Notice Board

Be Kuwaiti; use Kuwaiti produce

 
 
 

The Ministry of Social Affairs, the Minister of Social Affairs Sheikh Firas Al-Malik has given instructions to officials to form a team to inspect cooperative societies and outlets selling vegetables and fruits to ensure that 75 percent of the cooperative societies’ stocks are purchased from Kuwaiti farmers. The sources explained that the decision is supposed to be issued this week to launch tours of all sales outlets and ensure that all the cooperative societies’ vegetable and fruit stocks are from local farmers.

Necessary measures will be taken against any cooperative society that does not comply. This is because Sheikh Firas Al-Malik seeks to support farmers through such regulatory decisions. The team will have judicial control. Therefore, any cooperative society that does not comply will be gradually subjected to penalties, as judicial control is initially carried out and then the approval of the cooperative society’s financial authority is suspended. In this context, the sources revealed that Sheikh Firas Al-Malik formed a committee to study citizens’ complaints against cooperative societies, expedite the investigation and follow-up, and take the necessary measures regarding these complaints quickly, away from red tape.

 
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Aman feature added to Sahel app to prevent phishing

 
 
  

The official spokesman of the unified government application of electronic services “Sahel” Yousef Kathem, announced Thursday the launching of the Communications and Information Technology Commission’s “Aman” service, to monitor phishing scams. In a statement, Kathem said that Aman (safety) service will appear to users through the commission’s services list on “Sahel” application, allowing people to directly report phishing scams.

The goal is to allow application users to report any phishing attempt, whether through messages or fake calls, he said.

The service also aims to monitor all forms of electronic fraud facing citizens and residents through various means, involving text messages or voice calls, he pointed out. “Sahel” application was launched in 2021 mainly to enhance the efficiency and speed of public services within the framework of electronic transformation in Kuwait.

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MOH unveils ambitious 100-day health reform agenda

 
 
 

The Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi has affirmed his keenness to implement the government’s work program that was presented to the National Assembly. The work program has many goals that will be implemented within 100 days, including new constructions and openings, increased attention to primary health care, and digitizing health services. In a press statement issued on the sidelines of the launch of the annual Diagnostic Radiology Conference titled “The Latest Developments in the field of Diagnostic Radiology”, Minister Al-Awadhi said the government’s work program includes a plan to develop the primary health care sector, which will take place under the supervision of the Assistant Undersecretary for Healthcare Affairs Dr. Nadia Al-Jam’iyah. He revealed that the program also includes opening new centers, extending the working hours, training and paying attention to national cadres, and strengthening the infrastructure.

Minister Al-Awadhi revealed the receipt of 79 ambulances, which will enter into service soon. He affirmed the keenness to pay attention to digitization, archive files, and activate digital programs as a comprehensive plan for the ministry. In his speech during the opening of the conference, Dr. Al-Awadhi said the future vision for healthcare services in the field of diagnostic radiology in Kuwait will extend to include the roles and responsibilities of providers and confront challenges related to the safety and rights of patients. He highlighted the need to take advantage of the latest technologies and promising opportunities and harness them to serve patients. The minister stressed the importance of continuing to work as a single team to meet the desired professional and humanitarian responsibilities. He explained that the conference will hold discussions on many challenges, including artificial intelligence (AI), with the aim of improving health services to ensure accuracy in diagnosis and treatment, specifically for cancer and cardiovascular patients. Scientific conferences serve as an opportunity to exchange future visions for enhancing scientific and professional cooperation between specialists in this field.

The annual diagnostic radiology conference reflects the Ministry of Health’s keenness and constant commitment to keep up with this specialty’s latest technologies and scientific developments. There is a clear global interest in the latest and most advanced technologies in the field of diagnostic radiology. The minister expressed his great pride in the contribution of national cadres in many international scientific researches in the field of diagnostic radiology, which were published in many famous international journals. Meanwhile, the President of the conference and Head of the Radiology Department at the Amiri Hospital Dr. Asma Al-Failakawi said in a similar speech that the conference will host an elite group of international experts and consultants in the field of diagnostic radiology, as well as national expertise and competencies to raise the level of health services and efficiency of medical personnel. She explained that the conference activities will continue for three days under the patronage of the Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi and under the supervision of the Chairman of the Radiology Departments Council Dr. Buthaina Al-Kandari.

