The new residency law, scheduled to be discussed during the session on Tuesday, seeks to increase the penalty imposed on a foreigner who visits Kuwait and remains here in violation without residency, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

It stipulated that the penalty should be imprisonment for a period of one year and/or a fine ranging between KD 1,000 and KD 2,000. The duration of the visit has been extended to three months instead of one month, renewable with the approval of the Minister of Interior.

The new residency law stipulates this penalty in Article 27, which is concerned with foreigners who violate Article 11, which stipulates that “an expatriate who entered the State of Kuwait with the intention of visiting may remain for a period not exceeding three months. He must leave upon its expiry unless he obtains a residence permit from the Ministry of Interior.”

The new law increased the daily fine amount for the violation of residency law to KD 2, as well as the fine for the delayed registration of a newborn to KD 2 in the first month, and KD 4 for each day after that, in the event of a violation of Article 6, which stipulates that, “Every expatriate who has a child born in the State of Kuwait must submit, within four months from the date of birth, the newborn’s passport or travel document to the concerned authority in the Ministry of Interior in order to obtain a residence permit or a grace period to leave the State of Kuwait.” The same penalty applies to anyone who violates residency.

Article No. 31 stipulates in its fourth paragraph that an amount of KD 3,000 must be paid in the event that an expatriate works for other sponsors other than his own, in violation of the requirements of his residency.

A new WhatsApp feature - the ability to pin messages - has been unveiled by Meta. Using this feature, users can pin a particular message to the top of a chat, similar to the existing pinning functionality for chats in the home window. Android, iOS, and PC users are currently receiving the update.

It emphasizes that pinned messages can be used for both individual and group chats, allowing users to highlight messages that are important to them. By making it easier to find important information quickly, the primary goal is to enhance user efficiency. End-to-end encryption ensures that all message types, whether texts, polls, images, or emojis, can be pinned securely with WhatsApp.

Pin Messages Work as Follows:
While pinned chats remain visible in WhatsApp's home window, there is a timeframe limitation for pinning messages in the chat pin window. As described in the official blog post, users can choose between a 24 hour period, 7 days, or an extended 30 days when pinning. A banner will prompt users to select the desired duration. Administrators have the authority to determine who can pin messages in group chats - either everyone or just them.

How to pin a WhatsApp message on Android
1. Tap and hold on the desired message.
2. From the context menu that appears, tap More options.
3. Select Pin.
4. Choose the desired duration for the pinned message: 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.
5. Tap Pin again to confirm.

Pin WhatsApp messages to your iPhone
1. Tap and hold on the message you want to pin.
2. Tap More options from the menu that appears.
3. Select Pin.
4. Choose the desired duration: 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.
5. Tap Pin to confirm.

Pin WhatsApp messages on the web and desktop
1. Select the message you wish to pin.
2. Click the three dots icon.
3. Select Pin message from the dropdown menu.
4. Choose the duration for the pinned message: 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.
5. Click Pin to confirm.

If a message is not manually unpinned, it will automatically unpin after the designated duration expires. In unpinning, the message is simply relocated from the banner at the top of the chat to its original position in the conversation, without affecting its content. The feature allows users to maintain a more organized and clutter-free chat experience by removing outdated messages while keeping vital information easily accessible.

Navigating sick leave procedures has become more streamlined in Kuwait with the MOH Q8Seha app. This digital tool, introduced by the Ministry of Health (MOH), simplifies applying for and managing sick leaves online. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can efficiently handle your health-related leaves with ease.

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Downloading the MOH Q8Seha App:

• Download for Android: Google Play
• Download for iOS: App Store

Detailed Steps for Using the MOH Q8Seha App:

1. Authenticate with Kuwait Mobile ID: Log into the Q8Seha app using your Kuwait Mobile ID. Ensure you approve the necessary notifications for successful authentication.
2. Accessing 'My Sick Leaves': Once logged in, navigate to the "My Sick Leaves" section.
3. Electronic Sick Leave Request: Click on "Electronic Sick Leave Request" in the 'My Sick Leaves' area.
4. Selecting Your Workplace: Choose from the listed workplaces or select "Others" if your workplace isn't listed.
5. Downloading Your Sick Leave: Once your sick leave is issued, download it by clicking on "Save File."
6. Reviewing Past Sick Leaves: To view past sick leaves, revisit "My Sick Leaves" and then choose "Clinics."

Additional Resources:

• For visual assistance and more details, refer to the MOH's guideline with screenshots here.

