Meteorologist Issa Ramadan has warned of an upcoming depression that will affect the country for several days, accompanied by light to moderate southeasterly winds. These winds will intermittently increase relative humidity and reduce horizontal visibility, reports Al-Qabas daily. The forecast indicates cloudy to partly cloudy weather with expected rain, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms. The chances of rain will be particularly high on Tuesday, continuing into Wednesday and Thursday.

During this period, relative humidity will increase further, reducing visibility and leading to high waves. Ramadan emphasized the need for caution in the coming days, highlighting that the weather patterns in May are unusual this year. He advised that southeasterly winds and high humidity are expected to persist into the following week.

Additionally, Ramadan noted that some Gulf countries may experience moderate to heavy rainfall due to the convergence of warm, humid air masses from the Arabian Sea with cold air masses from the upper atmosphere. This phenomenon is attributed to a positive dipole in the Indian Ocean, which elevates water temperatures and increases humidity in the upper layers of the atmosphere. Consequently, towering clouds form, bringing heavy rainfall. These observations align with research presented by climate specialists studying the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean region.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, the Minister of Health, unveiled plans for the forthcoming Kuwait Cancer Control Center during a press conference yesterday. This state-of-the-art facility in the Al-Sabah Health District is poised to be equipped with cutting-edge international devices, including groundbreaking technology described as “the first of its kind in the Middle East.”

The announcement coincided with the inauguration of the inaugural forum of the Kuwaiti Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, attracting widespread attention from local, Gulf, and international participants. Minister Al-Awadhi emphasized the Ministry of Health’s commitment to leveraging advanced treatments and technologies to serve cancer patients effectively. He underscored the importance of updating medical protocols and nurturing national talent to enhance the quality of healthcare services.

During his address, Minister Al-Awadhi highlighted the prevalence of lymphoma diseases, constituting a significant proportion of leukemia cases in Kuwait. He reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to prioritizing cancer treatment, including cutting-edge therapies like immunotherapy, and emphasized the need for continuous improvement in healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.

The forum, designed as an educational platform for healthcare professionals and patients alike, features an array of lectures, workshops, and discussions led by experts from various countries. Topics of discussion include first-line treatments for lymphoma, molecular nuclear scanning, leukemia diagnosis and treatment, plasma cell disorders, and advancements in cellular therapies.

Dr. Abdul Aziz Hamada, Head of the Hematology Department at the Kuwait Cancer Control Center and President of the Kuwait Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, emphasized the collaborative nature of the forum, bringing together medical professionals and patients to exchange knowledge and experiences.

Dr. Fatima Khadada, a specialist in hematology and head of the forum, emphasized the forum’s focus on holistic care, integrating medical knowledge with psychological and nutritional support for patients.

Abdulaziz Al-Marzouq, a Kuwait Leukemia and Lymphoma Society board member, outlined the society’s objectives, including raising awareness about blood cancer, improving healthcare quality, and fostering support programs for patients and their families.

The Kuwait Cancer Control Center, established in 1968, stands as a beacon of hope for cancer patients in Kuwait. Comprising specialized surgery, oncology, and diagnostic radiology units, the center is staffed by over 600 highly qualified professionals and equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities.

As Kuwait continues to invest in cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure and innovative treatments, the new Cancer Control Center heralds a new era in cancer care, promising hope and healing for patients across the nation.

The Central Bank of Kuwait announced on Sunday that Kuwait’s balance of payments faced a deficit of 150 million Kuwaiti dinars in 2023, a stark contrast to the surplus of 1.1 billion dinars recorded in 2022.

According to statistical data provided to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the country’s current account registered a surplus of approximately 15.8 billion dinars in 2023, marking an 18.3% decrease from the previous year. The bank attributed this decline to a reduction in the surplus in the merchandise balance and an uptick in the net deficit within the services account.

