In a concerted effort to address financial fraud and money laundering, Criminal Security, in collaboration with the Public Prosecution and the Kuwait Banking Association, has introduced an online helpdesk named "Aman." This initiative, operating continuously, facilitates the reporting of financial fraud cases, with reports being accepted 24/7 from all local banks.

The General Department of Criminal Investigation, under the Ministry of Interior, oversees the "Aman" helpdesk, which serves as a central hub for handling cases of financial fraud. Reports submitted through this platform trigger swift responses from the financial departments of local banks, leading to the prompt freezing of funds associated with victims' accounts.

During the period from 7/12/2023 to 9/1/2024, the initiative addressed a significant number of complaints, receiving a total of 285 reports amounting to an estimated sum of (495,973,933) KD. Immediate measures were implemented to freeze these funds, setting the stage for subsequent recovery efforts.

The Ministry of Interior emphasizes the importance of individuals promptly notifying their banks upon discovering any unauthorized transactions. The collaboration between law enforcement, the banking sector, and the public encourages a proactive approach to combat financial fraud.

Al-Qabas Daily reported that the Al-Ujairi Scientific Center announced the end of the Al-Murabbaniyah season on January 14th, marking the transition into the upcoming "carpfish" season.

Starting next Sunday, the center expects a chill in the air. Providing further information, the center explained that the Shabat season spans over 26 days annually, commencing on January 14th. The season is divided into two distinct phases: “Al-Na’em” and “Al-Baladah,” each lasting for 13 days. The first half of the season is called the "bliss" phase, with cold mornings, increased frost, and gusty winds.

In a move to regulate the use and circulation of psychotropic substances, the Ministry of Health has decided to halt the dispensing and sale of Lyrica, a medication containing Pregabalin and Gabapentin, in private pharmacies and private hospital pharmacies. This decision comes following a recommendation from the Joint Committee for Coordinating Work in Implementing the Provisions of Laws No. 74 of 1983 and 48 of 1987, which focuses on combating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi, issued a ministerial decision that transfers Pregabalin and Gabapentin from Table No. 4 to Table No. 2. Substances and preparations may be dispensed in both the government and private sectors under Table No. 4, whereas Table No. 2 restricts dispensing to Ministry of Health facilities only. It was decided to take this step after observing significant increases in the prescription of these substances in certain private institutions.

Previously, the Minister of Health issued another decision that required the establishment of a central electronic system under its supervision. In this system, prescriptions for psychotropic substances and preparations dispensed by private pharmacies are monitored. Moreover, private pharmacies authorized to trade in psychotropic substance preparations were required to register in the electronic system, following the specified conditions and procedures.

Following the recent decision, the Minister of Health has instructed all pharmacies to cease dispensing and selling prescriptions for preparations containing Pregabalin and Gabapentin in private pharmacies and private hospital pharmacies. This directive will take effect immediately upon publication of the first decision in the Official Gazette. A grace period of two weeks has been granted to pharmacies affected by the first ministerial decision to return or destroy any seized quantities of preparations containing the two substances.

According to the Ministry of Health, the Drug Inspection Department has been authorized to seize the available quantities in private sector pharmacies and return them to the source (the local agent) or destroy them following the approved process. Within one month of the publication of the first ministerial decision, the process must be completed.

A detailed report on the implementation of these measures has been assigned to the Assistant Undersecretary for Pharmaceutical Control Affairs. This decision to halt the dispensing and sale of Lyrica in private pharmacies aims to ensure the proper regulation and control of psychotropic substances. These recommendations are in line with those of the International Narcotics Control Board of the United Nations and the Joint Committee responsible for enforcing laws related to narcotics and psychotropics.

Al-Qabas daily reports that Australian Ambassador Melissa Kelly does not plan to exempt Kuwaitis from visa requirements or change the current visa procedures. In fiscal 2022/2023, Australia granted 182 student visas to Kuwaitis; in fiscal 2023/2024, 106 student visas were granted to Kuwaitis. The number of Kuwaitis studying in her country is expected to continue to rise. She explained that the period for completion of transactions varies, indicating a calculator for average execution period is available on the Ministry of Internal Affairs website. Based on current data, 50 percent of student visa applications (subcategory 500) are processed within 14 days.