Benefits of Using the MOH Q8Seha App:

• Ease of Use: Simple, user-friendly interface.
• Convenience: Apply and manage sick leaves from any location.
• Efficiency: Quick processing of sick leave applications.
• Digital Record-Keeping: Easily accessible digital history of your sick leaves.

Conclusion: The MOH Q8Seha app is a vital tool for efficiently managing sick leaves in Kuwait. Following this guide, you can easily navigate the app and handle your health-related leaves with confidence.

Kuwait is currently facing a dramatic surge in onion prices as a direct consequence of India's recent export ban on this crucial commodity. The ban, which is set to last until March 31, 2024, was implemented by India to stabilize its own domestic market but has had far-reaching effects on neighboring countries, including Kuwait. The sudden scarcity of Indian onions, known for their quality and affordability, has left both consumers and retailers in Kuwait grappling with the challenge.

Onion, a staple ingredient in many local cuisines, has seen its prices soar, causing a significant impact on household budgets and the food industry. Retail industry executives in Kuwait have been actively seeking alternative sources to meet the growing demand.

Despite considering imports from countries like Turkey, Iran, China, and Egypt, there remains a gap in terms of the quality, quantity, and price that Indian onions offered. This gap has not only affected market dynamics but also consumer preferences, as Indian onions are highly favored in the Kuwaiti market.

The dramatic price increase is a direct response to the reduced supply from India, which, before the ban, was a major supplier of onions to Kuwait and other Gulf countries. The shortage has led to a spike in prices, creating a significant economic burden.

In spite of the recent strong wave of fog, Kuwait City remains one of the top ten cities with air pollution in the world, according to the international Air Quality Index (AQI). Al-Rai Daily reports that these standards differ from those of the Environment Public Authority and other local authorities.

An official Kuwaiti website dedicated to measuring air pollution revealed these alarming statistics. According to environmental activist Saad Al-Hayyan, the continued air pollution in Kuwait can be attributed to several factors. The lack of a clear plan and vision for increasing vegetation cover, which would help mitigate pollution, is one of them.

In addition, Al-Hayyan emphasizes the need for better coordination and connectivity regarding the examination of polluting cars and exhaust systems. This lack of regulation and enforcement contributes to the deteriorating air quality in the city. Al-Hayyan also identified the non-use of renewable energy sources as a contributing factor.

Using non-renewable energy increases pollution levels and exacerbates air quality problems. Additionally, waste dumps remaining open and the increasing desertification and sand encroachment in Kuwait further worsen the pollution situation. Al-Hayyan highlights that Kuwait is bound by international agreements and treaties on carbon emissions. Therefore, addressing these issues and taking necessary steps for environmental preservation is crucial for the country.

As announced by Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, three expat examination centers have extended their working hours: Ali Sabah Al-Salem suburb (Umm Al-Hayman), Al-Jahra, and Shuwaikh. The new hours are from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm during official working days from Sunday to Thursday.

In all expatriate labor examination centers, domestic workers can undergo examinations without prior appointments as long as their sponsor is present. For other applicants, securing a prior appointment is a prerequisite. This extension aims to alleviate pressure on the centers, ensuring accessible and convenient services for patients. The public health sector's efforts to address workflow challenges and implement effective solutions were commended by Dr. Al-Sanad.

In an official statement released today, the Civil Service Commission has declared Monday, January 1, as an official holiday in celebration of New Year 2024.

Additionally, the circular emphasizes that Sunday, December 31, will be observed as a designated day of rest.

In Kuwait, indemnity is a crucial aspect of employment benefits, and it's important to understand how it interacts with your financial obligations, such as loans. According to Kuwaiti banking and employment laws, the answer to your question largely depends on the terms of your loan agreement.

A standard loan agreement in Kuwait, as guided by the Central Bank of Kuwait and the Kuwait Banking Association, may include a clause that allows the bank to deduct outstanding loan amounts from your indemnity. This is often a security measure for the bank to ensure they can recover the loan in case of your employment termination.

For instance, such an agreement might state:

“As a guarantee to pay the loan interests, fees, and other dues, the borrower is required to arrange with their employer to have their monthly salary and indemnity transferred to the bank throughout the loan period.”

However, this situation can vary. If you find new employment and can assure the bank of your continued ability to repay the loan, they may not opt to deduct the full amount from your indemnity. Each case is unique and depends on the specifics of your loan agreement and your financial situation at the time of your employment termination.

It's advisable to review your loan agreement and discuss your situation with your bank to understand exactly how these rules apply to your case in Kuwait.