The merchandise balance surplus saw a notable decrease of about 6.3 billion dinars, or 28.7%, compared to the preceding year, settling at 15.7 billion dinars. This decline primarily stemmed from a reduction in oil revenues, which dropped by approximately 4.8 billion dinars, or 16.7%, due to a decrease in average oil prices.

The services account, encompassing transactions related to services between residents and non-residents, including transportation, travel, communications, and construction services, experienced a deficit of 5.8 billion dinars in 2023, compared to 5.1 billion dinars in the previous year.

Regarding the secondary income account, the Central Bank noted a decline in the value of current transfers abroad, reaching approximately 3.9 billion dinars (approximately 12.8 billion dollars) in 2023, down from 5.4 billion dinars in 2022. This decrease was attributed to a decline in remittances from working expatriates, which fell to 3.8 billion dinars last year from 5.4 billion dollars in 2022.

In a recent statement to the press, Aseel Al-Mazyad, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department and the official spokeswoman for the Public Authority for Manpower, confirmed significant changes in the recruitment process for workers from abroad. The decision entails allowing transfer after three years or for a fee of 300 dinars, subject to sponsor approval. However, Al-Mazyad clarified that this amendment does not pertain to domestic workers but is exclusively for those recruited to work in the private sector.

The new mechanism, according to Al-Mazyad, abolishes the previous categorization of recruitment rates based on activity categories. Its implementation is scheduled to commence on the first of June, with estimates of each company’s or institution’s needs determining the recruitment process. The decision will be effective for one year from its initiation, during which its impact will be evaluated by the Authority’s Board of Directors.

Al-Mazyad emphasized that applying for work permits will now be facilitated through the Authority’s “Ashal” application for business owners, eliminating the need for manual review processes. Furthermore, efforts are underway to integrate all services within the “Sahel” application.

Addressing concerns about the issuance of work permits, Al-Mazyad reassured us that there is no halt in the process. However, there are ongoing deliberations to regulate specific professions on the Kuwaiti labor market exclusively.

In other news, the Authority is set to commemorate World Occupational Safety Day on the upcoming Sunday under the theme “Towards a Safe Work Environment.” The event will feature a workshop comprising seven topics, with the participation of seven government agencies, each presenting insights relevant to their expertise. The workshop will span a full day and include discussions on inspection mechanisms, new procedures, and safety methods in the field of occupational safety and security.

The announcement marks a significant shift in Kuwait’s labor landscape, aiming to streamline recruitment processes while prioritizing occupational safety and security at the workplace.

According to a report by Al-Anba daily, the amendment to the 'nature of work' allowance involves the elimination of category C, with affected staff members being transferred to category B. Furthermore, some individuals from category B are being upgraded to category A.

The allowance adjustment varies between KD 30 to KD 50, contingent upon the category and job title of the staff member.

The ministry is currently in the process of finalizing the amendment within its financial and administrative frameworks to facilitate the disbursement process.

The General Administration of Security Relations and Media, representing Kuwait's Ministry of Interior, has launched a comprehensive outreach initiative targeting expatriates who have violated residency laws. This communication effort spans across eight languages, ensuring that violators are informed about their options within a three-month grace period to depart the country without facing fines or the need to adjust their residency status.

Brochures containing crucial information have been distributed, specifying that violators can avail themselves of assistance during official working hours in the morning and from 3 to 8 p.m. in the evening at designated centers in Farwaniya and Mubarak Al-Kabeer administrations.

The ministry clarified that expatriates with valid passports do not need to visit residence departments and can depart directly to their home countries.

A concerning incident unfolded along the shores of the Shuwaikh region as a significant number of fish were found dead strewn across the beach from opposite the Petroleum Corporation building to the National Assembly building. The distressing sight, brought about by waves from Kuwait Bay, has prompted swift action from local authorities.