The conference follows the continuing medical education program and will give the participating doctors 19 points from the Kuwait Center for Medical Specialties (KIMS). It will hold discussions on many topics about diagnosing diseases related to chest, heart and digestive system. This will happen by organizing six workshops and many interactive lectures, which began yesterday and will continue until the end of the conference on Saturday. The lectures and workshops include a workshop on breast X-rays and two cerebral vascular ultrasound workshops for children and adults, as well as workshops for radiology technicians on the latest research and developments in the fields of radiology, in addition to a lecture on artificial intelligence and how to use it in the field of radiology.

 
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Kuwait will streamline the processes for deportees without passports

 
 
 

Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, also serving as the Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior, undertook an inspection visit to the Department of Deportation and Temporary Detention Affairs. Accompanied by Sheikh Hamoud Al-Mubarak, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Financial Affairs, Sheikh Fahd's objective was to oversee operations, identify challenges, and devise solutions.

During the visit, Sheikh Fahd evaluated the capacity of the deportation prison and inspected various prisoner wards, including those housing male and female inmates. He actively listened to the concerns and grievances of the inmates, prioritizing their most pressing issues.

In response to the observations and complaints, Sheikh Fahd issued directives to address the obstacles faced by inmates within the legal framework. He stressed the importance of establishing mechanisms to streamline procedures for deportees, especially those lacking passports, necessitating close coordination with relevant embassies for swift repatriation.

Furthermore, Sheikh Fahd emphasized the need to rectify all deficiencies within the administration of deportation and temporary detention affairs. He outlined a forward-looking vision aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and eliminating obstacles and challenges within this critical administrative domain.

Additionally, Sheikh Fahd visited the Juvenile Administration Building, also known as the Social Evaluation House, reaffirming the government's commitment to addressing various aspects of the nation's corrections and rehabilitation system.

 
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Kuwait Announces New Visa Durations: One month for families, three months for tourists

 
 
 

The Residency Affairs departments in all six governorates witnessed an influx of expatriates seeking to apply for either family, commercial or tourist visit visas following the announcement made by the ministry about the resumption of issuance of these visas under new conditions based on instructions from the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef.

These conditions stipulate the following:-

- The applicant’s monthly salary should not be less than KD 400 in order to apply for visas for parents, wife, and children, and not less than KD 800 for relatives.

- The specified duration of the visit should be adhered to

- A round-trip flight ticket must be booked on national airlines.

- Requests to convert the visit visas into residence permits will not be accepted.

Wednesday morning, Al-Seyassah toured a number of Residence Affairs departments, and discovered that the number of applicants in Jahra Governorate was less compared to Farwaniya and Hawally governorates.

The Hawally Residence Affairs Department witnessed large numbers of expatriates, some of whom came without a prior appointment and were sent back. The “Mata” app has nearly 150 visitors daily in each department.

Also, Farwaniya Governorate witnessed a large number of expatriates, but those who did not have a prior appointment were sent back. They were asked to visit the Mata application, as the process for applying through the application requires printing the form, attaching the required papers and documents, and then submitting to the department.

According to security sources, the Residency Affairs departments received an estimated 900 transactions yesterday morning in all the Residence Affairs departments. The applicant’s data are extracted, and reviewed to verify their compliance with the set conditions.

They stressed the need for obtaining an appointment via the Mata app to carry out the transaction so as to organize the reception of expatriates with ease and avoid crowding, as well as the need for providing a round-trip flight ticket within a month along with all the documents required to submit the application.

The sources indicated that a decision has not yet been made regarding receiving the transactions of expatriates with banned nationalities.

They revealed that a family visit visa is valid for one month and a tourist visit visa is valid for three months, adding that applications are submitted through the website of the Ministry of Interior.

It is worth highlighting that the Ministry of Interior had earlier announced in a press statement the conditions to be met for applying for visit visas. They are:-

- The applicant’s salary must not be less than KD 400 in order to bring in first-degree relatives (wife, children, and parents), and not be less than KD 800 to apply for a visit visa for the rest of the relatives.

- It is required to provide a round-trip flight ticket of the national airlines (the national carrier) and submit a written pledge not to request for conversion of visit visa to residence permit in the country.

 The visitors must adhere to the duration of the visit visa.

- Medical treatments for visitors will be provided in hospitals and private health centers but they will not receive medical treatment in government hospitals if they violate the period of stay. In such cases, both the visitor and the sponsor will be included in the security control system by the Directorate General of Residency Affairs Investigations. The violator will be followed up by the Directorate General of Residency Affairs Investigations and the legal procedures followed for violators of the foreigners’ residency law will be applied against him.

