It's a common misconception among many Indians that traveling abroad can be daunting due to the complexities involved in visa applications. However, numerous nations provide visa-on-arrival or e-Visa services, allowing travelers to complete required paperwork upon reaching their destination. As of March 2023, the Henley Passport Index indicates that 60 countries extend Visa-on-Arrival and Visa-Free options to Indians visiting these locations.

To enjoy unhindered access to the country you're visiting with your family or friends, simply provide the necessary documents and pay the associated fees.

Countries Providing Visa-on-Arrival for Indians in 2023
The following countries offer visa-on-arrival facilities for Indian citizens:

1. Maldives
The island nation of Maldives is a picture-perfect destination for travellers seeking adventure below the sea. Relaxing beaches, fun-filled water sports and spectacular sunsets await your arrival at this tropical paradise.

Best Time to Visit Maldives - The best time to visit the country is during the dry season, i.e., November to April. There is slight precipitation and warm temperatures during these months.

Maldives Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Up to 30 days (can be extended to 60 days)

Cost - Free

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Maldives Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs. 225 with a coverage of $50,000.

2. Sri Lanka
Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, the island nation offers plenty of charming beaches, exquisite food and a rich cultural heritage to rejoice in the company of friends or family.

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka - If you plan to visit the country's northern and eastern regions, the best time to visit is between May and September. However, if you wish to head to the southern coastal or western parts of Sri Lanka, December to March is the right time.

Sri Lanka Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Up to 30 days.

Cost - $20

Travel Insurance Cost – Digit’s Sri Lanka Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs. 225 with a coverage of $50,000.

3. Thailand
Thailand has been a favourite destination amongst Indian travellers owing to its lovely weather throughout the year, scenic beauty, temples, palaces and beaches.

Best Time to Visit Thailand - November to April - Planning your vacation during these months will ensure you enjoy the best weather conditions when Thailand stays cool and relatively dry.

Thailand Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Up to 30 days

Cost - THB 2,000 ($58.65*)

Travel Insurance Cost – Digit’s Thailand Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs. 225 with a coverage of $50,000.

4. Indonesia
Indonesia offers eye-catching attractions and adrenaline-rushing activities for everyone. There’s much to do and see in cities like Jakarta, Komodo, Bali, and Penida.

Best Time to Visit Indonesia - The best time to visit Indonesia is from May to September when the days are dry, cool and perfect for outdoor adventure.

Indonesia Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Valid for 30 days.

Cost - IDR 500,000 ($32.32*)

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Indonesia Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs. 225 with a coverage of $50,000.

5. Iran
Iran offers rich cultural history in arts, literature, poetry, cuisine and architecture, eye-catching attractions and adrenaline-rushing activities for everyone. There’s much to do and see in cities like Jakarta, Komodo, Bali, and Penida.

Best Time to Visit Iran - The best time to visit Iran is from May to September when the days are dry, cool and perfect for outdoor adventure.

Iran Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Valid for 90 days.

Cost - INR 5,400 (€60 or $64*)

6. Jordan
Jordan, which lies near the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, is another country which offers visa-on-arrival to Indians. Jordan’s natural attractions ensure that you stop and learn about the impressive history of the destination.

Best Time to Visit Jordan – The best time to visit the country is during spring, i.e., from March to May. Temperatures remain moderately cool, allowing for comfortable exploration of the places the country has to offer.

Jordan Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Up to 30 days

Cost - $97

Travel Insurance Cost – Digit’s Jordan Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs. 225 with a coverage of $50,000.

7. Myanmar
Myanmar is a small country located towards the west of Southern Asia and is famous for its temples and diverse culture woven into its natural landscape. The colonial architecture against warm sunlight welcomes tourists from everywhere, any time of the year.

Best Time to Visit Myanmar - The best time to visit Myanmar is between October to February. The temperatures are cooler, and there are lower chances of rain making it the perfect time to explore the country.

Myanmar Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Up to 30 days

Cost - $50

8. Cambodia
Cambodia is a small country but has a lot to offer to tourists. From its rich history and heritage to its impressive natural scenery, the country is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the globe.

Best Time to Visit - Cambodia receives very little rainfall between November to April. Therefore, tourists can experience pleasant weather and enjoy visiting various sites.

Cambodia Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Up to 30 days

Cost – $30

Travel Insurance Cost – Cambodia Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs.225 with a coverage of $50,000.

9. Madagascar
Madagascar is a tropical paradise destination filled with interesting flora and fauna for tourists to explore. Being the fourth largest island in the world, Madagascar has an expansive landscape that makes for a perfect vacation.

Best Time to Visit Madagascar– The best time to visit the country is during the dry, cool season, i.e., April and October. Temperatures remain moderately cool, and the animals (especially lemurs) are more active this time of the year.

Madagascar Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Up to 30 days

Cost - MGA 115,000 ($37)

Travel Insurance Cost – Digit’s Madagascar Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs. 225 with a coverage of $50,000.

10. Seychelles
Seychelles is a paradise for travellers, consisting of 115 coral and granite islands. Apart from its impressive beaches and coast, colourful landscape and gorgeous cluster of islands, the country is also home to rare wildlife species.

Best Time to Visit Seychelles: April to October - The cool and relatively dry weather in Seychelles during these months makes it ideal for tourists.

Seychelles Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Valid for up to 3 months.

Cost – Free

Travel Insurance Cost– Digit’s Seychelles Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs.225 with a coverage of $50,000.

11. Ethiopia
Experience something new and unique in Ethiopia. Located in the Horn of Africa, it is the 10th largest country in the continent and is famous for its high-quality coffee, incredible ancient culture and picturesque landscape.

Best Time to Visit Ethiopia - September to March is the best time to visit Ethiopia with the onset of the dry season. Temperatures are moderate with lesser rainfall making it perfect for trekking and wildlife viewing.

Ethiopia Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival/e-Visa

Duration - Up to 30 days

Cost - $82

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Ethiopia Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs.225 with a coverage of $50,000.

12. Tanzania
If you’ve heard of Tanzania, you’ve probably heard of the famous snow-peaked Mount Kilimanjaro in the east African continent. Known widely for its natural charm, attractive beaches, wildlife, archaeological sites and ancient towns, Tanzania is a country you must visit!

Best Time to Visit Tanzania - June to October is the best time to visit Tanzania. The dry season, with clear skies, allows you to view the river crossing of the great migration.

Tanzania Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Up to 90 days

Cost - $50

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Tanzania Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs.225 with a coverage of $50,000.

13. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe offers its tourists an experience like never before with its mesmerising culture, scenic landscape, ancient history and architecture and more, attracting tourists all year round.