Marzouq Al-Azmi, Deputy Director of the General Authority for Agriculture for the Fisheries Sector, shed light on the situation, acknowledging the limited scale of fish mortality near Al-Salam Beach and Shuwaikh. He attributed the phenomenon to various factors, including environmental stressors such as rain outlets, red tide occurrences, and the degradation of seawater quality due to human activities.

In response to the crisis, the Authority has reached out to the Environment Public Authority to assess the extent of mortality and explore mitigation measures. Al-Azmi assured the public that efforts are underway to clean the coastline and remove dead fish in collaboration with relevant agencies.

Furthermore, plans are in motion to convene a committee to investigate the recurrence of such incidents, analyze the underlying causes, and devise preventive strategies.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Zaidan, Deputy Director General of the Environment Public Authority for Technical Affairs, provided additional insights into the situation. He explained that the annual mortality of jade fish, observed around mid-April, is attributed to coastal sewage sources affecting water quality, leading to phenomena such as red tide and nutrient enrichment.

Al-Zaidan emphasized that the current mortality event is exacerbated by the fish’s migration patterns and reproductive behavior, making them susceptible to the adverse effects of environmental pollutants and red tide blooms.

Efforts are underway to monitor environmental conditions through advanced forecasting systems and satellite imaging, collaborating with state agencies, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, and the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment. These measures aim to assess chlorophyll levels, sea surface temperatures, and the presence of red tide, facilitating proactive responses to mitigate further fish mortality incidents along the affected coastline.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has responded to rumors circulating on social media regarding a shortage of antibiotics in a pediatric intensive care unit (ICU). Contrary to these claims, the MoH has confirmed that there is an ample supply of antibiotics available across various healthcare facilities.

In a statement, the MoH reassured the public about the availability of antibiotics, highlighting a diverse range of types, names, categories, doses, and alternatives. These resources are in alignment with established treatment protocols and medical standards, ensuring that pediatric patients receive appropriate care.

Furthermore, the Ministry emphasized the importance of discretion when discussing medical matters on social media platforms. Misinformation can lead to unnecessary panic and confusion among the public, potentially impacting healthcare delivery.

Thousands of Bangladeshis gathered to pray for rain on Wednesday in the middle of an extreme heatwave that prompted authorities to shut down schools around the country.

Extensive scientific research has found that climate change is causing heat waves to become longer, more frequent and more intense.

Bangladesh's weather bureau says that average maximum temperatures in the capital Dhaka over the past week have been 4-5 degrees Celsius (39-41 degrees Fahrenheit) higher than the 30-year average for the same period.

Muslim worshippers gathered in city mosques and rural fields to pray for relief from the scorching heat, which forecasters expect to continue for at least another week.

"Praying for rains is a tradition of our Prophet. We repent of our sins and pray for his blessings for rains," Muhammad Abu Yusuf, an Islamic cleric who led a morning prayer service for 1,000 people in central Dhaka, told AFP.

"Life has become unbearable due to a lack of rain," he said. "Poor people are suffering immensely."

Police said similarly sized prayer services were held in several other parts of Bangladesh.

The country's largest Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, issued a statement calling on its members to join the prayer services planned for Wednesday and Thursday.

Authorities ordered all schools last week to cancel classes until the end of the month.

A man rests on a cart during a heatwave in Dhaka, Bangladesh. — Reuters

Temperatures across Bangladesh have reached more than 42C (108F) in the past week.

"April is usually the hottest month in Bangladesh. But this April has been one of the hottest since the country's independence (in 1971)," government forecaster Tariful Newaz Kabir told AFP.

Kabir said fewer rainstorms than average for the period had contributed to the heat.

"We expect the high temperatures to remain until the end of this month," he said.

Hospitals in the southern coastal district of Patuakhali had recorded local outbreaks of diarrhoea due to higher temperatures and the resulting increased salinity of local water sources, state medical officer Bhupen Chandra Mondal told AFP.

"The number of diarrhea patients is very high this year," he said. "This is all linked to climate change."