She added: “To improve transaction completion times, we encourage applicants to ‘verify twice, apply once,’ which means ensuring that all required information is completed, that there are no errors, especially in the spelling of names and dates of birth, and that all attachments are included, including translations.” Measures Asked if Australia took new measures regarding visas for students and whether these measures apply to Kuwaitis, she pointed out that the reforms announced on Dec 11 last year were the results of a comprehensive review of the overall immigration program in all visa categories; affirming they apply to international students including Kuwaitis. Among other things, she warned that some education service providers assist students in obtaining work rights in Australia with the help of a student visa, as well as incidents of exploitation of international students. Students visas play a key role in ensuring that the international education program in Australia continues to flourish.

In order to ensure that only genuine students are granted visas to pursue study opportunities, we have introduced reforms to enhance the integrity of the student visa system. Our educational system strives to ensure that real students have a positive experience in Australia through the highest standards of quality, safety, and integrity. Afterwards, students will have the option of returning to their countries, joining the global workforce or applying their skills to a career in Australia," she explained. According to her, the reforms make it easier for graduates to work in areas that require their skills. The Australian government appreciates the diverse skills and ideas that international students bring to the country, she said.

Mohammad Al Aiban, Kuwait's Minister of Commerce and Industry, has issued a directive setting a maximum fee for hiring domestic workers.

In accordance with the recommendations of First Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Talal Khaled Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the decision revised Ministerial Resolution No. 103/2022 to include travel costs in the recruitment fee.

A new fee structure caps the cost of hiring domestic workers from Asian countries at KD750 (about Dh9,000), African countries at KD575, and individuals with a sponsor-issued passport at KD350.

When domestic workers breach contracts, the measure is designed to resolve disputes involving recruitment offices and ensure fair compensation for employers.

A total of 811,307 domestic workers are registered in Kuwait according to the latest data from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI).

In addition to India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, smaller numbers are from Ethiopia, Benin, Indonesia, Mali, and Madagascar.

The Society of Engineers has reached an agreement with the Egyptian Embassy to encourage Egyptian universities to enhance and sustain their academic accreditation. The accord also emphasizes the need for ongoing coordination and the development of mechanisms for accrediting engineers in alignment with the profession’s requirements on local, regional, and global scales.

This collaborative effort unfolded during the visit of the Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait, Osama Shaltout, along with Consul General Ambassador Dr. Heba Zaki and other embassy members to the association. Discussions during the meeting centered on issues related to professional engineering accreditation.

Present at the meeting were Vice President of the Association, Eng. Muhammad Al-Subaie, Assistant Secretary and Board Member, Eng. Hammoud Al-Hadiya, as well as Board of Directors members Dr. Shorouk Al-Jasser and M. Ali Abbas Mohseni. Ambassador Shaltout, in concluding remarks, emphasized the significance of the visit as part of ongoing communication with the Society of Engineers, praising it as Kuwait’s oldest public benefit society. He expressed confidence in the continuous development of accreditation systems to benefit both parties.

Ambassador Shaltout lauded the Society of Engineers for its role in accrediting both Egyptian and non-Egyptian engineers, expressing happiness in cooperating with the Society in accreditation matters. Eng. Faisal Al-Atl, President of the Society of Engineers, affirmed the association’s commitment to international and Arab engineering standards, citing adherence to European, American, and Arab academic accreditation lists.

Al-Atl appreciated the embassy’s interest in learning about the accreditation mechanisms for engineers in Kuwait, underscoring the association’s commitment to regular accreditation renewal in coordination with the Arab Engineering Education Committee. He clarified that engineers in the government sector are accredited through the Service Bureau, not the Kuwait Society of Engineers.

Addressing developments in the accreditation of Egyptian engineers, Al-Attal stressed the association’s dedication to supporting all engineers and the importance of ongoing improvements to accommodate global changes. He endorsed recent efforts by Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, to amend the demographic composition, expressing support for initiatives that align with Kuwait’s development and population goals.