Best Time to Visit Zimbabwe - The best time to visit Zimbabwe is between May to October. The dry temperature allows perfect viewing of the landscape and animals.

Zimbabwe Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Up to 30 days

Cost - $30

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Zimbabwe Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs.225 with a coverage of $50,000.

14. Uganda
Visit Uganda, the Pearl of Africa and explore a diverse natural landscape, from exotic animal species to lakes, waterfalls, mountains and cultural sites.

Best Time to Visit Uganda - The best time to visit Uganda is between December and February and June to August. These months favour dry temperatures and are an excellent time to indulge in outdoor activities.

Uganda Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival/e-Visa

Duration - Up to 30 days

Cost - $50

15. Laos
Known as the Quiet Heart of South-East Asia, Laos is a timeless beauty waiting to be explored. Laos will fascinate your inner traveller with its rich history, customs, and range of landscapes and civilisations.

Best Time to Visit Laos - The best time to visit Laos is during the dry winter months between October and April.

Laos Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Up to 30 days

Cost - $40

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Laos Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs.225 with a coverage of $50,000.

16. Somalia
A small, landlocked nation, Somalia is strategically situated in the Horn of Africa. Mountains, hills, and semi-deserts make up the landscape and are regarded as a nation of poets.

Best Time to Visit Somalia - The best time to visit Somalia is during winter, i.e., between mid-October to February.

Somalia Visa for Indians

Type of Visa - Visa-on-arrival

Duration - Up to 30 days

Cost- $40

17. Bolivia
Bolivia, a country in central South America, has many tourist attractions. The country has six World heritage sites. In addition, the country has many spectacular highlands and lowlands that are famous for trekking.

Best Time to Visit Bolivia – The best time to visit Bolivia is between April and October. The dry weather means sapphire skies and pleasant to explore the places.

Bolivia Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – 30 days

Cost – $60*

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Bolivia Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs.225 with a coverage of $50,000.

18. Botswana
The African landlocked nation of Botswana is renowned for possessing some of the best wilderness areas in the world. Travelling across several regions of the nation provides the impression that you are passing through a vast natural wonderland.

Best Time to Visit Botswana – The dry season lasts from May to October, is the ideal time to visit Botswana since you can expect bright, sunny days and cool nights.

Botswana Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – 30 days

Cost – BWP 300 ($30)

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Botswana Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs.225 with a coverage of $50,000.

19. Burundi
Burundi is a landlocked nation in Central Africa that borders Lake Tanganyika on its southwestern side. Its hospitality is legendary, as are its coffee and tea. The country's most famous feature, the number of reserves and national parks, is a must-visit.

Best Time to Visit Burundi – The best times to visit Burundi are January, February, and May through October. You can enjoy good temperatures and low precipitation throughout this time.

Burundi Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – 90 days

Cost – $90

20. Mozambique
Mozambique is a country in southern Africa with a lengthy coastline along the Indian Ocean that is lined with well-known beaches like Tofo and offshore marine parks.

Best Time to Visit Mozambique – The dry season, i.e., June to September, is considered the best time to visit Mozambique and is the peak tourist season.

Mozambique Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – 30 days

Cost – $50

Travel Insurance Cost - Mozambique Travel Insurance plan for one adult from Digit starts at Rs.225 with a coverage of $50,000.

21. Rwanda
Also known as the Country of a Thousand Hills, the breathtaking landscape and welcoming locals of Rwanda provides an unforgettable experience. It is endowed with remarkable biodiversity and incredible wildlife that inhabits its volcanoes, highland rainforest, and expansive plains.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda – The best time to visit Rwanda is from June to September to catch a glimpse of the mountain gorilla, and March to May and November, which is the optimum time to track chimpanzees.

Rwanda Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – 30 days

Cost– $50

Travel Insurance Cost - Rwanda Travel Insurance plan for one adult from Digit starts at Rs.225 with a coverage of $50,000.

22. Mauritania
Mauritania is a sovereign country in Northwest Africa and is a land of desert and ocean. The Saharan Adrar region, with its World Heritage–listed caravan towns, against the Atlantic Coast is a beautiful sight. You can also witness millions of migratory birds wintering along the coast at Parc National du Banc d'Arguin.

Best Time to Visit Mauritania– The best time to visit Mauritania is from July to September. Temperatures are comparatively cooler with hints of rainfall.

Mauritania Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – Up to 90 days

Cost – €95 ($100*)

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Mauritania Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs.225 with a coverage of $50,000.

23. Gabon
Gabon boasts a stunning variety of animals in its deep rainforests and vast grasslands to enthral nature lovers. The superb white-sand beaches, rushing rivers and ethereal landscapes give an Eden-like travel experience to this unexplored part of Africa.

Best Time to Visit Gabon – The dry season of May to September is the best time to visit Gabon.

Gabon Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – 90 days

Cost– CFA 45,000 ($75*)

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Gabon Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs. 225 with a coverage of $50,000.

24. Samoa
Samoa is a small island country in the centre of the South Pacific. It is a group of nine islands, four of which are currently inhabited, and is located approximately halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. With its kind people and stunning scenery, Samoa is undoubtedly a paradise on earth.

Best Time to Visit Samoa – The best time to visit Samoa is from June to September. The tropical island welcomes tourists all year round but has a preferable climate to explore the islands during the dry season.

Samoa Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival/Visitor Permit

Duration – 90 days

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Samoa Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs. 225 with a coverage of $50,000.

25. Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, is regarded as a stunning paradise where visitors partake in outdoor adventures and admire the stunning environment and fauna. It also has a special significance in the history of the transatlantic slave trade.

Best Time to Visit Sierra Leone – The dry season, which lasts from November to April, is the best time to visit Sierra Leone since the roads are navigable and the weather is ideal for trips to the beach and to spot wildlife.

Sierra Leone Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – 30 days

Cost – $80

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Sierra Leone Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs. 225 with a coverage of $50,000.

26. Togo
The West African country of Togo, which is located on the Gulf of Guinea, is renowned for its hilltop communities and palm-lined beaches. It is a wonderful vacation for individuals who enjoy taking undiscovered routes.

Best Time to Visit Togo – The best time to visit Togo is between November to April. These months are the dry winter season where temperatures are cooler with less rainfall.

Togo Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – 90 days

Cost– $25*

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Togo Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs. 225 with a coverage of $50,000.

27. Timor-Leste
East Timor, or Timor-Leste, is a country in Southeast Asia that makes up half of the island of Timor. Coral reefs abound with marine life encircle the nation. A stunning and new tourist destination, Timor-Leste offers a distinctive cultural experience.

Best Time to Visit Timor-Leste – The driest months, May to October, is the best time to visit Timor-Leste because there are fewer rainy days and less humidity throughout these months.

