abdullah Abdul-Mughni (Al-Faiha)

Mirza Al-Ihqaqi (Al-Daiya)

Ali Thunayan Al-Ghanim (Sulaibikhat, Al-Qairawan)

Al-Zalzala (Dasma)

Abdullah Abdul-Hadi (Yarmouk)

Jaber Al-Ahmad Block 3

And others in Al-Rawda, Surra, Kaifan, and Doha.

Hawalli Health District

Five health centers and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital will offer vaccinations. Centers include:

Rumaithiya

Nasser Saud Al-Sabah

West Salmiya

West Hawalli

Salwa Specialist

Farwaniya Health District

Nine health centers and Farwaniya Hospital will provide vaccines, including:

Manahi Al-Asimi

Northern Ardiya

Southern Jleeb

West Abdullah Al-Mubarak

Southern Paradise

And others in Rabia, Nahda, and West Farwaniya.

Ahmadi Health District

Seven centers and Al-Adan Hospital will offer vaccinations, including:

Fahaheel Specialist

Aqila

Fahd Al-Ahmad

East Ahmadi

Sabah Al-Ahmad A

Jahra Health District

Vaccines will be available at five centers and Jahra Hospital. Centers include:

Jahra Health

Al-Oyoun

Saad Al-Abdullah Block 10

Al-Naeem

Al-Sulaibiya

Mubarak Al-Kabeer Health District

Three centers and Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital will administer vaccines. Centers include:

Al-Adan Specialized

Al-Zahra

Abdulrahman Al-Zaid (West of Mishref)

Sabah Health District

Vaccinations will be offered at several hospitals, including:

Al-Sabah

Ibn Sina

Maternity

Psychiatry

Chest

Hussein Makki Jumaa

Addiction Treatment Center

Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney Hospital

These facilities will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for vaccinations.

Vaccines Offered:

The ministry’s campaign includes:

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Prevents the flu and its complications.

Vaccine Against Bacterial Pneumonia

Reduces the risk of severe respiratory infections.

The Ministry of Health encourages everyone to participate in this seasonal vaccination campaign to protect against illness during the winter season.

On Thursday morning at 7:00 am, Kuwait executed six individuals by hanging at the Central Prison. This marks a significant legal event as all of the convicted had their cases pass through various stages of litigation, ensuring their sentences were fully ratified. Authorities confirmed that all necessary legal procedures had been thoroughly followed.

The individuals executed included three Kuwaiti citizens, two Iranians, and one Pakistani national. The death sentences were carried out after all legal avenues were exhausted, demonstrating the strictness of Kuwait's judicial system.

In a dramatic turn of events, a seventh convict was spared execution at the last moment. The family of the victim chose to accept blood money, leading to the convict’s release. Under Kuwaiti law, families of murder victims have the right to pardon the offender in exchange for financial compensation.

The executions have sparked discussions about Kuwait’s capital punishment laws,

In an effort to promote healthier eating habits and reduce the rising rates of childhood obesity, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition has issued new regulations for school cafeterias. These rules, which affect both public and private schools in Kuwait, are outlined in Ministerial Resolution No. 5 of 2021.

A Focus on Nutrition and Health

Dr. Shaima Al-Asfour, Deputy Director General of the Community Nutrition Affairs Sector, emphasized that the regulations are designed to improve the overall food environment for children and adolescents in schools. The initiative supports the healthy nutrition requirements for students, ensuring that they have access to nutritious food options that contribute to their physical and mental well-being.

Permitted and Banned Foods

The new guidelines focus on permitted food groups that meet school nutrition standards, such as:

Foods fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Items low in sugar and salt

These measures aim to ensure that students receive balanced meals that support their growth and development, while minimizing the intake of unhealthy foods that can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.

Reducing Obesity and Improving Health Outcomes

This move is part of Kuwait’s larger strategy to combat childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles from an early age. The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition continues to work towards creating a safe, nutritious food environment in schools, hoping to foster lifelong healthy eating habits among students.

Brigadier Nayef Al-Mutairi, Director of the Personality Investigation and Automated Search Department at the General Department of Criminal Evidence, has issued an urgent warning to both Kuwaiti citizens and expatriates who have yet to complete their biometric fingerprinting.