Al-Attal highlighted the evolving global requirements for practicing engineers, emphasizing the urgent need for skilled workers, especially in engineering professions. He expressed the hope to reconsider the hiring of recent graduates without work experience, drawing parallels with medical professionals who require five years of experience before obtaining a license.

Regarding electronic certificates, Al-Attal confirmed the association’s commitment to continuous improvement, offering electronic certificates promptly upon issuance. The visit concluded with an inspection tour of the Engineers Service Center and testing centers, where the Society’s leaders expressed satisfaction with the electronic services witnessed.

To streamline processes and uphold public and occupational interests, the Public Authority for Manpower has introduced the smart worker ID through the My ID application. This initiative aims to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in the domestic labor sector.

According to a press statement released by the Authority, domestic labor offices and companies involved in recruiting workers are now required to issue smart IDs for registered workers using the designated My ID application. Copies of these IDs must be submitted to the Licensing Department of the Department for Regulating the Recruitment of Domestic Workers. Additionally, workers are advised to carry their smart IDs and present them upon request.

The Authority emphasizes the importance of vigilance for citizens engaging with recruitment offices and companies. When visiting such establishments, individuals are urged to verify the smart IDs of workers and cross-reference them with the contracts and receipts provided by the offices or companies they are dealing with. This measure aims to enhance security, reduce fraud, and ensure compliance within the domestic labor sector.

On Monday, the Ministry of Interior announced that the first experimental smart center for citizens' service would open round-the-clock on Tuesday. The center has been established at the headquarters of the General Administration Of Kuwaiti Citizenship And Travel Documentation in Shuwaikh district.

The MoI public directorate for relations and security information said in a press release that this step comes as part of the security establishment’s digital transformation and providing citizens with the easiest possible transactions. As well as passports, driving permits, and civil IDs, the center provides the ministry's electronic services through the Sahel application and MoI's website. It is expected that the project will be expanded to cover all regions in the near future.

During the onset of the new year 2024, Dr. Ahmed Al-Shatti, director of the Medical Emergency Department, officially launched the paperless system in the Operations Department. In line with the Ministry of Health's digital governance plan, this initiative streamlines the process of receiving reports and dispatching ambulances.

Throughout 2023, Dr. Al-Shatti acknowledged the significant contributions made by Kuwait's medical emergency teams. Highlighting key performance indicators, the Operations Department handled 185,000 cases, including 128,000 hospital transfers, 8,757 road accidents, 808 air ambulances, 94 medical evacuations, and 754 cases through ports. During the past year, the department has participated in 72 training exercises and supported 6,662 events and gatherings.

Air ambulance cases increased by 100% from 404 to 808 in 2023, according to Dr. Al-Shatti. Support for public gatherings and activities also increased by 20%, reaching 6,662 in 2023, compared to 4,418 in 2022. Moreover, mock exercises saw a 30% increase, totaling 72. The average response time to reporting sites stood at an impressive 10 minutes.

Dr. Al-Shatti expressed optimism about future administration department projects. He aspires to enhance efficiency, save time, and improve service levels through the implementation of the paperless notification system. As part of the department's goals, advanced medical guidance systems will be used, non-urgent reports will be activated through an easy program, and communication channels will be established between ambulances and accident and emergency departments.

Dr. Al-Shatti congratulated the staff on the new year and commended their achievements in introducing the paperless system during a field visit. Ambulance Services Supervisor Ahmed Suleiman, Head of Operations Abdullah Al-Nafis, Head of Non-urgent Operations Saqr Al-Ustaz, Head of Urgent Operations Walid Al-Busairi, and Shift Heads: Muhammad Rashid, Ali Dashti, Faisal Al-Qallaf, Nasser Al-Subaie, Hassan Lari, and Mahmoud Kabli, who were recognized on this occasion.