Timor-Leste Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – 30 days

Cost– $30

28. Tuvalu
Tuvalu is an independent island nation off the coast of the Pacific. It is one of the smallest and most remote locations making it a perfect destination to relax, get away from the daily hustle and indulge in the marine environment, nature and culture.

Best Time to Visit Tuvalu – The best time to visit Tuvalu is from June to October. Tuvalu has pleasant tropical weather, ideal to explore the sea and island.

Tuvalu Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – 30 days

Cost – AUD 100 ($67*)

Travel Insurance Cost - Digit’s Tuvalu Travel Insurance plan for one adult starts at Rs. 225 with a coverage of $50,000.

29. St. Lucia
St. Lucia is an island state in the Caribbean Sea. The island personifies adventure and inspiration. St. Lucia captivates anyone who sets foot on her coastline with her soothing waves, warm beaches, and hospitable people.

Best Time to Visit St. Lucia – The best time to visit St. Lucia is from December to April. The late-spring, early-summer months offer perfect conditions for tourists.

St. Lucia Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – 42 days

Cost – EC $125 ($46*)

30. Marshall Islands
In the centre of the Pacific Ocean is the Republic of the Marshall Islands. It is one of the last undiscovered destinations in the world,  delivering nature at its finest with pristine, quiet beaches and crystal clear waters.

Best Time to Visit Marshall Islands – The best time to visit Marshall Islands is from January to April. The dry season in this tropical region offers perfect weather conditions during these months.

Marshall Islands Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – 30 days

Cost – $100

31. Guinea-Bissau
This former Portuguese territory, sandwiched between Senegal and Guinea, is regarded for its cultural riches, biodiversity, and wildlife. The Bijagos Archipelago, a group of 80 odd islands with strange attractions including saltwater hippos and holy rituals, is the crown jewel of Guinea-Bissau.

Best Time to Visit Guinea-Bissau – November through April are the best months to visit Guinea-Bissau because of the warm, humid, but dry weather.

Guinea-Bissau Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – 30 days

Cost – GNF 900,000 ($100)

32. Cape Verde Islands
Portuguese explorers discovered the archipelago of Cabo Verde, or Cape Verde, in 1460. Although the five centuries of Portuguese colonialism left a lasting influence on the islands, African traditions and Creole identity are strongly represented in their literary and musical works.

Best Time to Visit Cape Verde Islands – With moderate temperatures all year round, the months between November to June is the best time to visit Cape Verde.

Cape Verde Islands Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival/e-Visa

Duration – 60 days/30 days

Cost– €22.67 ($25*)

33. Comoro Islands
Situated between Mozambique and Madagascar, the Comoro Islands have a fascinating mix of cultures, captivating scenery, pristine beaches and wildlife to explore.

Best Time to Visit Comoro Islands – April to November is the best time to visit the Comoro Islands. Although one can experience the tropical climate all year round, these months bring dry and cool temperatures.

Comoro Islands Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration – Up to 45 days

Cost– KMF 15,000 ($32*)

34. Palau Islands
An archipelago of 500 islands, Palau is a part of the Micronesia region in the western Pacific Ocean. On the tourism part, the country offers many opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Best time to Visit Palau – The best time to visit Palau is between June and August. During this time of the year, the temperatures are moderate, and exploring the country is pleasant.

Palau Visa for Indians

Type of Visa – Visa-on-arrival

Duration - 30 days

Cost - $50

Please note that visa fees may vary due to changes in immigration regulations, the specific country you are applying to, local currency, and fluctuating currency exchange rates.

List of Countries with Visa-Free Access for Indian Citizens in 2023
Visiting a country visa-free means enjoying the privilege of traveling without needing to secure a visa. The following countries grant Indians visa-free entry in 2023:

35. Albania    
48. Mauritius
36. Barbados    
49. Micronesia
37. Bhutan    
50. Montserrat
38. British Virgin Islands    
51. Nepal
39. Cook Islands    
52. Niue
40. Dominica    
53. Oman
41. El Salvador    
54. Qatar
42. Fiji    
55. Senegal
43. Grenada    
56. Saint Kitts and Nevis
44. Haiti    
57. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
45. Jamaica    
58. Trinidad and Tobago
46. Kazakhstan    
59. Tunisia
47. Macao (SAR China)    
60. Vanuatu

List of Countries Providing e-Visa/Entry Permits for Indian Citizens in 2023
An e-Visa serves as a substitute for traditional paper-based visas granted by a nation's embassy. Immigration authorities issue it electronically, authorizing travelers to enter the country.

An entry permit, in lieu of a visa, permits foreign visitors to legally reside in the country for a specified duration.

The following countries extend e-Visa and entry permit options to Indian citizens:

61. Angola    
74. Malaysia
62. Antigua and Barbuda    
75. Moldova
63. Australia    
76. Morocco
64. Azerbaijan    
77. Russia
65. Bahrain    
78. São Tomé and Príncipe
66. Benin    
79. Singapore
67. Colombia    
80. Suriname
68. Djibouti    
81. Taiwan
69. Georgia    
82. Tajikistan
70. Kenya    
83. Türkiye
71. Kuwait    
84. Uzbekistan
72. Kyrgyzstan    
85. Vietnam
73. Lesotho    
86. Zambia

Note: Visa requirements for each country are subject to change. Before making any travel arrangements, please verify all passport and visa requirements on the specific country's official website.

FAQs about Visa-on-Arrival Countries for Indians
Why do countries offer Visa-on-Arrival?
Visa-on-arrival services at designated entry points are provided to promote tourism and simplify the application process.

Does a visa-on-arrival guarantee my entry into the country?
A visa-on-arrival may be denied, just like any other visa application. To avoid this, confirm that the country you plan to visit offers this facility for Indian passport holders, have all necessary documents ready, and familiarize yourself with the process beforehand for a smoother visa experience.

Do I need to pay for my visa-on-arrival?
Visa-on-arrival conditions vary between countries. Some nations offer the visa free of charge, while others may impose a predetermined fee. Check the requirements before traveling to the destination.

What happens if my visa expires?
Some countries allow travelers to apply for a visa extension if they cannot complete their tasks before the visa expiration date. This may, however, require additional funding.

What documents are needed when applying for a visa-on-arrival?
Essential documents for a visa-on-arrival application include a photocopy of your passport, visa application form, hotel reservations, biometric photographs, bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds, and visa fees paid in foreign currency. Additionally, consult the country's official website for further information before applying for a visa-on-arrival.