Al-Rai daily reports that the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport (PART) is drafting a letter approving the contractor responsible for the maintenance of Al-Abdul Razzaq Darwaza tunnel. In order to reopen the intersection, which has been closed for approximately three years, this approval is crucial to completing the contract work.

Al-Rai was informed that the Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, along with the Minister of Public Works, Dr. Jassim Al-Ostad, held a meeting with PART officials to discuss the mechanism for finalizing the maintenance work, during which an agreement was reached on the tasks to be completed with the contractor.

Approximately a year ago, Amani Bouqammaz, the former Minister of Public Works, halted the tunnel's construction. Following the submission of a report by a specialist at the Government Performance Center, this decision was made pending the resolution of a dispute related to tunnel work. It was concluded in the report that the implementation mechanism for tunnel repairs was incorrect and dangerous. Project contractors, however, insisted the ongoing works were performed correctly, according to a thoroughly studied plan, and argued against stopping them.

After the approval of Ministerial Resolution No. (410) of 2023, which defines the validity criteria for driving licenses for Kuwaitis and expats in different residency categories, specifying a one-year duration for residents with the option of renewal, Sheikh Talal Al- Khaled, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, has directed the General Traffic Department at the Ministry of Interior to solely use electronic driving licenses for expats within the country. This instruction comes into effect today, Sunday, 10/12/2023, and removes the necessity for physical print copies, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

The Ministry of Interior has provided additional clarification, stating that the electronic renewal of driving licenses is achievable through the Ministry’s website and the consolidated government application for electronic services, referred to as “Sahel.” Applicants who meet the specified conditions and comply with regulatory requirements will receive electronic approval for their applications. Following this, the license can be activated using the Ministry of Interior’s documents within the “Sahel” application, specifically in the section labeled “Kuwait Mobile ID.”

The Ministry underscored that individuals residing in the State of Kuwait can check the status of their driving licenses using the “Kuwait Mobile ID” application. It was highlighted that a green mark indicates validity, whereas a red mark indicates expiration, requiring either renewal through the “Sahel” application or withdrawal in compliance with traffic regulations. For Kuwaiti license holders, following these procedures entails contacting the General Traffic Department.

Furthermore, Domestic drivers and truck drivers transporting goods across countries are excluded from this decision. Kuwait residents traveling abroad are obligated to use driving licenses issued by their respective countries. These streamlined processes align with the Ministry of Interior’s commitment to digital transformation, aiming to enhance efficiency, simplify procedures, reduce paperwork, and ultimately save public funds.

Unfavorable weather conditions and low visibility, reduced to less than 200 meters, significantly impacted air traffic across the country. Reliable sources have revealed that approximately 17 flights were forced to divert to alternate airports in Bahrain, Dammam, and Basra as a result of the challenging weather conditions.

Moreover, the adverse weather conditions led to delays for around 20 departing flights from Kuwait International Airport. Passengers and airline operators alike faced disruptions as the weather posed challenges to the smooth operation of flights, causing inconvenience for those traveling to and from Kuwait.

Kuwait has suffered a setback in economic quality during the past decade by 21 places, while its best performance was in 2014, according to the National Center for Development Research of the General Secretariat of Planning. An analysis of Kuwait's prosperity by the National Center noted that gross domestic product is a standard for measuring economic prosperity (prosperity is measured and determined according to its national income), but if you are trying to understand the real added value of participants in the economy, it can be the GDP that gives a distorted picture, especially in countries with high resource rents.

It was explained in the report that resource rents may cause an arithmetic imbalance in GDP figures, which can mislead the public about the quality of an economy. According to the 2019 Global Prosperity Index report, Kuwait has resource rents that contribute more than 25% to its GDP, and it may appear Kuwait is wealthy, but its workforce is relatively unproductive economically. Kuwait experienced a significant decline in the quality of its economy from after 2019 until now, according to the report, as oil-producing countries, in general, and Kuwait, in particular, faced a double crisis at the beginning of 2020, when the Coronavirus pandemic coincided with a drop in oil prices on the international market, which affected Gulf oil states' economies. The Gulf countries were negatively affected by the crisis, and this was evident in the public budget deficit, the layoff of large numbers of expatriates, the reduction of public expenditures, austerity measures, and the tendency to external debt through international bonds. According to the report, Kuwait was experiencing a more severe economic crisis than other Gulf countries like the UAE and Qatar.

