A decree prohibiting the export of livestock from Kuwait is set to be enacted by Muhammad Al-Aiban, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Youth Affairs. As a precautionary measure, this decision is expected to affect both locally produced and imported livestock, stabilizing the local market in the midst of the ongoing Red Sea developments, particularly with respect to the primary commodity.

The forthcoming decree may not specify a specific timeframe for ceasing livestock exports, according to sources. This will probably depend upon Kuwait's ongoing assessment of livestock abundance in the market, the moderation of their prices, and assurance that Kuwait's supply of this crucial commodity remains unaffected by events in the Red Sea.

Kuwait imported around 95,000 heads of live livestock in December alone, indicating that the nation needs approximately one million sheep and 12,000 calves per year. The decision to halt exports during the current period is driven by the necessity of maintaining food security in the country, despite having sufficient quantities for local consumption and a surplus for export.

Khaled Al-Anazi, the head of the Private Sector Workers Union said a private company engaged in oil services supporting Kuwait Oil Company will face a 2,000 dinar fine for delaying the payment of salaries to national workers on specified dates.

Al-Anazi emphasized that the penalty will still be applied even if the company settles its dues, expressing regret over the non-compliance of many private sector companies with national employment rates.

In a statement to Al-Seyassah, Al-Anazi revealed that the Union plans to launch an electronic platform in the upcoming period. This platform will facilitate applications for permanent and part-time job opportunities for citizens, students, and retirees.

It will include a section for submitting complaints regarding workers in the private sector. Al-Anazi highlighted that these complaints will be thoroughly verified and monitored with the relevant authorities until resolution.

Al-Anazi mentioned that the number of national workers in the private sector recently decreased to about 64 thousand from the previous 70 thousand. He attributed this decline to private companies’ failure to comply with laws safeguarding national workers in the private sector.

He emphasized the Union’s significant role in disbursing national labor support to workers in joint operations contractor contracts in the divided region. This was achieved in collaboration with the Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled.

Furthermore, Al-Anazi noted that the Union is currently coordinating a conference on job opportunities scheduled for March in collaboration with the Public Authority for Manpower.

Director of the Department of Information Security and Emergency Response at the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority, Eng. Layali Abdullah Al Mansouri, has announced the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to combat electronic fraud via phones, particularly those employing phone numbers resembling local ones, reports Al-Anba daily. The goal is to integrate all Kuwaiti operating companies into caller ID services in order to combat electronic impersonation, also known as "Caller ID spoofing."

In this month, the regulations for this project will be officially launched, representing a crucial measure against the rising attempts to defraud citizens and residents by calling deceptively. The Authority has finalized procedures to identify local telecommunications companies, as well as CITRA, on the network, according to Al Mansouri.

These numbers will display the company name above the number even if they are not registered on the customer's phone, enhancing their trustworthiness and thwarting impersonation attempts. Currently, the Authority is collaborating with Kuwait's Central Bank to authenticate the identities of local and foreign banks, as well as Kuwait's exchange companies. By blocking avenues of access for impersonators, this initiative aims to prevent fraud.

It also actively defines the identities of companies providing Internet services, a crucial segment serving a wide customer base. As part of the upcoming phase, Al Mansouri outlined plans to directly integrate all Kuwaiti companies into the caller ID system, ensuring automatic identification of company numbers on the network. A priority will be given to companies that directly serve individual customers, particularly those that provide financial services.

According to Al Mansouri, this comprehensive integration of companies will serve as a safeguard against phone-based electronic impersonation, effectively closing the door to fraud in this field. The Authority's website will offer a specialized caller identification service in the future, according to Al Mansouri. In addition to enhancing the overall security and trustworthiness of communication channels, this service will act as a gateway for companies and government agencies to take necessary measures for identifying their identity on the network.

Meta said Tuesday it will hide inappropriate content from teenagers' Instagram and Facebook accounts, including posts about suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders. In a blog post, the Menlo Park-based company said that in addition to its goal of not recommending such "age-inappropriate" material to teens, it will also not display it in their feeds even if another account shares it. "We want teens to have a safe, age-appropriate experience on our apps," Meta said.