What is the 2023 ranking of the Indian Passport?
As of 2023, the Indian passport is ranked 84th globally, according to the Henley Passport Index. A higher visa-free score signifies a more powerful passport. India boasts access to 60 visa-free destinations.

Source: kuwaitlocal.com

 

 

 

 

The Kuwaiti national powerboat team has won the first round of the 2023 World Championship, which was held in the city of Malaga in Spain. The team, led by Bader Al-Dosari and his assistant Issa Al-Esayi, on board the Kuwaiti boat (Raheeb B17), won the title of the first round organized by the International Powerboat Federation. The round consisted of two races, in which the Kuwaiti boat managed to achieve silver for second place in the first round that was held yesterday. While in the second round, the team achieved the gold medal, thus obtaining the title of the round by leading the general standings.

Ali Al-Shamali, the head of the national team delegation and head of the speedboat and wakeboard committee at the Kuwaiti Marine Sports Club, expressed his great pride in the team’s achievement, congratulating the State of Kuwait’s leadership, government, and people on this accomplishment. He referred to the great and sincere efforts made by the team’s delegation and the excellent support it received from the Public Authority for Sports, as well as the constant interest and encouragement from the chairman and members of the board of directors of the Kuwaiti Marine Sports Club.

The national team’s victory is a significant achievement for Kuwaiti marine sports, and it completes the series of international accomplishments achieved by the Kuwaiti champions. The team will now leave for Rome, Italy, to compete in the first round of the World Championship (XCAT) for two-engine boats with a capacity of 400 horsepower per engine. The Q8 boat, led by veteran Abdul Latif Al-Omani and his assistant Bader Al-Dosari, will represent Kuwait in the championship.

Overall, the national powerboat team’s win in the first round of the 2023 World Championship is a source of pride for Kuwaiti sports enthusiasts. It highlights the country’s passion for powerboat racing and the dedication of the team to excel in international competitions. The achievement is also a testament to the significant support provided by Kuwaiti authorities to develop and promote marine sports in the country.

 

 

 

 

Neither disability nor poverty has deterred the spirits of this 23-year-old from securing several accolades in para-badminton. A native of Santavuriti village in Srikakulam district, Padala Rupa Devi lost her father Satya Rao at the age of 6 and has been living with her grandparents and mother since.

At 19, she lost mobility in her lower limbs after she fell off the second floor of her relatives’ house in 2019. A merit student since childhood, Rupa’s passion for badminton drove her to pursue it despite all the odds.  

So far, she has a total of four medals, including a gold in singles (wheelchair category) and silver (doubles) that she won during the 5th National Para-Badminton Championship held at Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University in Lucknow from March 23 to 26, and two gold medals in the State level para-badminton championship held in Visakha-patnam. 

With the support of her mother Yashoda, she has been undergoing training at Mysuru. “I was confined to bed. My mother went to several hospitals in Vijayawada, Srikakulam, Bengaluru and Vellore to get me treated.

Finally, doctors of Christian Medical College in Vellore trained me in wheelchair usage to help me lead my life independently. My mother worked very hard to educate me and support my dreams. I learned a few wheelchair techniques on YouTube and participated in the State open para-badminton championship held in Bengaluru in 2021 with the help of my friends,” Rupa told TNIE.

However, Rupa has been seeking financial assistance to support her dream. She is yet to receive allocation of Rs 3 lakh from the Sports Authority of India (SAAP) that is given to national-level gold medalists.

A para-badminton player and coach Ananda Kumar had observed Rupa’s game and offered to train her in Mysuru free of cost. She won a gold and silver medal at the national level and two gold medals at the state level under his training. 

“I have been practising the game on a sports wheelchair, which was sponsored by an NGO. I need an advanced wheelchair, a racket, a good diet, besides other amenities to excel in the Paralympics,” she said. 

 

 

 

In spite of the soaring prices of air travel, many individuals have chosen to pay the hefty fares in order to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr abroad. Travel agencies have reported a surge in ticket bookings and purchases over the past few days, resulting in an increase of more than 300 percent. The high demand for travel can be attributed to a variety of reasons, including people wanting to visit family, experience a change of scenery, or explore new direct flight destinations. Popular destinations include Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, the United Kingdom, and other European countries.

Travel agent Ibrahim Raafat shared that the demand for travel reached approximately 90 percent, aligning with the introduction of new destinations by local airlines in recent years. "Travelers tend to choose countries near Kuwait, such as Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. The average ticket price is KD 200," he explained. Raafat also noted that ticket prices to various destinations, such as Dubai, Jeddah, Istanbul, and Cairo, have increased significantly.

Adnan Hamadi highlighted that many people traveled to London, Cairo, and Dubai for Eid, though demand for Istanbul decreased following a recent earthquake. Airline ticket prices for some destinations skyrocketed by over 300 percent during this holiday period. For instance, the price of a ticket to London increased from KD 190 to KD 690, while tickets to Cairo rose from KD 50-70 to KD 270. Prices for other nearby GCC destinations reached up to KD 200. Hamadi also mentioned that most tourists traveled to Jeddah from Kuwait after the Saudi government introduced an online tourist visa for foreigners.

Previously, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) anticipated that the number of travelers to and from Kuwait International Airport would reach 220,000 passengers during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, specifically from Thursday to April 25. Deputy Director General for Planning and Projects Affairs, Saad Al-Otaibi, confirmed the readiness of the DGCA and all its operational sectors for the Eid holiday, in cooperation with all government and non-government organizations operating at the airport. Dubai, Istanbul, Cairo, and Doha were the most popular destinations during the Eid holidays. The estimated travel movement during this period is 110,000 departures and 110,000 arrivals, with up to 1,800 flights being operated.

 

 

Driving license self-service machines will be unavailable during Eid starting Saturday 22nd and ending Monday 24th, according to the Ministry of Interior.

The ministry said the devices will be back in operation starting Tuesday, April 25 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

 

 

 

 

In response to the Civil Service Bureau, which asked the university to replace most non-Kuwaiti employees, the Kuwait University Council postponed Kuwaitization of jobs by four years.

Kuwaitization will stop for four years, in order to meet the number of students accepted annually, as decided by the University Council at its last meeting on Wednesday, corresponding to April 12.

During the recent discussion of the University Council, the Civil Service Bureau requested the replacement of 431 non-Kuwaiti employees out of 462 non-Kuwaiti employees at the university.

However, the University Council decided to reaffirm its previous decision to postpone Kuwaitization for a period of four years.

In making the decision to postpone Kuwaitization, the University Council cited Public Universities Law 76 of 2019, which stipulates that "the University Council will assume the responsibilities of the Civil Service Council in the affairs of the academic body or its employees."