- Commercial entry visa will be issued upon a request submitted by Kuwaiti companies or institutions, and granted to those holding university or technical qualifications and in a manner commensurating with the company’s activity and the nature of its work.

- Tourist visas will be issued to people belonging to 53 countries, either directly from the port of entry upon arrival in the country or through an electronic visa by visiting the Ministry of Interior’s website – www.moi.gov.kw, and for residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

- Tourist visas will be issued to people with professions specified in ministerial Resolution No. 2030/2008 and its amendments, and in accordance with the controls and requirements specified in the aforementioned ministerial resolution, via hotels and companies that have an automated interface with the Directorate General of Residence Affairs system in accordance with the applicable requirements for that purpose.

The Ministry of Interior affirmed in its statement that the latest decision was issued based on a desire to stimulate the commercial, economic and tourism movement in the country, taking into account the social aspects, most notably the family visit visa granted to parents, wife and children of the residents.

 

 

 

 
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Essential Guidelines For Expats: Booking Visit Visas With Kuwait's Residency Affairs Department

 
 
 

On the inaugural day of accepting visit visa applications, Kuwait's Residency Affairs Department witnessed a surge of expatriates seeking family visit visas. However, a significant number were turned away due to failure to pre-book appointments on the 'Meta' platform.

Sources revealed crucial details concerning visit visa procedures. It's now mandatory to secure a prior booking on the 'Meta' platform, with only 150 appointments available per day in each governorate. This translates to a total of 900 applicants processed across all governorates daily.

Additionally, applicants must present airline tickets for travel within one month of the application date, booked exclusively on Kuwait's national carrier. For destinations lacking direct flights, transit bookings via countries serviced by the national carrier are required.

Visit visas come in two categories: family visit visas valid for one month and tourist visit visas valid for three months, both non-extendable. There's no age restriction for visitors, but compliance with the one-month validity period is crucial. Failure to adhere may result in blacklisting of both visitor and sponsor.

Applicants must ensure eligibility and meet all criteria before booking flight tickets, considering the mandatory nature of airline ticket inclusion.

Salary thresholds on work permits dictate visa eligibility: KD 400 for first-degree relatives (spouse, children, parents), and KD 800 for other relatives.

As of now, visitors from banned countries remain excluded, with the ban persisting until further notice.

 
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The Kuwait Society of Engineers and the Indian Embassy are tackling the accreditation of engineering qualifications

 
 
 

A collaborative meeting between the Kuwait Society of Engineers and the Indian Embassy in Kuwait was convened by a joint committee to discuss the approval of engineering qualifications for Indian engineers employed in Kuwait, reports Al-Jarida daily. The meeting, held at the society’s headquarters, was attended by Engineer Ali Mohseni, the committee’s head, along with member Jalal Al-Fadhli, Ibrahim Samir from the association’s professional accreditation center, and Anantha Abir, the second secretary for community and workers welfare from the embassy, alongside several accredited embassy staff.

The meeting was convened in response to directives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at addressing and resolving issues faced by engineers from the Indian community working in Kuwait. He clarified that the committee was established under the guidance and cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating, “The cases presented by the cultural team from the Indian Embassy were thoroughly discussed, and appropriate measures were taken for each case.”

Furthermore, Mohseni affirmed the committee’s commitment to streamlining procedures while ensuring compliance with the professional accreditation requirements necessary for practicing engineering in Kuwait. The committee’s chairman emphasized that the cases presented were limited in number, and each was addressed individually. He reiterated their willingness to collaborate with Indian accreditation bodies to align with professional and academic standards. Additionally, plans are underway to arrange meetings with accredited bodies to visit India and establish mutual understandings by the regulations set by the Engineering Qualifications Accreditation Committee of the Society.

 
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Kuwait launched the state's largest display screen on a historic building

 
 
 

The Kuwait Municipality Public Relations Department has unveiled the installation of the largest display screen in the State of Kuwait, situated on the old Municipal Council building overlooking the intersection of Naif Palace and the Capital Governorate Building. In a press statement, the department announced that the Construction Department in the Projects Sector has completed the decoration work for the main municipal buildings, including the installation of an external screen on the old municipal council building.

Measuring an impressive 80 meters in length and 15 meters in height, with a total area of 1,200 square meters, the screen boasts the capability to display any live broadcast from smartphone apps or terrestrial and satellite channels. Abdul Wahab Al-Musallam, the Director of the Capital and Jahra Contract in the Projects Sector, highlighted that the installation was carried out by directives from the Director General of Kuwait Municipality, Engineer Saud Al-Dabbous, and under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director General, Engineer Maysaa Bu Shehri.