To date, approximately 800,000 Kuwaiti citizens have successfully completed the biometric process, leaving around 175,000 still pending. For expatriates, about 1,860,000 have undergone fingerprinting, with nearly 800,000 remaining to be processed.

Special Provisions for Those with Special Needs

To address the needs of people with special needs, bedridden individuals, and hospital patients who face difficulties in reaching the biometric centers, the department has acquired 11 specialized devices. These devices are designed to facilitate the biometric process for these vulnerable groups, with nearly 1,000 such cases already handled.

Important Deadlines and Consequences

Kuwaiti citizens are reminded that the final deadline for completing biometric fingerprinting is September 30, 2024. Expatriates have until December 31, 2024, to complete the process. Brigadier Al-Mutairi emphasized that any transactions for individuals who fail to complete the fingerprinting process by these deadlines will be suspended.

With the deadlines fast approaching, both Kuwaiti citizens and expatriates are urged to complete their biometric fingerprinting to avoid any disruptions in their official transactions. The General Department of Criminal Evidence continues to offer support to ensure that everyone, including those with special needs, can fulfill this requirement without facing unnecessary obstacles.

Kuwait is grappling with a severe labor shortage that has resulted in significant delays in construction projects, particularly in Mutlaa City. The shortage has led to a sharp 40% increase in wages for the limited number of available workers, exacerbating the crisis.

Challenges in Housing Projects Due to Fear of Inspections

The labor crisis has been aggravated by the fact that many workers are not sponsored by companies, making them reluctant to work on projects due to the fear of inspections and potential deportation. A viral video from Mutlaa City shows workers fleeing on foot during a security checkpoint, highlighting the widespread fear and confusion among expatriate laborers.

Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) and Labor Issues

A source from the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) emphasized that while their role is to oversee inspections of commercial establishments, they must also address the issues faced by these workers and regularize their residency status. This step is critical for ensuring the timely completion of ongoing housing projects.

Calls for New Visas and Organized Labor Management

Business owners and housing project specialists have called for urgent solutions, including issuing new visas to bring in additional workers. Fahad Al-Arbash, Head of the Union of Restaurants and Cafes, pointed out that high labor costs have forced citizens to rely on unorganized labor, leading to project delays and incomplete constructions.

Impact on Mutlaa City and Other Development Projects

Mishaal Al-Hajri, head of the volunteer committee for Mutlaa City, noted that the project is among the most affected by the labor shortage. The demand for skilled workers far exceeds the supply, with available labor unable to meet the needs of both the Mutlaa City project and other state development initiatives. Al-Hajri urged PAM to allow companies to meet their actual labor needs through proper contracts.

Wage Inflation and the Need for Skilled Workers

Saba’a Al-Dousari, head of the Mutlaa City Volunteer Committee, highlighted the significant increase in daily wages due to the shortage of construction craftsmen. He called for a more organized approach to managing expatriate workers, including reopening visa issuance for skilled workers from Arab countries, particularly Egypt.

Legal and Social Challenges

Dr. Mukhlef Al-Enezi, spokesperson for the residents of Mutlaa City, stressed the importance of skilled workers in completing housing projects. He pointed out that many workers, despite receiving advance payments, are unable to continue work due to arrest or issues with their residency status. Dr. Al-Enezi urged the state to find solutions to regularize these workers’ conditions and retain their skills for ongoing projects.

The labor shortage in Kuwait has led to a 40% wage increase and significant delays in housing projects, particularly in Mutlaa City. With calls for issuing new visas and organizing labor management growing louder, there is a pressing need for the government to take action and ensure that these critical projects are completed efficiently.

Health sources have reiterated the Ministry of Health's readiness and preparedness for health emergencies, particularly in response to "monkeypox," following a confirmed case in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The sources noted that the Ministry is closely monitoring the disease's developments and the areas where cases have been reported, working in coordination with the World Health Organization, the Gulf Health Council, and other international health organizations. They also highlighted that the Ministry recently established the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), which collaborates with relevant authorities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Kuwait Airways has announced adjustments to its ticket prices as part of a broader strategy to increase its competitiveness in the aviation market. This move underscores the board of directors' commitment to advancing the national carrier and enhancing passenger services.