According to sources, the Civil Service Bureau verbally instructed the university that it should inform the bureau of its decision to postpone Kuwaitization, along with the legal basis for doing so, to prevent replacement calls from continuing.

Kuwaitization was postponed in the interest of the educational process, and to deal with the number of students accepted to the university. In order for the university to continue its educational process and maintain its quality of education for the benefit of its students and affiliates, the university must maintain the educational process and the quality of its education.

 

 

In his personal letter, the Prime Minister of India conveyed that over the past one month, Muslims in India and across the world have observed the holy month of Ramadan. As they prepare now for celebrating Eid Al Fitr with traditional fervour, people across the world also get reminded of the values of brotherhood and togetherness.

Prime Minister Modi, on this holy occasion of Eid Al fitr, prayed for the peace, harmony, good health and happiness for peoples across the world.

 

 

Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Acting Minister of Defense, has instructed all disciplinary detainees to be released on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr and satisfied with the time spent.

This generous moral gesture comes from the belief of the First Deputy Premier in the participation of the military personnel and their families during this honorable occasion, reports Al-Jarida daily.

As he congratulated the army personnel, the First Deputy wished God to continue to bless everyone with security, safety, pride, and elevation under the leadership of His Highness the Amir, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad.

In turn, the Ministry of the Interior announced today the release of all members of the police force who were arrested in disciplinary detention, starting from the end of the last working day in the blessed month of Ramadan for this year, on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.

It was announced by the General Department of Security Relations and Media of the Ministry of Interior that the Undersecretary of the Ministry, Lieutenant General Anwar Al-Barjas, released the disciplinary detainees on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr on the instructions and directives of Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Acting Minister of Defense.

 

 

 

According to Al-Anba daily quoting educational sources, students should attend classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays before and after Eid Al-Fitr.

Sources stressed the need for parents to cooperate with school administrations and urge their children to attend classes. Sources warned that the rules and regulations regarding absences are applied strictly, especially during the above-mentioned days.

Sources said there will be no makeup classes for students who are absent during those days, pointing out their academic achievement will be affected in case they are absent without a valid excuse. Sources clarified that the students already lost many class days due to the unstable weather conditions recently, so there will be no compensation for those who are absent before and after the holiday.

Sheikh Salem Al-Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently made a decision for 122 employees to be transferred from the public jobs group to the special, diplomatic and consular jobs group, reports Al-Anba daily.

Diplomats and consular attachés are the positions of the transferred employees, according to sources.

 

 

 

Winter Wonderland 2023 will offer over 55 attractions and performances, as well as 200 investment opportunities. Spanning roughly 130,000 square meters, the venue can accommodate up to 15,000 guests daily and will also feature a fast-track option for rides. The event is set to run for seven months, with specific working hours and ticket prices to be announced at a later date. Notably, admission will be free for children under four years old, while those aged five and above will be charged 5 dinars.

Meanwhile, Sabahiya 2023 is slated to open this year, boasting more than 40 attractions and exhibits. Covering an estimated 100,000 square meters, the site can host up to 10,000 visitors daily.

 

 

 

 

To avoid falling victim to fraud, the Anti-Cybercrime Department has warned citizens and residents to avoid dealing with fake bank links, through which bank data is stolen, advising them to inform the competent authorities.

The Acting Head of the Support Services Department at the Anti- Cybercrime Department, Lieutenant Colonel Ammar Al-Sarraf, confirmed to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the fake bank links, or what is known as (the delegate’s link), is a page that is very similar to the well-known payment pages, but it does not end with the kw domain. He said that the Crime Department provided a lot of awareness and guidance services to the public, government and private institutions, in order to avoid dealing with fake commercial accounts through social media platforms, in cooperation and coordination with the Communications and Information Technology Commission and telecommunications companies.

He added that there is a specialized team to combat fraud and fraud carried out by weak-minded people from outside and inside Kuwait, calling on everyone to inform the Cybercrime Department via the WhatsApp service (97283939) in order to reduce it, stressing that the department can be reviewed to provide a lot of technical assistance, including the recovery of “hacked accounts”. Lieutenant Colonel Al-Sarraf warned everyone against dealing with fake websites and advertisements on social media, whose owners promote the sale of products at unrealistic prices or through discounts to lure them to be victims of fraud in the hope of quick profit.

 

 

 

 

 

Restrictions Increase for Expats as Local Banks Respond to Civil ID Expiration

In light of recent policy changes, banks have started to enforce stricter regulations on expatriate customers with expired residence permits. These measures include freezing accounts or decreasing withdrawal limits as soon as the civil ID card expires.

As reported by the local Arabic publication, Al-Rai, banks implemented these measures from the first day of civil ID expiration. The rationale behind this decision is that once a customer's civil ID expires, they are considered an illegal resident, and further transactions with them would breach the law.

Expired civil IDs prevent customers from engaging in regular monetary withdrawal transactions. This limitation extends to loan disbursements, even if they were previously approved, and withdrawals from Visa and MasterCard accounts.

The account freezing process varies across banks, with some opting to freeze accounts entirely and others imposing reduced withdrawal limits. These restrictions will remain in place until the customer's residency is renewed.

For customers unable to renew their civil IDs, the option to close their accounts and withdraw the remaining balance is available, provided they submit the necessary documentation. However, the closure of an account may create difficulties in opening a new one, particularly for low-income workers, the report noted.

 

 

 

 

The Ministry of Health announced the allocation of 43 health centers in all health regions to work based on the shift system during the Eid Al-Fitr holidays, reports Aljarida daily.

In a press statement, the ministry explained that the centers operating 24 hours in the Capital Health Zone are Mirza Hussain Al-Ahqaqi Center in Daiya area, Hamad Al-Saqer Specialist Center in Adailiya area, Ali Thunayan Al-Ghanim Health Center in Sulaibikhat area, and Jaber Al-Ahmad Health Center 2. In Munira Al-Ayyar Health Center in Kaifan area and Abdullah Youssef Al-Abdul-Hadi Center in Yarmouk, work will start from 7:00 am to 12 midnight.

In the Hawally Health Zone, the centers working 24 hours are Rumaithiya Specialist Center, South Sabah Al-Salem, and West Salmiya centers. The West Hawally medical center and Mahmoud Haji Haidar medical center will work from 7:00 am to 12 midnight.

The Ministry of Health affirmed that the health centers in the Jahra Health Zone that will be open for 24 hours are Jahra Specialist Center, Saad Al-Abdullah Block 2, Health Palace and Abdali Center. The South Sulaibiya Center will be open from 7:00 am to 12 midnight.