Al-Musallam further elaborated that all decoration and lighting works for the main buildings were meticulously completed, with the external screen featuring the “Net Screen” system, enabling the display of videos, pictures, or text. Additionally, the screen can be divided into multiple sections to simultaneously broadcast two or three channels. Notably, the screen was designed to be transparent to preserve the building’s external appearance while serving as a platform for visual displays, including the state flag’s lights.

The introduction of this advanced technology marks a significant milestone and represents a qualitative shift in the decoration of government buildings in the State of Kuwait.

 
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Kuwait society calls for a strict law on e-cigarettes

 
 
 

The Kuwait Society for Combating Smoking and Cancer issued a compelling call to action, emphasizing the critical need for stringent laws and regulations aimed at curbing smoking, including e-smoking in all its variations. Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Association’s Board of Directors, delivered this message during a lecture titled “Tobacco and Electronic Smoking… Risks and Harms,” presented today as part of the activities marking the ninth joint Gulf Cancer Awareness Week, themed “We are with you.”

Highlighting smoking as a global challenge leading to increased mortality rates, Dr. Al-Saleh underscored the alarming statistic of approximately 8 million premature deaths annually attributed to smoking-related causes. He emphasized the profound health repercussions, particularly the strong association between smoking and lung cancer. Dr. Al-Saleh noted that Kuwaiti men and women typically initiate smoking between the ages of 17 and 30, with smoking prevalence rates standing at 39.2% among men and 3.3% among women.

Addressing the proliferation of electronic smoking, Dr. Al-Saleh cautioned against misconceptions regarding its safety compared to traditional tobacco smoking. Contrary to popular belief, studies have revealed that electronic smoking devices contain varying levels of nicotine, similar to conventional smoking methods.

Dr. Al-Saleh called for the allocation of adequate budgets for smoking awareness and treatment programs, aligned with the substantial health burdens imposed by smoking on healthcare systems. He emphasized the collective responsibility of governmental, civil, and private entities in combating the scourge of smoking, emphasizing it as a national imperative.

 
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Kuwait's New Visit Visa Rules 2024

 
 
 

Understanding the New Visit Visa Regulations Set to Commence This Wednesday

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, many countries are revisiting their immigration policies to better manage the influx of visitors. A significant update comes from the upcoming changes to the visit visa rules, which are set to take effect this Wednesday. These modifications aim to streamline the visitation process while ensuring that visitors and expatriates can enjoy a hassle-free experience. This detailed article delves into the nuances of the new regulations, offering clarity and guidance to prospective visitors.

1. Visa Validity and Entry Requirements

Under the new regulations, individuals granted a visit visa must enter the country within a month from the date the visa is issued. This change underscores the importance of timely travel planning, as visas will become invalid after this one-month period. This measure is designed to prevent the accumulation of unused visas and ensure that visitors are genuinely intending to enter the country within a specified timeframe.

2. Revised Visit Visa Durations

A significant adjustment has been made concerning the duration of visit visas:

  • For Wives and Children of Expatriates: The duration for visit visas has been reduced to three months. This change aims to better accommodate the short-term nature of family visits while still allowing ample time for families to spend together.
  • For Parents and Siblings: The visit visa duration for parents and siblings is now limited to one month. This adjustment reflects a more streamlined approach to managing family visits, ensuring that visitors can enjoy their stay without overstaying.

3. Age Restrictions for Visit Visa Applicants

In a move to tailor the visit visa policy more precisely, individuals over the age of 50 will generally not be eligible for a visit visa. However, exceptions may be made for parents above this age threshold, subject to a thorough review of the applicant's situation and salary. This criterion ensures that visitors can adequately support themselves during their stay and that their visit is in line with the country's immigration objectives.

4. Health Insurance Requirement

A notable proposal under consideration is the requirement for visit visa applicants to purchase health insurance. This potential requirement aims to safeguard visitors and the healthcare system, ensuring that all visitors can access medical care without imposing a financial burden on the host country.

5. Minimum Salary Requirements

The financial capability of expatriates applying for visit visas for their families has been addressed through specific salary requirements:

  • For Wives and Children: A minimum salary of 400 KWD is required to apply for a visit visa. This requirement ensures that visiting family members are adequately supported during their stay.
  • For Parents and Siblings: The minimum salary threshold is set at 800 KWD for visit visas. This higher requirement reflects the additional financial responsibility assumed by those inviting extended family members.