Focus on Enhanced Passenger Experience

During an appearance on the Friday Break program on Kuwait Radio, Abdul Mohsen Al Faqan, Chairman of Kuwait Airways, highlighted the airline’s efforts to revamp its services. Al Faqan emphasized that these pricing adjustments are part of a comprehensive plan to offer a better travel experience to passengers, ensuring that Kuwait Airways remains a strong player in the regional and international aviation markets.

Adapting to Market Dynamics

As competition intensifies within the aviation industry, Kuwait Airways is actively revising its pricing structure to attract more customers and meet the demands of a dynamic market. The airline's focus remains on providing quality service while offering competitive fares that appeal to a wider range of travelers.

Cybersecurity experts in Kuwait have raised alarms about a new and dangerous tactic used by cybercriminals. This involves malicious links that, when clicked, take photographs of the users and subsequently use these images for blackmail purposes.

Victims of this scheme receive a link that captures their images once clicked. The scammers then demand money from these individuals, threatening to publish their photos if their demands are not met. This warning follows the proactive measures taken by the Cybercrime Department at the Ministry of Interior, which, alongside the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) and local telecom companies, has blocked 392 fraudulent websites linked to such scams. Among these, 52 websites impersonated Al-Durra Company for the Recruitment of Domestic Workers.

In addition to blocking fake websites, authorities have also suspended around 662 fraudulent local WhatsApp numbers, with 65% impersonating Al-Durra Company. Mohammad Al-Rashidi, Chairman of the Cybersecurity Committee at the Electronic Media Union, revealed that several Kuwaiti citizens have fallen victim to these deceitful links.

Experts urge the public to avoid clicking on suspicious links and to deny requests for camera access from unknown sources. Al-Rashidi cautions that falling into this trap can lead to complex and difficult situations.

Jamila Al-Otaibi, a business leader in consulting and digital transformation, emphasizes the necessity of raising digital awareness to combat these evolving threats. She advises everyone to:

Avoid Clicking Unknown Links: Be cautious of links shared through social media or emails from unreliable sources.

Activate Two-Step Verification: Enhance account security by enabling two-factor authentication.

Use Strong Passwords: Create unique and complex passwords for each account.

Limit Personal Information Sharing: Share personal details only with trusted individuals or organizations.

Regularly Update Security Software: Ensure that devices are equipped with the latest security applications and antivirus programs.

What to Do If You Fall Victim

If you suspect that you have been targeted by such a scam, immediately report the incident to the relevant authorities and refrain from interacting with the blackmailers. Prompt action is crucial in mitigating the effects of cyber blackmail.

Kuwait’s ongoing housing crisis has placed a heavy financial strain on the state, with over 173 million dinars being spent annually on rent allowances. Real estate experts are now urging the government to collaborate with the private sector as part of new reform initiatives, which they believe could significantly reduce this financial burden.

In a recent interview with Al-Seyassah, Dr. Salah Bursali, Chairman of the Kuwait Contracting Companies Union, highlighted the private sector's potential to address the escalating housing crisis. With over 96,000 pending housing applications in 2024, the state is currently shouldering a substantial financial load, paying out 14.447 million dinars per month in rent allowances.

Dr. Bursali emphasized that the private sector is well-equipped to manage and mitigate the housing shortage, citing its substantial financial resources and capabilities. He called for swift amendments to existing laws that limit private sector involvement, arguing that empowering local companies could expedite the process of providing housing for citizens, which currently can take over 15 years.

The number of pending housing applications has been steadily increasing, from 4,456 in 2017 to a projected 10,000 annually within the next five years. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for housing has continued to rise, exacerbating the crisis and increasing the financial pressure on the state budget.

Dr. Bursali expressed frustration with the current practice of awarding housing projects to foreign companies, arguing that local companies have the capacity to manage these projects if given the chance. He pointed out that Kuwaiti contracting companies, already active in building residential cities in other Gulf countries, are eager to invest in similar projects within Kuwait. By involving local companies, the state could stimulate the real estate market and reduce reliance on foreign contractors.

Qais Al-Ghanim, Chairman of the Real Estate Residents Association, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the local private sector is fully capable of partnering with the government to resolve the housing crisis. He pointed out that the private sector had previously developed areas like South Surra and questioned why it has not been allowed to participate in more recent projects.