In a recent statement to Al-Anbaa, sources underscored the pressing need to accelerate efforts towards Kuwaitizing the administration of the Civil Service Commission. Currently, the Commission Affairs Department employs 14 individuals, of whom 8 are non-Kuwaiti.

This initiative aligns with the Civil Service Commission's mandate for all ministries, government agencies, and institutions to achieve complete Kuwaitization of their workforce.

Sources elaborated that the Kuwaitization drive involves assigning tasks to qualified individuals based on their competency and experience in relevant fields. These measures are expected to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, instill confidence in job performance, promote discipline and responsibility, and mitigate the risks of corruption and wastage.

In a related development, the Civil Service Commission has approved the renewal of granting annual financial bonuses, not monthly bonuses, to members of the Legal Department at Kuwait Municipality. These bonuses are equivalent to the grades received by members of the Fatwa and Legislation Department for the fiscal year 2023-2024.

According to the commission's approval obtained by Al-Anbaa, annual remuneration for director and deputy director positions is set at 18 thousand dinars, aligning with positions in the Fatwa and Legislation Department. Similarly, rewards of 12 thousand dinars and 8,000 dinars have been allocated for advisor and assistant advisor positions, respectively, mirroring positions in the "Fatwa and Legislation" department and corresponding roles in the general salary scale.

Remarks of Ambassador of India

H.E Mr. Ghanem Al Ghenaiman, Managing Director, Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA),

Mr. Saleh Al-Selmi, Chairman, Union of Investment Companies (UIC),

Mr. Rabah A. Al-Rabah, Director General, KCCI,

Mr K Rajaraman, Chairperson of International Financial Services Centres Authority - Gift City

Mr Sanjiv Aggarwal, MD & CEO of National Investment and Infrastructure Fund of India

Delegates from Invest India,

Delegates from Confederation of Indian Industry,

Mr. Gurvinder Singh Lamba, Chairman, IBPC and co-partner for this event,

Friends from media,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning,

      I welcome you all to the second edition of the India-Kuwait Investment Conference. The positive vibes created by last year’s Investment Conference encouraged us to organize the event this year as well. And we hope to institutionalize this annual event for the next few years in the calendar of events in Kuwait. Allow me to thank all stake-holders for their presence here, particularly Managing Director of KIA, Chairman UIC, DG, KCCI and all distinguished delegates from India, who have flown in especially for this Conference despite current geopolitical uncertainties and climatic vagaries in the region. I also take the opportunity to thank all potential end-users of this Conference for their presence here. Most importantly, this event would not have been possible without the support and assistance of the Executive Committee members of the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC).

Friends

2.   The basic historical edifice of India-Kuwait relations has been trade and commerce. And this remains pertinent even in contemporary times when both our countries are at the cusp of transformation - India, the world’s 5^th largest economy and with a goal to become ‘Viksit Bharat’ i.e a developed country by 2047 and Kuwait with its ambitious Vision 2035. And the challenge for us is, how do we translate this into an opportunity, how do we actually find the connects, the viability and the business case, to make the best of it.

3.   Last year also, I had posed the same question. Why India? Why does an investor need to look at India at the expense of some other investment destination? Is India offering something of greater value? I would again say the answer lies in the following facts and statistics and not any subjective philosophy:

(I)   Economic Resilience and Growth: India is the fastest growing major economy in the world, 5^th largest economy with GDP of USD 3.5 trillion, poised to become world’s third largest economy by 2027-28, has the world’s largest working population of 522 mln and the only major economy to keep growing above 6% per annum in the last decade. The GDP growth last year was 7.2%.

(ii) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Inflows. India has consistently attracted foreign direct investment, reflecting investor confidence in the country's economic fundamentals and growth prospects. A National Single Window Clearance system has been put in place at both Central and State Government levels. The FDI inflow during last 10 years was USD 596 billion and annual FDI doubled in a span of 8 years from USD 35 bn to USD 84 bn last year.