Abdullah Al-Nafis, Head of the Operations Department, highlighted the department's accomplishments for 2023. This includes preparing technical specifications for ambulance maintenance and repair tenders, acquiring 79 new ambulances, totaling 286, and coordinating with relevant departments for exercises and accidents. In addition, the department responded to public complaints through the Sahel program, activated the electronic communications system from January 1, 2024, and integrated the Supply and Support Division with the Operations Division.

According to Al-Nafis, the department's responsibilities include receiving, implementing, and following up on all urgent and non-urgent reports. This involves directing ambulances for emergency and non-emergency cases, maintaining constant communication with official authorities, and coordinating with various departments around the clock. The Operations Department also covers various state-level occasions, events, and activities, ensuring a smooth workflow and addressing any issues promptly. Section 247 is divided into Urgent Operations, Non-Urgent Operations, Follow-up Division, and secretariats.

The Misdemeanor Court sentenced the head of a restaurant company to one-month imprisonment and imposed a fine of KD 5,000 for violating the delivery prices and raising them to 500 fils instead of 250 fils.

According to a complaint filed by a Kuwaiti woman to the Consumer Protection Department, the “Burger King” restaurant violated the legally prescribed delivery prices, which amount to 250 fils for delivery within the area of the location of the restaurant and 500 fils for delivery to areas away from the restaurant location. The fixed order invoice was attached, which included the violating delivery fees.

As a result, the Consumer Protection Department referred the complaint to the Commercial Affairs Prosecution, which in turn filed charges against the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the restaurant company to which the restaurant belongs and referred him to court. It was proven by the court that the restaurant violated the delivery fees stipulated by the law and the decisions of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which is based on convicting the first official, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company to which the restaurant belongs, with the aforementioned ruling, to impose the prestige of the law and the necessity of respecting it by companies and restaurants about delivery fees and the resulting preservation of customer rights guaranteed to them by law.

KNET, the Shared Electronic Banking Services Company, is set to revolutionize financial transfers through an innovative approach. The company is planning to introduce a streamlined method that allows users to conduct financial transactions via a new smartphone application, eliminating the need for traditional multi-step processes.

According to reports from Al-Rai Arabic newspaper, the proposed plan involves executing financial transfers in a single step using a dedicated smartphone application. Users can simply input the recipient's phone number and specify the transfer amount, bypassing the requirement to log in to the bank's mobile application and generate a payment link.

To avail of this service, individuals must register on the application using their phone number already registered with the bank. Sources indicate that there will be a maximum transfer limit of 1,000 dinars for this convenient one-step transaction method.

Representatives of the concerned government agencies confirmed in the previous meetings of parliamentary committees that, in principle, there is no objection to lifting the ban on the issuance of visit and family visas, provided the humanitarian and economic aspects are taken into consideration, reports Al- Seyassah daily quoting parliamentary sources.

Sources pointed out that the previous experiences entail the necessity of imposing certain restrictions and regulations in the public’s interest. Sources said all these are stipulated in the government’s proposed amendment of the Foreigners Residency Law, which has been included in the agenda of the upcoming legislative session.

Sources added: “Political developments may have contributed to the delay in approving this important bill. The parliamentary Interior and Defense Affairs Committee has completed a balanced report that achieves common objectives and sets controls for the Ministry of Interior to move forward in opening family, tourist, and commercial visit visas.”

Sources went on to say that the bill states there will be no changes in the fees for issuing and renewing all types of visas; clarifying the bill does not specify these fees, but it authorizes the Minister of Interior to issue decisions to amend them. Sources pointed out that imposing compulsory health insurance on visitors would also contribute to expediting the lifting of visa restrictions, affirming this insurance would generate good revenues for the State, reduce the burden on government hospitals, and develop their infrastructure to focus on providing health services to citizens efficiently.

The investigator of the Al-Qashaniya Police Station has been directed to launch an inquiry into the death of a Kuwaiti citizen, who reportedly passed away after being kicked by a camel, reports Al-Anba daily.

Despite efforts to rescue the man, which included his transfer from the accident site in Abdali to Al-Jahra Hospital via an air ambulance, the attempts were unsuccessful. A misdemeanor case has been officially registered at Al-Qashaniya Police Station.