In Mubarak Al-Kabeer health zone, work will be around the clock in the specialized Adan and Al-Salam centers. Work in Bayan and West Mubarak Al-Kabeer centers will be from 7 am to 12 midnight.

Regarding Ahmadi health zone, the centers operating around the clock are Sabah Al-Ahmad Center A, Khairan Center “Chalets”, Khairan Residential Center, Wafra Residential Center, Abdulaziz Al-Rashed Center in Bneider, Wafra Agricultural Health Center, Ali Sabah Al-Salem Center, Raqqa, Jaber Al-Ali, Fahaheel Specialist, Fintas Specialist, and West Sahiya Center.

The centers in the Farwaniya health zone that will be operating around the clock will be South Firdous, West Farwaniya, Andalous, Rabiya and Abdullah Al-Mubarak centers. The centers that will operate from 7 am until 12 midnight will be Osaimi Specialist in Khaitan, South Ardiya, South Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Sabah Al-Nasser centers.

In addition, the Blood Bank Services Department announced the working hours of the Blood Bank during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday.

It declared that the first day of Eid will be a holiday, and work will resume on the second day of Eid.

Blood donation at the Central Blood Bank in Jabriya and the Tawuniya Center for Blood Transfusion in Adan will be from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Platelet donation will be in the Central Blood Bank in Jabriya only from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

 

 

 

 

Recent statistics revealed that the number of single expatriates in the country has increased to about 1.2 million of various nationalities. They constitute about 36.4 percent of the total number of residents. The statistics also revealed an increase in the migration of expatriate families, which has contributed to transforming Kuwait into a “community of singles”, reports Al-Qabas daily.

According to reliable sources, some problems, crimes and wrong behaviors are widespread in bachelor societies. The suspension of issuance of family or visit visas for family members has dispersed expatriate families. The migration of expatriate families to their countries and the survival of the head of the family alone in Kuwait has negative repercussions not only on expatriates, but on Kuwaiti society in general.

At a time when there is an increasing need to accelerate steps to adjust the demographics, two reports issued by the Ministry of Interior and the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) revealed an increase in the number of families who left Kuwait permanently during the past months. The total number of family visas that were canceled in the past four years reached 100,000.

The annual departure rate of family members ranges between 11,000 and 15,000 expatriates annually. About 64,000 family members left Kuwait permanently during the COVID-19 crisis.

More than a million expatriates live collectively in crowded accommodations, particularly eight nationalities – Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Egypt, India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Syria.

It was reported that 53 percent of the Bangladeshi community live together, followed by 52 percent of Pakistani and Nepalese, and 50 percent of Egyptians, compared to 33 percent of the Indian community, 17 percent of the Filipinos, 10 percent of the Sri Lankans, and 7 percent of the Syrians.

According to the PACI report, the Farwaniya Governorate tops in the total number of bachelors, with a total of 356,000 bachelors, followed by the governorates of Hawally, Ahmadi, Jahra, Capital, and Mubarak Al-Kabeer in order.

The number of non-Kuwaiti bachelors who are born in Kuwait is 145,000, and the number of non-Kuwaiti bachelors who came from outside is about 984,000.

About 32 percent of bachelors do not possess any kind of educational certificate. They are classified in the category of “reading and writing”, and they are 410,000 in number. This is followed by 249,000 bachelors who hold an intermediate certificate.

There are more bachelors in the private sector than in other sectors, with a total of 611,000 bachelors, followed by 302,000 domestic workers, 128,000 students, and 22,000 working in the government sector.

In addition, sources warned of the accumulation of large numbers of bachelors in accommodations that lack the minimum security and safety requirements.

They indicated that some expatriates live in a crowded manner with 6 individuals in a single room, especially in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Mahboula, Khaitan, and Farwaniya areas

 

 

 

 

The International Astronomy Center (IAC) confirmed that seeing the crescent on Thursday is not possible with the naked eye from anywhere in the Arab and Islamic world, reports Al-Rai daily. The center stated that seeing the crescent on Thursday is not possible with a telescope in most countries of the Arab and Islamic world, with the exception of parts of West Africa starting from Libya.

However, vision remains very difficult and requires an accurate telescope, a professional observer and exceptional weather conditions. It is expected that the crescent cannot be seen even using a telescope from anywhere in the Arab world, unless the aforementioned conditions are available. The center added, “Hence, the principle of adopting the sighting of the crescent as a condition the start of Eid Al-Fitr will be on Saturday, April 22.”

 

 

 

 

In accordance with Article 107 of the Constitution, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah dissolved the 2020 National Assembly on Monday. He said this in His Highness Amir's speech on Ramadan's last ten days delivered by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. “We had decided to dissolve the 2020 National Assembly, which was reinstated by the Constitutional Court, in line with Article 107 of the Constitution, and we will call for holding general elections in the coming months,” the speech said.

According to Article 107, the Amir can dissolve the National Assembly by decree stating the reasons for the dissolution. For the same reason, the Assembly may not be dissolved again. In the two months following the dissolution, elections will be held for the new parliament. His Highness the Crown Prince read out the speech in which he explained that the dissolution of the parliament was a result of the people's will, and it will be accompanied by a new election and some legal and political reforms to help the country move into a new phase of discipline and legal reference.

Also, His Highness the Crown Prince said, this aims to avoid differences and abuses in the use of power by the executive and legislative authorities as well as to ensure neutrality and transparency. His Highness the Crown Prince asked the Government to bear its responsibility for the tasks. Last but not least, His Highness the Crown Prince prayed to Allah the Almighty to accept the fasting of the people and return these days with further blessings and goodness to Arab and Muslim nations. The Kuwaiti Cabinet held its weekly meeting on Monday, led by His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Dr. Khaled Al-Fadhel said after the meeting: On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the Cabinet congratulated the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the Kuwaiti people, praying that Allah will continue to bless Arab and Muslim nations with this good occasion. Furthermore, the cabinet approved a draft decree regarding the implementation of the decisions of the Constitutional Court of appeals related to the National Assembly elections in 2022, emphasizing the importance of observing all judicial rules and acting according to the law and constitution. At the meeting, the cabinet decided to cancel the exceptional salaries for the ministers listed in decree 191/2022.

As part of its discussion of the latest political developments, the cabinet welcomed the restoration of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and Qatar. Additionally, it expressed its extreme concern over the escalation and military clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), calling on all parties to stop military escalation. Ministry of Foreign Affairs' efforts to check on Kuwaiti citizens stranded in Sudan were praised by the Cabinet, which urged them to stay away from areas of tension and conflict and take the utmost care and caution.