Kuwait faced the most prominent crisis in the last months of 2020 in providing liquidity for salaries of workers in the public sector. The report stated that several indicators indicate the existence of a real crisis at the financial and economic levels in Kuwait, including what was published by Fitch in early February 2021, about reducing the credit rating of Kuwaiti debts from stable to negative, and the agency said that the reduction of Kuwait’s sovereign credit rating reflects the restrictions in the ongoing political decision-making, which impedes addressing the structural challenges related to oil dependence, the generous prosperity state and its large public sector.

A further ambiguity was created by the statements of the Minister of Finance, as he said the country's Treasury was almost out of liquidity, and as for Kuwait's budget for the fiscal year 2020/2021, the deficit reached 46 billion dollars, while in Qatar, the deficit reached 9.5 billion. In the UAE, the deficit reached 1.3 billion dollars. Over the past decade, Kuwait has advanced 39 places in the business environment pillar, and its best performance was in 2021 with 57.4 out of 100. Throughout Kuwait's history, the state has made radical changes to its laws and legislation to enhance the business environment and the business environment within the framework of its National Vision 2035. By doing so, Kuwait has improved the investment climate, increasing the effectiveness of the economy and creating real job opportunities for Kuwaitis. It was stated in the report that trade can flourish in markets with adequate infrastructure and few barriers to doing business, leading to more competition and efficiency. This allows for the testing, financing, and marketing of new products and ideas, which ultimately benefits consumers by offering a wider selection of goods at a more competitive price.

Currently, the Ministry of Interior is looking at opening the door to Article 22 visa applicants (family or dependents) by the beginning of 2024, reports Al-Anba daily.

The source clarified, however, that only certain expatriate categories will be eligible, such as doctors, university and applied education professors, counselors and others that will be determined based on several factors. However, the source did not list the factors.
The source told the daily that the ministry will soon form a committee in charge of setting conditions for the expatriate categories that will be allowed to bring their families into the country in accordance with the demographics strategy being implemented under the leadership and supervision of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled.

A reliable source told Al-Anba daily that the Ministry of Interior is exploring the possibility of granting Article 22 visas to family or dependents by the beginning of 2024.

Although the source clarified that this will only apply to certain types of expatriates, such as doctors, professors, counselors, and others that will be determined based on several factors.

The source did not enumerate the factors, however. An official from the ministry told the daily that a committee will be formed soon to set conditions for expatriates who will be allowed to bring their families to the country according to the demographic strategy being implemented by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled.

Another development was revealed by the source that the unified Gulf visa mechanism of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries stipulates a fine of KD100 per day for any visitor who does not leave the country on expiration of the visa; as well as provisions on health insurance and hotel reservations.

Indian laborers employed in Kuwait who have enrolled in the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojna (PBBY) insurance scheme are entitled to significant medical coverage, with the ability to claim up to 1 lakh rupee for injuries, sickness, ailments, or diseases, with a cap of Rs. 50,000 per hospitalization.

PBBY is a mandatory insurance program mandated by the Government of India for blue-collar workers holding Emigration Clearance Required (ECR) category passports, including Nursing staff. This category of passport holders requires Emigration Clearance from Indian authorities before taking up employment in 17 foreign countries, including Kuwait. Additionally, non-ECR Passport holders can also opt for PBBY to avail themselves of the scheme's protective benefits.

While many laborers in Kuwait may have enrolled in the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojna scheme, a significant number may not be fully aware of its extensive benefits. The PBBY scheme provides a generous insurance cover of 10 lakhs rupees in the event of accidental death or permanent disability, along with other benefits, all at a nominal insurance premium of Rs. 275 for two years and Rs. 375 for three years.

The Embassy of India in Kuwait has disseminated information about the various benefits of the PBBY scheme through its social media platforms, offering valuable insights to Indian workers in Kuwait.

In addition to the coverage of Rs. 10 lakhs for accidental death or permanent disability resulting in the loss of employment, the scheme also includes the reimbursement of return economy class airfare for one attendant in the case of an emigrant's accidental death or permanent disability.

The PBBY scheme further extends medical insurance coverage for injuries, sickness, ailments, or diseases up to INR 1 Lakh (with a limit of INR 50,000 per hospitalization) and provides one-way economy class airfare to the nearest international airport in India for those medically unfit or facing premature termination of employment.

Additional benefits of the scheme include family hospitalization in India for up to INR 50,000 for spouses and the first two children up to 21 years of age, maternity expenses benefit for women emigrants up to INR 50,000, and legal expenses for labor grievances or disputes up to INR 30,000.