Providing additional details, a security source disclosed that an officer at Al-Qashaniya Police Station received a call from Al-Jahra Hospital, notifying them of the arrival of a citizen born in 1979. Despite the hospital’s efforts to save him, the doctors’ report attributed the cause of death to a camel kick.

The Al-Qashaniya Police Station investigations revealed the death occurred on a farm in the Abdali area, specifically at Kilo 56.

The Kuwait Municipality has officially launched an inspection campaign focusing on public cleaning services within various regions. This initiative includes the vigilant monitoring of supervisory and executive procedures undertaken by cleaning contractors and companies.

Beginning in the Hawalli Governorate, the campaign is slated to expand to additional governorates in the near future. With a primary emphasis on upholding all relevant laws, regulations, and decisions pertaining to public cleanliness and road occupancy within the governorates, this campaign underscores the Municipality's commitment to ensuring a clean and orderly environment.

In the year 2023, Kuwait witnessed an unprecedented surge in the deportation of expatriates, marking a historic high in the country's efforts to enhance security and regulate its workforce. According to the latest report, a staggering 42,000 expatriates were deported throughout the year, surpassing previous records and signaling a robust enforcement strategy.

The substantial increase, compared to the 21,000 expatriates deported in 2022, underscores the government's commitment to maintaining a secure environment. The initiative was spearheaded by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, who directed comprehensive actions to address residency violations and curb criminal activities among expatriates.

National Assembly Speaker Ahmed Al- Saadoun has invited the government and MPs to the parliamentary sessions scheduled for Jan 9-10, 2024. Following are the items in the agenda of both sessions:
– Vote on the minutes of the previous session;
– Parliamentary queries;
– Amiri Speech delivered on Oct 31, 2023;
– Reports of the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee about the bills on reforming the constituencies, and amending the National Assembly Law and Penal Code number 16/1960;
– Report of the Interior and Defense Affairs Committee on the proposed amendment of the Foreigners Residency Law; – Report of the fact-finding committee tasked to investigate the armament deals (Eurofighter and Caracal helicopters);

– Report of the Oil and Energy Committee on the proposal to establish a national shareholding company for advanced petrochemical industries;
– Reports of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee on these proposals — amend the law on establishing the Public Institution for Social Security to grant zero-interest loans to retirees, increase the cost of living allowance, transform Kuwait Airways Corporation into a shareholding national company, and exempt the heirs of those who obtained loans from Kuwait Credit Bank from paying the remaining installments in case of the death of the borrowers;
– Reports of the Interior and Defense Affairs Committee on the proposal to amend the Traffic and Police laws;
– Report of the Illegal Residents Affairs Committee about the bills on granting social, civil, and career rights to Bedouns;
– Report of the Human Resources Development Committee on the proposed amendment of Civil Service Commission Law number 15/1979, – Report of the Public Funds Protection Committee on the proposed amendment of the Public Funds Protection Law;
– Report of the Health, Social, and Labor Affairs Committee on the proposed amendment of the Cooperative Societies Law;

– Report of the Family, Women and Children Affairs Committee on the proposal to grant rights to the children of Kuwaiti women married to non- Kuwaitis;
– Report of the Foreign Affairs Committee on the military cooperation treaty between Kuwait and Turkey;
– Request of several MPs to discuss the strategic alternative to the salary scale with the government; – Request to discuss the factors leading to price hikes;
– Request to discuss the procedures and criteria adopted to fill up vacant supervisory posts;
– Request to form a fact-finding committee to investigate the Dhaman Hospital issue and violations recorded by the State Audit Bureau.

On the other hand, Chairman of the Education, Culture and Guidance Affairs Committee MP Hamad Al-Elyan has disclosed that the committee, along with members of the Technical Office, will travel to Qatar on Friday to personally look into the educational sector there. He said the official trip, which will last for four days, will include meetings with senior officials at the Qatari Ministry of Education to discuss the strategy that put education in Qatar in first place among Arab countries and fourth in the world as per the internationally accredited indexes.