Despite the potential benefits of involving the private sector, challenges remain. Al-Ghanim noted that many citizens prefer to own land rather than apartments, which complicates efforts to promote apartment systems as a solution to the housing crisis. However, Khaled Al-Anzi, head of the Mutlaa Residents Committee, suggested a potential solution: the state could provide land to citizens and then entrust the private sector with the construction. This approach could significantly alleviate the financial burden on the state while speeding up the provision of housing.

As Kuwait continues to grapple with a housing crisis that has persisted for decades, there is growing consensus among experts that immediate reforms are necessary. Empowering the private sector could be a key step in reducing the state’s rent expenditures and providing much-needed housing for its citizens. With the government now under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah, there is renewed optimism that these long-standing issues will finally be addressed.

The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy (MEW) has unveiled plans to purchase solar energy generated by Kuwaiti citizens as part of its annual development plan for 2024-2025. This initiative, reported by Al-Seyassah Daily, is a significant step towards promoting renewable energy production at the grassroots level.

Encouraging Citizen Participation in Renewable Energy

The project encourages citizens to install solar panels on their rooftops, producing electricity that MEW will purchase at competitive rates. This strategy is expected to yield multiple benefits, including reducing the state's water and electricity costs and lowering carbon emissions from traditional power plants.

Targeting 2,500 Megawatts of Renewable Energy

MEW's ambitious plan aims to acquire up to 2,500 megawatts of renewable energy produced by citizens. This is anticipated to bring about substantial economic, environmental, and developmental advantages. The ministry is currently assessing the economic impact of the project, the logistics involved in the installation of solar panels, and the benefits to customers—whether individuals or institutions.

In addition to the financial and environmental benefits, MEW is also prioritizing safety. The ministry is evaluating the necessary safety procedures to ensure the secure installation and operation of rooftop solar panels. The project is still in its planning phase, with a focus on developing a sustainable model that benefits both the state and its citizens.

In a significant move to combat the ongoing issue of forged certificates, Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower has initiated steps to establish a shared data linkage system with the Ministry of Education. This system aims to streamline the verification process for high school and lower-level certificates issued outside of Kuwait, covering both Kuwaiti nationals and expatriates. By ensuring the authenticity of these academic credentials, the system is expected to enhance the labor market by ensuring that only qualified individuals are employed in the private sector.

Urgent Collaboration Between Ministries

The need for this collaboration was highlighted in a recent meeting between the Public Authority for Manpower and representatives from the Ministry of Education. The meeting focused on activating the data linkage and ensuring that the Authority could automatically access relevant information through an inquiry system. This system would allow the retrieval of critical data points such as the name of the certificate holder, academic year, school, educational district, grade, and current status, including whether the individual is a graduate, dropout, or still registered.

System Features and Benefits

The proposed data linkage system will provide the Authority with comprehensive details, including the final status of certificate holders, the last year attended, and the date of dropout if applicable. Additionally, the system will track registration dates for the academic year, allowing the Authority to access up-to-date information about the certificate holders. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the prevalence of forged certificates and improve the overall competence and quality of workers in Kuwait’s labor market.

The Ministry of Education has agreed to notify the Public Authority for Manpower whenever new registration data is activated or when previously registered data is equated. This ongoing collaboration marks a crucial step towards safeguarding the integrity of Kuwait’s education system and ensuring that all academic qualifications are legitimate and verifiable.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced the reopening of its automated systems, allowing expatriates with Article 18 residency to become partners or managing partners in companies and institutions. This decision marks a significant shift, enabling these expatriates to register in the commercial register once again.

Background of the Ban

Previously, the Ministry of Commerce had imposed a ban last month that restricted expatriates from owning companies unless they held Article 19 residency. This restriction continues to apply to individuals with residency under Articles 20, 22, and 24. Specifically, domestic workers under these residencies are required to either divest their ownership in companies or transfer their residency to Article 19.

Resumption of Services

Sources indicate that the Ministry’s systems are expected to resume processing requests and procedures for the exempted group of expatriates this week. Once reactivated, existing commercial entities with shareholders holding Articles 18 and 19 residencies will be permitted to establish and renew their status, as well as make amendments to all companies and institutions, following the protocols in place prior to the ban.