The PBBY policy can be conveniently renewed online after the initial period of 2/3 years, remaining valid even in the case of a change of employer or location of the insured.

To claim any of these benefits, a Certification of Accidental Death or Permanent Disability can be obtained from the Embassy of India. For the convenience of NRIs in Kuwait, the authorized agencies for the PBBY scheme, namely The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. and The New India Assurance Corporation Ltd., have offices in Kuwait, making it easier for Indian workers to access the scheme's benefits.

Kuwait will observe two upcoming holidays in February, the Isra and Mi'raj and the National Day and Liberation Day. The holiday commemorating Isra and Mi’raj will take place on Thursday, February 8. On this day, the work of ministries, bodies, and institutions will be suspended, reported Al-Anba Daily.

It has been clarified that the holiday will not be postponed, as per a decision stating that it will be observed on the Thursday following it if it falls between two working days. Thus, in this case, the holiday will extend for three days, including Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, respectively, which are February 8, 9, and 10.

Furthermore, the sources confirm that National Day and Liberation Day will be celebrated on Sunday and Monday, February 25 and 26. The result will be a four-day holiday, including Friday and Saturday, February 23 and 24.

Informed sources report that the Central Bank of Kuwait has informed local banks that it will not cover dollar purchases directed to exchange companies if they are intended for speculation or investment. The Central Bank reiterated its commitment to supply any quantities of dollars required to meet the needs of money transfer customers.

Local banks are permitted to procure dollars to fulfill transactions with their customers, a practice that remains unchanged, according to sources. Banks must now ensure that the dollar amounts acquired from the Central Bank for exchange companies are primarily intended to satisfy the needs of their customers. Any shortfall in this regard must be independently covered by the bank. It was further explained that any purchases of dollars by banks or exchange companies for investment, commercial, or speculative objectives must be covered by the bank or company’s own cooperative resources. In addition to using its existing stock of currency, the Central Bank may also acquire it on the open market or in another manner.

It aligns with the approach taken by other central banks in the region that adhere to a fixed exchange rate with another currency in order to cater to the foreign currency needs of banks. Kuwait's exchange policy for the dinar emphasizes maintaining the relative stability of the dinar's value against other currencies, according to the sources. A specially weighted basket of currencies from countries with significant commercial and financial ties to Kuwait determines the dinar's exchange rate. According to the sources, the Central Bank's policy has been effective in achieving relative stability in the dinar's exchange rate against major global currencies.

Al-Mansoori, director of the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA's) Department of Information Security and Emergency Response, told Al-Anba daily that the initiative to identify government agencies and well-known commercial and financial institutions through caller identification is in its testing phase and will be implemented soon.

Kuwaiti telecommunications companies and other entities and institutions appearing on individuals' telephones are also identified by their names, not just their numbers, according to Al-Mansoori. Al-Mansouri confirmed that the authority, in coordination with Kuwaiti telecommunications companies, has determined all the regulatory and technical matters related to identifying the callers on telecommunications networks; he stated that testing has begun and should be completed within the next month.

Earlier this month, the parliamentary Interior and Defense Affairs Committee approved a bill amending the Expats Residency Law and referred it to the National Assembly for inclusion in its session on Dec 19, according to parliamentary sources. According to sources, the bill consists of 37 articles and seven chapters; it focuses on articles defining the entry and deportation of expats, notifying authorities, visa trading, and penalties, as well as allowing Kuwaiti women married to foreigners to sponsor their spouse and children; provided they do not have citizenship.

Government sources explained that the bill specifies the fees related to residency, its renewal, and all types of entry visas through a ministerial decision. According to sources, the bill prohibits trading in residence permits by exploiting, recruiting, or facilitating the recruitment of foreigners in exchange for a sum of money or a benefit, and imposes criminal penalties and complementary penalties of imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years as well as fines of between KD5,000 and KD10,000.

Specifically, it stipulates that the Public Prosecution has exclusive jurisdiction over visa trading exemptions. Under the bill, a Kuwaiti woman who is married to a foreigner can obtain a residence permit for her husband and children, provided that she has not acquired Kuwaiti citizenship as a result of her marriage to a Kuwaiti.

A residence permit may be obtained by the expat widow or divorcee who has children with the Kuwaiti. The Ministry of Interior may grant expats a temporary residence permit for a period of three months, after which they must leave the country unless they obtain a one-year renewal from them. Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaiti men may be granted a license for regular residence for a period not exceeding five years, and children of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis may be granted a residence permit for a period not exceeding ten years.