Teens who do not lie about their age when signing up for Instagram or Facebook will also see their accounts placed on the most restrictive settings, and they will be blocked from searching for harmful terms. “Take the example of someone posting about their ongoing struggle with self-harm thoughts. This is an important story, and can help destigmatize these issues, but it’s a complex topic and isn’t necessarily suitable for all young people,” Meta said. "Now, we'll eliminate this type of content from teens' Instagram and Facebook experiences, as well as other types of age-inappropriate content."

In a lawsuit filed by dozens of U.S. states accusing Meta of harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis, Meta has designed features on Instagram and Facebook that are knowingly and deliberately addictive to children. Meta's moves were criticized for not going far enough by critics.

Josh Golin, executive director of Fairplay, a children's online advocacy organization, said today's announcement by Meta is yet another desperate attempt to avoid regulation. In light of the fact that the company is capable of hiding pro-suicide and eating disorder content, why did they wait until 2024 before announcing these changes? ”

In a recent development, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, the Minister of Health, has issued two decisions aimed at adding certain chemicals to the list of controlled drugs and psychotropic substances. These decisions are part of the ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and regulate the usage and trafficking of drugs in accordance with international standards, reported Al-Anba Daily.

The first decision specifically focuses on amending Table No. 1 of Law No. 74 of 1983, which pertains to the regulation and control of drugs in the country. The newly added articles in this decision align with the latest international updates related to controlled substances.

By including these chemicals in the list, Kuwait aims to tighten its grip on the illicit drug trade and prevent their misuse. Furthermore, the second article of the decision emphasizes the importance of notifying relevant authorities about the implementation of these additions to the controlled substances list. It also states that the decision will come into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

Local banks in Kuwait are shifting their job preference list for expatriates, focusing on sectors such as education and healthcare. According to sources, the updated list now prominently features doctors, nurses, technicians, and people in elite positions where competence is vital. In accordance with nationalization policies, this preference extends to stable government jobs and positions unlikely to face competition from Kuwaitis.

According to bank sources, the banking industry is shifting its focus to customers with high-quality credit records and substantial end-of-service benefits. The focus is on individuals with stable jobs, emphasizing a reluctance to grant loans to newly appointed expatriates. For non-Kuwaitis with over 10 years of continuous employment earning around 1,250 dinars, consumer loans are capped at 25,000 dinars.

Bank policy reflects a growing appetite for low-risk ventures, resulting in a reluctance to accept unstable financing. Increasingly, banks limit loans for newly appointed expatriates and set strict guidelines for employees over 55 with low salaries and non-university educations.

In the government sector, loans to expatriates have declined significantly over the past year. Banks attribute this to the reduction in non-Kuwaiti appointments in government jobs in 2023 and the prioritization of appointments for citizens.

Kuwaiti banks' overall loan growth has slowed due to this cautious approach to lending. EFG Hermes estimates a meager 4 percent annual growth and 1 percent quarterly growth for the fourth quarter of 2023, placing Kuwaiti banks below the expectations set for Gulf banks.

According to sources, non-Kuwaiti individual loans will continue to experience sluggish credit growth through the first quarter of this year. With most banks adopting stringent credit policies, the question arises: who is willing to lend to newly hired and middle-income expatriates?

Four out of ten banks are more willing to offer favorable terms to expatriates, according to sources. These banks face stiff competition for the Kuwaiti segment, and to fuel their growth plans, they turn to the expatriate sector, capitalizing on the limited credit space for Kuwaitis. As required by the Central Bank, these banks will wait for their customers to switch banks after 30 percent of the repayment period has passed.

Expat lending becomes a viable alternative for banks struggling to gain market share in Kuwait's retail sector. Market studies indicating a manageable default rate among expatriates drive these banks to expand their lending portfolios, even as they maintain general principles for good individual lending.

Even though these banks insist on certain criteria, such as a well-known employer and known history, they are comparatively more lenient when it comes to years of experience, salary rate, and end-of-service bonuses. Expatriates with salaries exceeding 300 dinars can secure loans, even with just four months of employment, adhering to the legally required stabilization period. The banks adopt a broader list of companies than their conservative counterparts, which enhances their protective measures.

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.