Additionally, the lifting of restrictions will allow new company applications that include residents with Article 18 residency, adhering to previous regulations governing non-Kuwaiti ownership.

Temporary Suspension of Partner Incompatibility Clause

In line with the new directive, the clause concerning the incompatibility of partners with existing and new licenses will be temporarily suspended, particularly for partners or managers under Article 18. This suspension will remain until further notice, specifically until new regulatory controls are issued.

Review of Regulations

Coordination is ongoing with the Public Authority for Manpower to assess the regulations governing non-Kuwaiti ownership of companies. Joint committees are being formed to develop final guidelines for reinstating conditions for non-Kuwaiti ownership. These guidelines are anticipated to include a legally binding deadline for disposing of properties that do not comply with upcoming instructions.

Regulatory Measures Under Review

According to the Public Authority for Manpower, approximately 10,000 expatriate workers in the private sector, primarily holding Article 18 work permits, have secured status as partners or managing partners in around 45,000 licenses for existing companies. This underscores the necessity for regulatory measures to ensure the rights of all parties involved, including current shareholders who obtained commercial licenses under existing regulations.

The government, particularly the Ministry of Commerce and the Public Authority for Manpower, remains committed to organizing commercial licenses with updated controls. They plan to enforce various laws related to labor and foreign investment, establishing new partner controls for expatriate workers holding residency under Article 18 with appropriate mechanisms.

The latest demographic statistics from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) reveal that Kuwait's population reached 4,918,570 by the end of June 2024. This marks an increase of 5,299 individuals from 4,913,271 at the beginning of the year.

Demographic Breakdown

The number of Kuwaiti nationals rose to 1,559,925 by the end of June, up from 1,545,781 on January 1, representing an increase of 14,144 individuals over six months. Kuwaitis now constitute 31.7% of the total population.

Conversely, the expatriate population decreased to 3,358,645 from 3,367,490 on January 1, reflecting a reduction of 8,845 individuals. As a result, expatriates now account for 68.3% of Kuwait's demographic makeup.

Population Composition by Nationality

The statistics further break down the population by nationality:

Kuwaitis: 32%

Indians: 21%

Egyptians: 13%

Bangladeshis: 6%

Filipinos: 5%

Nepalese, Saudis, Sri Lankans, and Syrians: 3% each

Other nationalities: 11%

Workforce Distribution

PACI's data also sheds light on the workforce distribution across Kuwait. The total number of employed individuals in both the public and private sectors stands at 2,178,008. Of these, 516,397 are employed in the public sector, making up 24% of the total workforce, while 1,661,611 individuals, or 76%, work in the private sector.

Workforce by Nationality:

Indians: 24.2%

Kuwaitis: 21.9%

Egyptians: 21.7%

Bangladeshis: 8.5%

Nepalese: 3.9%

Pakistanis: 3.2%

Syrians: 3%

Filipinos: 2.9%

Jordanians: 1.4%

Saudis: 1.2%

Other nationalities: 8.2%

Sector-Specific Employment

In the public sector, Kuwaitis constitute the majority at 78.31%. Other nationalities in the government sector include:

Egyptians: 7.21%

Indians: 4.36%

Saudis: 2.09%

Bangladeshis: 1.58%

Pakistanis: 1.08%

Syrians: 1%

Jordanians: 0.71%

Other nationalities: 3.1%

In the private sector, Indians lead with a contribution rate of 30.4%, followed by:

Egyptians: 26.6%

Bangladeshis: 10.6%

Nepalese: 5.1%

Kuwaitis: 4.3%

Pakistanis: 3.8%

Syrians and Filipinos: 3.6% each

Jordanians: 1.6%

Saudis: 0.9%

Other nationalities: 9.9%

Household Workers

Among household workers, Indians again make up the largest percentage at 43.8%, followed by:

Filipinos: 21.1%

Sri Lankans: 15.4%

Bangladeshis: 11.1%

Nepalese: 4.5%

Ethiopians: 1.2%

Beninese: 0.9%

Malians: 0.5%

Indonesians and Malagasy: 0.2%

Conclusion

The PACI data highlights the significant presence of expatriates in Kuwait, who make up nearly 70% of the population. The demographic and workforce composition underscores the diverse and multicultural nature of Kuwait, with expatriates playing a critical role in the country's economy.