Conclusion

The forthcoming changes to the visit visa regulations represent a significant shift in immigration policy, emphasizing the need for responsible tourism and family visits. By setting clear guidelines on visa validity, duration, applicant eligibility, and financial requirements, the new rules aim to foster a balanced and sustainable visitation framework. Prospective visitors and expatriates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visitation experience.

These updates underscore the country's commitment to maintaining a welcoming yet regulated environment for international visitors. As the implementation date approaches, it is crucial for all potential visitors and expatriates to review these regulations closely and prepare accordingly to ensure compliance and a hassle-free entry.

 
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Online Vehicle Insurance Renewal And Registration In Kuwait

 
 
 

The registration of a new vehicle is mandatory whenever you buy one. When you purchase a new vehicle in Kuwait, it is automatically registered for the first three years. After that, registration must be renewed annually.

The process of renewing a vehicle's registration in Kuwait involves three major steps.

1. Third-party insurance: 

 Purchasing third-party insurance is the first step of the renewal process. The importance of having valid insurance in the event of an accident cannot be overstated. There are different insurance fees for different types of vehicles and passenger capacities. Generally, insurance fees range from 20 KD to 250 KD. Getting normal insurance would cost  20 KD. Choosing premium insurance, however, will cost you hundreds of KD.

From Jan 2nd  2024 You can renew vehicle insurance online , using website https://beema.iru.gov.kw/

For Sedan The Insurance Price Would Be 20 KD

For SUV The Insurance price would be 21 KD

Once you make the payment online for insurance , you will get the copy of insurance , please print it


2. Technical inspection of the Vehicle: 

After your vehicle's insurance has been completed, the next step is to take it for a technical inspection at a traffic inspection department, based on your address. Each governorate has one traffic inspection department. Earlier the inspection was free of cost, now there are charges

Carry following Documents

1. Insurance Paper

2. Copy of Civil ID

3. Original vehicle registration daftar

Technical inspection charges are as follows: 

- KD 2 for trucks, taxis, buses, agricultural and industrial vehicles, commercial vehicles, and ATVs.  

- KD 1 for Motorcycle.

Other fees related to the technical inspection:

- If you are doing inspection at a private company authorized by Minsitry , the charges will be 10 KD 

- They are otherr charges , if you are changing color of  the vehicle  , obtaining car plates, and obtaining various permits etc

 
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Family Visa Exclusions And Suspension: MP Seeking Clarification

 
 
 

MP Muhannad Al-Sayer has asked Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yusuf Al-Sabah to provide him with a copy of Ministerial Resolution number 56/2024 on the rules and regulations for the issuance of family visas. He wants to know if some categories were excluded from the salary and university qualification requirements stated in the decision, what these categories and the reasons for their exclusion, the reasons for the suspension of the issuance of family visas in the previous period, and the resumption of the issuance of such visas, and copies of studies in this regard if any.

Meanwhile, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah has referred to National Assembly Speaker Ahmed Al-Saadoun a draft law on opening an additional appropriation amounting to KD 50 million in the budget of ministries and government departments for fiscal 2023/2024 (Chapter Eight: Public Accounts, Other Expenditures and Transfers.) The parliamentary Budgets and Final Accounts Committee received the draft law for approval and inclusion in the agenda of the session slated for Tuesday to vote on it, along with the committee’s report regarding the allocations of the Head of State, provided that the additional appropriation is taken from the State’s general reserve.

The government explained in its draft law that in view of the death of HH the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah and the assumption of the emirate by HH Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah, the approved amount does not cover the allocations of the Head of State in fiscal 2023/2024. In addition, Chairman of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri revealed that the Priorities Committee on Sunday discussed the agenda of the upcoming session with the representatives of the government. He stressed that he will not allow the removal of the bills on increasing the cost of living allowance and the zero interest loans for retirees from the agenda. He pointed out that he can accept this only on one condition – if the government issues decisions to increase the cost of living allowance and the zero interest loans for retirees.

He urged the government to pay attention to the citizens’ demands, asserting that the claims about the budget deficit are not true. He affirmed that the financial condition of the State is very strong, such that it will not be affected by the approval of the aforementioned bills. He pointed out that the deficit is not in the State budget, but in the minds of some people. On the other hand, the Assembly Speaker has included 12 incoming letters in the agenda of Tuesday’s session as follows:

- A letter from MP Shuaib Shaaban requesting that the Health Affairs Committee be assigned to review the justifications for not establishing a hospital or increasing the capacity of the health center in Jaber Al-Ahmad City and the delay in providing health services in Al-Mutlaa City; indicating the committee must submit its report within three months.