He confirmed that the visit is aimed at transferring the Qatari education experience to Kuwait, while the committee will use such experience as a reference for the completion of its reports on the relevant bills. He added the committee will discuss these reports with the senior officials at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in preparation for the session scheduled for April 30, 2024, to vote on the bills about the development of the local educational sector and its outputs.

Meanwhile, MP Saud Al-Asfour forwarded queries to the Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and acting Minister of Public Works Jassem Al-Ostad about the statement of former Secretary General of the Sustainable Peaceful Nuclear Energy Committee Ahmed Beshara in 2010 that “by 2022, Kuwait would have established four nuclear reactors for peaceful purposes with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts per hour.

The necessary steps are being taken to float the tenders and allocate the sites for the project.” Al-Asfour revealed that in 2010, Kuwait and Japan signed an agreement to cooperate in the development of nuclear energy and to push for the export of nuclear energy as part of the State’s strategy to boost the economy. He added Kuwait signed a treaty on nuclear cooperation with France in April 2010 to allow ARIVA Company to export nuclear energy to Kuwait. Based on the above, the lawmaker wants to know the achievements of the committee since its establishment till date, if Kuwait has benefited from the agreements it signed with Japan and France in 2010, and if the ministry has a strategy to establish nuclear energy reactors.

If yes, he requested details, including the terms and schedule of the establishment. MP Majed Al-Mutairi asked Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Oil, Economic and Investment Affairs Saad Al-Barrak to provide him with information about the fire incident at the gathering center of Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) on Dec 3, 2023. He inquired if the incident resulted in death or injuries, the period and cost needed to repair the damages and put the center back to full operation if a factfinding committee was formed to investigate the incident, a copy of the committee’s report if the answer is ‘yes’, if the incident occurred in an area that belongs to a contracting company, copy of the contract if the answer is ‘yes’, measures taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, and the department at the Ministry of Oil tasked to ensure strict compliance with the safety and security regulations.

Together with the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, the Public Authority for Manpower will soon conduct a test for skilled technical workers as a condition for issuing a work permit. In a press release, PAM said that this is in accordance with the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, as he is eager to begin implementing the professional system project for smart recruitment, which is part of the development plan.

According to the press release, PAAET and PAM are preparing a memorandum of understanding, which will be signed early next week, regarding the holding of practical and technical tests for skilled workers in Kuwait as a condition of issuing a work permit. As stated in the statement, the MoU will include the introduction of these tests in stages, based on the standards and conditions that will be determined by the memorandum between the two parties regarding what professions will be subjected to the tests or not, particularly since these tests will help develop Kuwait's labor market by raising the technical proficiency of Kuwaiti workers.

In the statement, it was stated that the first professions to undergo tests and obtain work permits would be in the contracting sector, in order to boost efficiency and protect Kuwaiti families from fraud. In the near future, PAM will draft a mechanism for issuing a skill classification so that there will be levels of employment based on skill and experience.

Dr. Jamal Al-Duaij, Director of Jahra Health District, announced the opening of the Ali Muhammad Thunayan Al-Ghanim Center in Abdali.

According to Al-Jarida, the center includes a number of departments and specializations, including a dental department, minor accidents, medical observation, laboratories, pharmacies, and others.

A significant acceleration will take place in the coming period in terms of the completion and provision of quality and distinguished services at the center, including the automated system.

Dr Al-Duaij said he personally inspected the construction work at the new Center, as well as the ongoing work at the current Abdali Health Center. He inspected the pharmacy and nursing departments, spoke to patients about their needs and suggestions, and supervised some patients' treatment.

As he stressed that patients and visitors to the center should have access to all necessary medicines around the clock throughout the year, he also praised the efforts and directives of the Minister of Health. In following up and facilitating the opening procedures for the new center, Ahmed Al-Awadi and the acting Undersecretary of the Ministry, Abdul Rahman Al-Mutairi, assisted each other. To meet the needs of patients and visitors, the director of Jahra Health District urged all workers at the center to perform their duties to the fullest extent possible.