 

 

 

 

The local real estate sector is an essential pillar of investment for companies and individuals, and a safe haven for those wishing to preserve the value of their money and savings. However, in light of the global economic turbulence, real estate agents are currently interested in following up their investment conditions. Usually when entering a stage of recession, as the market is currently in, the investor searches through his files and re-reads his investment map, reports Al-Qabas daily.

In a recent study by the daily, Aayan Real Estate Company shed light on the prospects of the local real estate sector to diagnose the current market situation and anticipate future expectations by providing insights and valuable information to investors and providing them with the latest information and data that contribute to supporting their investment decisions.

According to the study, the total number of private housing plots in Kuwait is about 207.1 thousand plots of land in 90 different areas as of the end of 2022, with the exception of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Marine City.

Mutlaa is considered the largest residential city in the country, as it includes about 28.2 thousand plots of land.

The total area of all land used in 2022 for private housing in Kuwait is 99.45 million square meters, with an average area of 480 square meters for each land. It is expected to exceed 100 million square meters in 2023, as there are many cities under planning by the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW).

The number of vacant private housing land in 2022 was about 41.60 thousand plots, equivalent to 20 percent of the total number of land in general (including the city of Mutlaa). This is a very low percentage compared to any Gulf country, as the percentage of vacant residential lands is between 35 percent and 40 percent in different countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The average rate of rentals for the investment sector is expected to decrease in 2023 by 8.5 percent compared to 2019 to reach about KD 4.420 per square meter. The occupancy rate is likely to increase slightly to 85.5 percent in 2023 from 85.1 percent in 2022 to reach 86 percent in 2024 and then to 87 percent in 2025.

There are 2,205 vacant investment residential lands in Kuwait, which is equivalent to 14.7 percent of the total residential investment properties. This is a very low rate compared to the neighboring regional markets, where the percentage exceeds 40 percent. This therefore will impose restrictions on supply, which in turn will lead to an increase in occupancy and prices within the sector.

The value of rents in the commercial sector may decrease by about five percent annually until 2024. The sector in general witnessed a correction of 10-15 percent in rental rates during the past 18 months.

Commercial complexes represent 16 percent of the leasable area at 909.9 thousand square meters at the level of the commercial sector. Shopping centers accounted for 6 percent by about 328.5 thousand square meters. Other leasable properties represent 74 percent at about 4.11 million square meters in different areas of Kuwait.

The total area of the offices used by the public and private sectors amounted to about 7.24 million square meters in 2022. The government’s share of the demand for office space was 47 percent, and the private sector 53 percent at 3.84 million square meters. It is expected to witness an increase to 4.12 million square meters by 2025.

The private sector owns about 282 properties allocated for office spaces in Kuwait City. Among these properties, about 250 properties are available for rent. As for the remaining properties, they are used by their owners.

The office space under construction in the country is estimated at 265 thousand square meters, distributed between 183.02 thousand square meters in Kuwait City, and about 82.74 thousand square meters outside the city.

The Capital Governorate accounts for 70 percent of those spaces for available commercial real estate, and Kuwait City real estate generates annual rental income of USD 314 million.

Regarding the office rental rates, the study estimated the rental prices for offices of various levels and sizes as follows:

1. Luxurious and distinguished offices – ranges from KD 6 to KD 14 per square meter, depending on the location and unit sizes.
2. Mid-level offices – ranges from KD 5.5 to KD 12.7 per square meter.

The study by Aayan Real Estate Company revealed a discussion currently taking place about plans by several government agencies to acquire land in Kuwait City to establish their own buildings. If this is actually done, it may have dangerous repercussions on the performance of the office sector.

From the point of view of the study, occupancy rates will be directly affected according to the likely scenario. In the event that the privately owned offices occupied by the government are vacated during the next three years, the occupancy rate will drop to 74 percent instead of 81.1 percent. This may lead to a decline in the values of many assets, failure to repay loans to banks, and loss of hundreds of jobs in the private sector.

According to the study, the government sector occupies 237,482 square meters of office space in different areas with a rental rate of approximately KD 8 per square meter, which means it spends about KD 22.8 million for annual rents.

Assuming that the official authorities decide to withdraw from the office market and construct their own real estate, it will need an area estimated at 45,670 square meters, if the average construction rate in Kuwait City is 520 percent.

The average price of land in the Capital Governorate is KD 8,500 per square meter, and thus the total value of the expected required area is about KD 388.2 million.

In order to develop an area of 237,482 square meters, the state will work to build twice that area for corridors and public services. Therefore, the total construction cost will amount to about KD 166.2 million. This means that the total spending on land and construction will amount to about KD 554 million (USD 1.8 billion). Thus, the government will save what it spends on renting offices by KD 22.8 million annually.

In theory, this means that it will take 24.3 years for it to start saving rent from its existing office space

 

 

 

 

At a time when the chronic traffic crisis is stagnating for years without a radical remedy, the government is still offering capricious solutions and harmful temporary painkillers by adding a lane here or there on the roads or creating a “flexible working time” system, which are useless solutions with a worn-out reality and a deteriorating infrastructure that is falling apart which has only overcrowded the roads, reports Al-Jarida daily. The daily polled the opinions of some experts who confirmed that a real breakthrough for this crisis could occur within 4 or 5 years, with a technical study prior to implementation. The head of the technical office at the General Traffic Department, Colonel Haqouqi Khaled Al-Adwani, said that the keys to resolving the crisis include developing roads, amending laws, and enhancing the traffic culture in society, in addition to rapid legislative intervention. For his part, the founder of the “Kuwait Comet” initiative, Jassem Al-Awadi, said the traffic congestion is due to “our reliance on individual means of transportation, as more than 80 percent of the traffic structure in Kuwait is individual vehicles.”

The Municipal Council, Engineer Alia Al-Farsi, said “our problem is overcrowding in the urban area,” stressing the need for new cities to be integrated and available with all services, which will ease overcrowding. For his part, the former head of the Department of Civil Engineering and Administrative Systems at the College of Engineering and Petroleum at Kuwait University, Dr. Fahd Al-Rukaibi, said crowding has become a part of our daily lives. If the average time it took previously for an individual to reach his destination was 30 to 35 minutes, it is now about 50 minutes.

The former Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, retired Lieutenant General Fahd Al-Shuwaya, called for the formation of a higher committee to study this problem, stressing that “there is no country in the world that stops issuing driving licenses and withdrawing expatriate licenses, as this is definitely not a solution.”