- A letter from a group of MPs requesting that the Public Utilities Committee be assigned to investigate the causes of the dilapidation of the buildings designated for the Ministry of Social Affairs in Sulaibikhat. The committee must submit its report within three months.

- A letter from a group of MPs requesting that the Public Funds Protection Committee be assigned to investigate the amounts that Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) spent on media advertisements.

- A letter from a group of MPs requesting that the Environmental Affairs, Food and Water Security Committee be assigned to investigate the environmental damage resulting from the lack of sanitation in Al-Mutlaa.

- A letter from a group of MPs requesting that the Environmental Affairs, Food and Water Security Committee be assigned to investigate the environmental situation of the landfills in South Abdullah Al-Mubarak.

- A letter from a group of MPs requesting that the Environmental Affairs, Food and Water Security Committee be assigned to investigate the lack of green spaces in various regions.

- A letter from a group of MPs requesting that the Environmental Affairs, Food and Water Security Committee be assigned to investigate the existing environmental violations in Asherij.

- A letter from a group of MPs requesting that the Environmental Affairs, Food and Water Security Committee be assigned to investigate the environmental damage to telecommunications towers.

- A letter from the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee requesting for an extension of its mandate to submit its report on the draft law on establishing the Northern Economic Zone for a period of four months.

- A letter from a group of MPs requesting that the Priorities Committee be assigned to set a two-hour period in one of the upcoming legislative sessions to discuss the State Audit Bureau’s report on assessing all the work of the Health Insurance Hospitals Company.

- A letter from MP Dr Hamad Al-Matar requesting the invitation of the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to implement recommendation number eight issued in the special session of the Assembly on Nov 1, 2023, to quickly complete the procedures for transferring the injured from the Al-Aqsa Flood to undergo treatment in the State of Kuwait.

- A letter from a group of MPs requesting that the joint committee between the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee and the Human Resources Committee urgently study and discuss proposals to issue laws regulating the appointment of officials; indicating the joint committee must submit its report within one month.

Moreover, MP Hamad Al-Matar asked Sheikh Fahd Yusuf Al- Sabah to provide him with copies of the contracts that the Ministry of Interior signed in 2022 for the maintenance of Banhard AML armored vehicles for three years, copy of the advertisement for this tender, names of the two contracting companies, reasons for awarding the tender to Smartech General Trading and Contracting Company, if this company is owned by the previous company or owned by any of the previous company’s partners. He also inquired about contract number 715 for fiscal 2014/2015 to build, supply and maintain interceptor cruisers and contract number 68 for fiscal year 2018/2019 to build and supply special cruisers in view of the report of the State Audit Bureau (SAB) about the financial violations uncovered in the contracts. He pointed out that SAB recommended the formation of a fact-finding committee to investigate these violations.

He requested a copy of the decision to form the fact-finding committee, the tasks of the committee, and the conclusions and recommendations presented by the committee. He asked about the ministerial decision on authorizing private companies to conduct technical inspections of vehicles and issue registration books. He wants to know the number of authorized companies, oversight procedures adopted by the ministry in dealing with these companies, fees paid by each company to obtain authorization, number of transactions completed by the companies compared to that of the concerned department at the Ministry of Interior, total revenues collected from the companies for obtaining authorization, and amount of revenues transferred to the public Treasury.

Al-Matar also forwarded queries to Minister of Health Dr Ahmed Al-Awadhi about Retirees Health Insurance Law number 114/2014 and its amendment — law number 71/2023, which stipulates the additional categories of beneficiaries. He said Article 11 of the law allows retirees specified in a decision of the health minister to visit the facilities allocated for providing health insurance services, inspect them, view the files, and record violations that will be referred to the concerned authorities. He requested a detailed report; including the list of inspected facilities, recorded violations, and measures taken regarding these violations.

  

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Kuwaiti citizens, residents and GCC nationals continue to undergo biometric fingerprinting

 
 
 

In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Interior has confirmed the continuation of its biometric fingerprinting initiative for citizens, residents, and individuals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This measure will be implemented at all of the nation’s border crossings, Kuwait International Airport, and designated centers throughout the country.

The General Administration of Security Relations and Media clarified that citizens, GCC nationals, and residents can undergo biometric fingerprinting upon their arrival at dedicated centers and commercial complexes. These locations include:

Hawalli Security Directorate in Hawalli Governorate

Farwaniya Security Directorate in Farwaniya Governorate

Al-Ahmadi Security Directorate in Al-Ahmadi Governorate

Mubarak Al-Kabeer Security Directorate in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate

Al-Jahra Security Directorate in Al-Jahra Governorate (specifically for citizens and GCC nationals)

Personality Investigation Department

Corporate fingerprinting in the Ali Sabah Al-Salem area

Personal identification fingerprinting of companies in the Jahra area (for residents).