Investing in Kuwait is allowed for expats under the decision of the Council of Ministers, which specifies the scope, categories, and amounts of investment. An expat employee in a government entity may not be granted a residence permit under another entity except with the approval of the entity in which he is currently working. Non-governmental workers cannot obtain a residence permit without the approval of the competent authority.

When a Minister of Interior deems that deportation is necessary to protect the public interest, public security, or public morals, he may deport an expat even if he has a residence permit;

- If the expat does not have a legitimate source of income. When a foreigner is deported, his family members, who he is supporting, may be deported as well, and the foreigner whose deportation decision has been issued may be detained for up to 30 days, which can be extended if necessary to carry out the deportation decision. If the expat leaves Kuwait, the Interior Minister may exempt him from all fines resulting from his violation of the provisions of this law. There are a number of amendments related to domestic workers in the bill, including:

- The domestic worker, as well as those of the same status, may be granted a regular residence permit according to the provisions of Article 13 of this law.

- If a worker's residency is revoked after he leaves work, he must leave Kuwait within the period specified by the competent authority in the Ministry of Interior unless he has been authorized to obtain a new residency.

- Domestic workers or those of the same rank may not transfer their residency without the employer's approval.

- Unless he obtains permission from the Ministry of Interior before the expiration of this period, domestic workers should not remain outside Kuwait for a period greater than 4 months. As part of the draft law, the following are excluded: heads of state and their families, heads and official employees of diplomatic missions, and their families as long as reciprocity is maintained; holders of diplomatic, special, and political passports as long as reciprocity is maintained; and persons excluded with special permission under considerations of courtesies determined by the Minister of Interior.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has opened a window for expatriates, whose professions match their university qualifications and whose age does not exceed 60 years, to transfer their residency from the government sector to the private sector, reports Al-Rai daily. The authority explained that this decision is in line with the steps aimed at addressing the lopsided demographic structure issue and benefit from expatriates with vast experience who might be needed by employers in the private sector, and by the regulations and policies on the demographic structure of the country.

The Board of Directors of PAM issued resolution number 239 of 2023 during its third meeting for fiscal 2023/2024, stating “the expatriates employed in government agencies cannot transfer to the private sector, except those under the following three categories:
1. Husband and children of a Kuwaiti woman married to a non-Kuwaiti, and foreign women married to Kuwaitis,
2. Palestinian document holders,
3. Those who hold a university certificate and have not reached the age of 60, provided that the profession is compatible with the qualification and nature of the job occupied in the government sector.”

The decision also grants PAM the power to “establish regulations on prohibiting such transfer for some professions and specializations in the interest of the public.”

The Environmental Police Department at the Ministry of Interior has advised campers to adhere to the regulations to avoid legal problems, reports Al-Rai daily. According to the department, the fine for hunting lizards or birds of prey is KD250, while the fine for smoking in schools, universities, and institutes ranges from KD50 to KD100. This was announced in a panel discussion organized by Kuwait Scouts Association entitled, “Environmental Violations and the Camping Season”. The association hosted Major Badriya Sa’ad and First Lieutenant Zaid Abdullah from the Environmental Police Department.

They stressed the necessity of obtaining a camping license from the official website of Kuwait Municipality and paying the corresponding fee of KD50 while the security deposit is KD100. One of the most important conditions for camping is the prohibition of damaging or deteriorating the natural environment, such as uprooting plants and harming wild animals in the form of hunting lizards or birds of prey, as this leads to a fine of KD250 or imprisonment.

The two officers urged the people to stay away from the border strip, natural reserves, and oil installations, as the license will be canceled in the event of a modification to the site chosen for camping through the Municipality’s website. They also stressed the need to adhere to the prevention and safety regulations of the Kuwait Firefighting Force and the Ministry of Interior.

They said people should not dig the soil, not place cement pours, and not burn waste and dump it anywhere. They also touched on maritime violations and warned against fishing in Kuwait Bay, unless there is a license from the concerned authority and an entry fee of KD5, as entry without a license costs the entrant a fine of KD1,250, along with the seizure of the cruiser.

They stressed that the fine for smoking in enclosed and semi-enclosed spaces, such as schools, complexes, universities, and institutes, ranges between KD50 to KD100, wishing everyone to adhere to the instructions in the interest of the public. At the end of the discussion session, Vice President of the Scouts Association Hussein Al-Maqseed honored the lecturer