Meanwhile, from 1980, we started constructing the Fifth Ring, Fourth Ring, King Fahad, Riyadh, King Faisal, and Al-Ghazali roads, but we overlooked an important thing, which is the establishment of the mass transportation system. These roads that we have established should serve us for hundreds of years. It is not true that after 20 or 30 years, the entire infrastructure changes, an example of which is the Fifth Ring Road. We modified it three times – first Al-Khattabi Road, then Abu Al- Qasim Road, and we canceled the intersections, and the third is currently opposite South Surra, and Al- Surra, and this is considered a disaster. I do not blame the Ministry of Public Works, but it is not permissible, after 20 years, to uproot South Surra from its roots, and demolish the infrastructure that was built and for which large sums of money were paid. It was supposed to be built from the ground up properly, taking into account all the changes that have taken place without the need for resorting to amending it.

There is no solution except by providing a system for mass transportation, because it greatly reduces traffic congestion. Today, when mass transportation is provided to the expatriates, they will not need a license or a car. When we travel to European countries, we do not use taxis, as we use mass transportation.”

 

 

 

 

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) is reportedly planning to revoke over 10,000 invalid work permits registered with the organization. The authority has commenced legal procedures for cancellation after verifying the data's accuracy with the Ministry of Interior. The cancellation process will start following the Eid al-Fitr holiday, based on article 35 from the work permits procedures. According to the article, the authority can automatically cancel work permits if the worker has been abroad for more than six months without an exemption from the General Department of Residency.

Work permits can be cancelled if they have expired while the worker is abroad or if the worker has been deported for any reason. The authority will begin examining the cancellation of work permits for other reasons, including the submission of inaccurate data, documents, and unaccredited education certificates, starting next month. "Decisions to cancel these permits will be issued progressively, based on reviews, audits, and test results received from accredited professional organizations such as the Society of Engineers and the Kuwaiti Accountants Society," sources reported.

The initial phase of cancellations will involve 2,500 work permits to be announced this month. Sources clarify that the manpower authority will not issue work permits to those who have previously obtained them unlawfully, through fraudulent academic certificates or failing professional tests. Coordination between the authority and the Ministry of Interior will ensure that anyone with a cancelled permit becomes an illegal resident.

Sources indicate that various ministries will be tasked with addressing the demographic imbalance and reducing the number of unneeded expatriate workers in the market. The Ministry of Interior is expected to reassess the conditions for granting driving licenses to expatriates, as well as issuing mobile taxi licenses, which have become a significant market for attracting foreign workers.

These decisions were prepared for discussion and issuance but were postponed due to the government's resignation and the wait for a new government formation. Sources suggest that the supreme committee for addressing the demographic imbalance will likely hold a meeting with the Manpower Authority, potentially resulting in a comprehensive review of the requirements for issuing work permits in marginal professions currently attracting expatriate workers.

 

 

 

Butterflies are among the most beautiful flying insects and are the most delicate, calm and peaceful. Their charm lies in the beauty of their thin, multi-colored and beautiful wings drawn in exquisite geometric shapes. Their wings are covered with flat, minute scales overlapping with each other. The Kuwaiti and Gulf environment has been inhabited by several types of butterflies, such as the tiger butterfly, the lady variegate, the thorny, the spotted, and the rocky, which are distinguished by their charming colors, as if they were a mobile exhibition showcasing small paintings that move among the flowers lightly and gracefully. 

Regarding butterflies and their season in Kuwait, Rashed Al-Hajji, head of the Kuwaiti Environment Lens team, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Sunday, that butterfl ies are among the cutest fl ying insects and are active during the spring season. Al-Hajji also added that butterfl ies love the sun’s rays and enjoy multiple and beautiful colors. He explained that these scales are the source of the wonderful colors and formations found in the wings, and they contain pigments and mineral coloring materials that give colors their magic when sunlight is reflected, especially the colors blue, orange, black and green.

Al-Hajji pointed out that there are a large number of colors overlapping in a wonderful way on the wing of a single butterfly, with harmonious geometric shapes, as if they were drawn accurately and identically on the wings. He mentioned that the wings of a butterfly are transparent at the beginning of their formation, then they quickly become colored, and they taste through their legs because they do not have a mouth, indicating that most butterflies go to rest with their wings erect above the body, and most of them live for a week or two only, but there are other species that may live for about 18 months. Regarding the most famous types of butterflies in the Kuwaiti environment and the Arabian Peninsula region, Al-Hajji said that the tiger butterfly is the most widespread and common and in line with the conditions of the Kuwaiti environment and the region.

He stated that the tiger butterfly is characterized by an interesting lifestyle, as “its larva feeds on milky weeds that contain cardiac toxin, which is transmitted to the cells of the butterfly, which provides it with protection from birds and lizards due to its toxicity.” He continued that the spotted and rock butterflies are abundant in the Arabian Gulf region and are distinguished by a dancing and attractive way of flying among the plants, while the violet butterfly is considered one of the most attractive butterflies. It migrates across the regions of the Arabian Peninsula and is known for its love of the sun and its presence in the spacious grassy areas. It is also fast flying and famous for its spiral dance near the surface. He pointed out that one of the most common species is the lady moth, which is also called the thorny butterfly, in relation to the food of its caterpillar, which consists of a type of plant called thistle thorns, and is characterized by its speed and strength in flight, which makes it difficult to catch it.

Al-Hajji said that the corona butterfly lives extensively in Kuwait and the Arabian Peninsula, and there is no similarity between its male and female, so that each of them has a special name. As for the lemon butterfly, it is one of the most famous butterflies in the Gulf region and is known for its feeding on the leaves of citrus trees, while its caterpillar is harmful to plants. He explained that the butterfly Great Arabian Salmon is a permanent migratory butterfly that abounds during the summer months in the Arabian Peninsula and inhabits desert areas. It is fast flying, which makes catching it difficult.

And he indicated that all data indicate and confirm the decrease in the numbers of these delicate creatures, which are now threatened with extinction year after year, pointing out that some of their species have disappeared completely or are almost rarely found due to urban projects, the expansion of civilization, the widespread use of pesticides, and the disappearance of natural habitats. For his part, a member of the Kuwaiti Environment Lens team, Muhammad Al-Saleh, said in a similar statement to (KUNA) that the arrival of spring in the country earlier this year and earlier than usual helped the butterflies appear in abundance, as they can be seen in various areas, especially gardens and farms.

Al-Saleh explained that the rains of goodness this year came early and instinctively during the months of October and November, which accelerated the blooming of wild flowers in an exceptional way, so wild plants and herbs flourished in most regions of the country, as well as flowers Newir, Zamlouq, ranunculus, chrysanthemum and others. He mentioned that early spring flowers provide food for butterflies that suck their nectar through a long proboscis through which they can extract the liquid substance in the flower nucleus.