The Avenues Mall

360 Mall

Al Kout Mall

The Capital Mall

The Ministry Complex

The Ministry emphasized that travelers departing from Kuwait are not required to undergo fingerprinting but will be subjected to the process upon their return. Notably, in January 2024, Kuwait International Airport recorded 26,238 arrivals who underwent the biometric fingerprinting procedure as part of heightened security measures.

 
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Kuwait Plans to Reintroduce Visit Visas

 
 
 

The Ministry of Interior is considering the possibility of reintroducing diverse categories of visit visas for Kuwait, encompassing commercial, tourist, and family visit visas.

This consideration arises in response to the recent decision made by Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Acting Minister of the Interior, to reopen family / dependent visas with updated conditions and regulations. Sources have disclosed that this move is in harmony with the vision of the new government, spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Al-Sabah, to revitalize Kuwait’s tourism, which has been on hold for several years.

Striving to realize its economic goals, the new administration seeks to stimulate business operations within the nation, foreseeing beneficial effects across diverse sectors and attracting global visitors, mirroring the strategies employed by fellow Gulf nations.

The sources emphasized that the reopening of visit visas will be executed with meticulous attention to specific guidelines and conditions. These measures will consider various social, security, and other dimensions, ensuring that the issuance of these visit visas does not lead to an increase in the number of violators. The Ministry of Interior’s substantial progress online and the shift toward digital operations is expected to enhance control measures, guaranteeing that visitors adhere to the country’s laws.

 
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Emirates has launched pre-approved visa-on-arrival for Indian travelers

 
 
 

Dubai-based Emirates introduces exclusive pre-approved visa-on-arrival for select Indian passport holders. Eligible travelers can now enjoy seamless entry with their Emirates flight bookings.

The cutting-edge 14-day single entry visa by Emirates, facilitates streamlined entry for airlines’ esteemed customers upon arrival in Dubai. This innovative initiative enhances the travel experience by expediting entry processes, ensuring a seamless journey for Emirates travelers.

Driven by the Dubai Visa Processing Centre (DVPC) – VFS Global’s esteemed facility, meticulously selected by Emirates Airline for its unparalleled reliability, the initiative ensures hassle-free UAE visa processing.

Cost and Eligibility

Indian nationals with a valid passport, meeting the six-month validity requirement, can now enjoy hassle-free visa-on-arrival in the UAE. Additionally, travelers must hold a valid US visa or green card, or EU/UK residency with at least six months of validity.

Since 2017, eligible travelers have received visa-on-arrival at UAE airports, stamped upon disembarkation. Now, Emirates customers can streamline their arrival with pre-arranged visas, breezing through customs. The service, priced at $47 plus a $18.50 service fee, simplifies entry formalities.

Emirates said that visa issuance is solely at the discretion of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs.

Application process

Customers can access their booked tickets on Emirates’ digital platforms and apply for a UAE visa through the provided link. Once, the customers ‘apply for a UAE visa’ link, they will be redirected to the online application site powered by VFS Global Services, detailing requirements and terms.

Dubai played host to an impressive two million overnight visitors from India during the January to October 2023 period, as reported by Dubai Tourism statistics. This significant influx underscores the enduring allure of the emirate as a premier destination for Indian travelers.

Emirates currently boasts a robust presence in India, connecting travelers to nine vibrant destinations with a staggering 167 weekly flights. From the bustling streets of Delhi to the serene shores of Thiruvananthapuram, the airline’s extensive network includes key cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Chennai.

 
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Fees for Part-Time Work Permits via the Sahel App

 
 
 

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has launched the service for obtaining part-time work permits through the Sahel platform, reports Al-Seyassah daily. This is part of procedures aimed at developing the labor market to meet manpower demands and to ease the process for employers to benefit from workers who are already in Kuwait as one way of addressing the demographic imbalance issue. Following are the conditions and fees for obtaining a part-time work permit:

1. Approval of the original employer,

2. Maximum part-time work is four hours except the contracting sector,

3. Payment of corresponding fees — KD 5 for one month, KD 10 for three months, KD 20 for six months and KD 30 for one year.

On the other hand, citizens are exempted from these conditions and fees. They can apply for part-time work with the approval of the original employer in line with the laws on protecting competitiveness.

 
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Avoid Using Birthdates and Names as Passwords

 
 
  

The Ministry of Interior has issued a warning, urging residents and expatriates to refrain from using names and birthdates as secret codes in electronic accounts due to the risk of these accounts being targeted by specialized hacking groups involved in theft, burglary, and email breaches, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

The Ministry outlined five key tips for creating a robust password for enhanced security. These include ensuring passwords contain a combination of letters, symbols, and numbers, with a minimum length of 10 characters. It also advises against using easily guessable information such as birthdates, names, personal numbers, and phone numbers. Additionally, the Ministry recommends not using the same password for all electronic accounts, periodically changing passwords, and avoiding sequential or repetitive combinations. Sharing electronic accounts and passwords is strongly discouraged, and it is advised to keep them away from public visibility.

 

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Kuwait's preparations for national celebrations begin

 
 
 

As the nation gears up to celebrate its upcoming 63rd anniversary of Independence Day and the 33rd Liberation Day, the Public Relations Department of the Kuwait Municipality has initiated decoration works across the city, marking the beginning of the municipality’s preparations for the national celebrations scheduled on February 25 and 26.

A specialized field team has been diligently installing state flags across various prominent locations in Kuwait as part of the ongoing preparations for the national celebrations. The installation process, which began earlier this week and will continue until next week, includes significant landmarks such as Bayan Palace, the airport, Riyadh roads, multiple bridges, main roundabouts, iconic squares like Safat Square and Mubarakiya markets, as well as the main buildings in all six governorates of the country.

 
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Concerns Raised By MP Regarding Family Visa Allocation

 
 
 

The government has referred decree number 5/2024 on the State budget for fiscal 2024/2025 to the National Assembly. The decree includes 41 reports on the budgets of ministries, public institutions, independent budget institutions and subsidiaries.

According to the decree, the total State budget is KD18,662,209,000 and the estimated expenditure is KD24,555,000,000; so the deficit is estimated at KD5,892,791,000. Meanwhile, Chairman of the parliamentary Financial and Economic Affairs Committee MP Shuaib Al- Muwaizri disclosed that the reports of the committee on the bills about the cost of living allowance increment and zero interest loans have been included in the agenda of the session scheduled for Feb 6, 2024. He affirmed these bills will be discussed and voted on to bring glad tidings to the people of Kuwait. He disclosed that the bill on increasing the cost of living allowance to KD250 per month covers the public sector employees, nationals working in the private sector and receiving the national labor subsidy, retirees, and those with medium and severe disabilities. He said the other bill is on amending Article 112 of the Public Institution for Social Security Law No. 61/1976 to increase the maximum amount of zero interest loan to 15 times of the beneficiary’s salary.

He affirmed these two bills are part of the legislative agenda approved by 48 MPs, urging his colleagues to bear their responsibility towards the citizens. On the other hand, MP Osama Al- Shaheen forwarded queries to Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yusuf Al-Sabah about the family visa regulations. He wants to know the new rules in this regard, if there is a quota for every expatriate community, and developments in the enforcement of Law No. 74/2020 on addressing the demographic imbalance issue since the Council of Ministers assigned the Interior Minister to implement the law.

MP Hamdan Al-Azmi asked Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil Emad Al-Atiqi if the recommendations of the parliamentary fact-finding committee formed in the previous legislative year about the violations in the recruitment and promotion of employees at Kuwait National Petroleum Corporation (KNPC) have been implemented, if the percentage of nationals working in contracting companies was modified given the recommendations that nationals should constitute at least 40 percent of the total administrative workforce and 50 percent of the total number of technical staff, percentage of national workers in the last five years, and strategy to Kuwaitize jobs in contracting companies. He added the committee also recommended filling up vacancies in KNPC and the executive regulations must be amended such that positions are not left vacant for more than three months. He inquired about the current number of vacancies at KNPC and its subsidiaries, if any position has been vacant for years, and reasons behind the delay in filling up vacancies. He also requested for the list of the chairpersons and members of the boards of directors of KNPC’s subsidiaries including their qualifications, age, term and date of appointment. He asked about the number of vacant board chairperson and member posts in the subsidiaries, number of expatriates working at KNPC and its subsidiaries, number of terminated expatriate workers since the implementation of the policy on replacing expatriates with nationals, number of national workers appointed at KNPC and its subsidiaries since the enforcement of the policy, current number of nationals working at KNPC and its subsidiaries compared to the expatriates.

 
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IFL  - Kuwait 2024