(iii) Diverse Investment Opportunities: India offers a diverse range of investment opportunities across various sectors, including but not limited to manufacturing, infrastructure, renewable energy, technology, healthcare, and agriculture. Initiatives such as Make in India and Digital India further enhances the attractiveness of investing in India. The Productivity linked Investment scheme with financial incentives worth USD 44 bn to promote domestic production in 14 priority sectors is a major step in this regard. To give an example, Apple’s ‘Made in India’ Iphone exports under PLI doubled from USD 5 bn to USD 10 bn this year.

(iv)  Strategic Location and Market Access: Not only does India provide a market-size of over 1.4 bn people, it serves as a strategic gateway to the vast markets of South Asia, South-east Asia, and the Middle East. The Indian exports totaled USD 770 bn last year.

(v)  Massive infrastructure development: Massive infrastructure drive is underway, including 100 critical transport infrastructure projects worth USD 9 bn that opens up possibilities for investments in various infrastructure sectors of India. For e.g the number of airports have doubled from 74 to 149 in last 10 years. Similarly, India has the largest rail network in Asia and 2^nd largest road network globally with port-handling capcity expected to increase 4 times by 2047.  

(vi) Technology and Innovation Hub: India has emerged as a global hub for innovation and technology, with a thriving start-up ecosystem and a skilled workforce. It will become a USD 1 trillion digital economy by 2026. India has the 3^rd largest Start-up Ecosystem globally with 80 new Start-ups registering everyday. contributes 1 out of 10 unicorns globally and has the highest number of Start-ups recognized per day globally. Over 30,000 patents were granted in 2022, that shows its innovation strength.

And all this has only been made possible with pro-business reforms by the Indian government. India has achieved 79 positions jump in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business over the last 5 years. Initiatives such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), etc. have streamlined processes and created a more favorable investment environment.

And how does India @100 I.e in 2047 look like:

• 2^nd largest economy in the world of estimated USD 32 trillion
• FDI to grow 12 times to USD 1 trillion
• Exports to grow 12 times to USD 8 trillion
• Largest and youngest working population with a median age of 29

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our bilateral trade of about 14 billion USD today is primarily based on oil and food-sector trade. While Kuwait is crucial for our energy requirements, India is critical for Kuwait’s food-security. And we have seen this during the challenging times of Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, there is a huge scope for diversification into sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy, technology, healthcare, tourism, agriculture etc. We are seeing encouraging signs of diversification in our export basket to Kuwait. I strongly believe trade and investment goes hand in hand. To transform growing trade relations between Kuwait and India into a robust investment partnership requires a strategic approach and concerted efforts from both sides. We must explore collaboration between public and private sectors to catalyze investment in critical infrastructure projects. Similarly, we are seeing an increasing role of Indian companies in delivering high-quality infrastructure projects in Kuwait. And the presence of distinguished representatives from CII speaks of the growing interest of Indian businesses in Kuwait.

I am sure today’s deliberations and presentations at the Conference will give a detailed eye-view of the investment landscape in India, particularly opportunities in diverse sectors. And there would be many in the audience that may like to take advantage of the opportunities in “Incredible India’ – a global hot-spot for investments and ‘Make in India’.

I thank all our partners for making this event possible today.  And last but not the least, my Embassy team for their hard work in putting all this together.

The gradual increase in maximum temperature has caused the electrical load index to start rising, heading towards record-breaking electricity consumption rates in the upcoming summer months. Consumption is expected to surpass the 17,000 megawatt mark, nearing production levels.

Informed sources at the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy informed Al-Rai newspaper that “the ministry is facing a critical stage due to the upcoming electricity production shortages crisis, expected to start next summer and extend until 2028, as there are no projects slated for completion in the next three years.” They indicated that “the crisis could worsen year after year due to the ongoing urban expansion in Kuwait, particularly in new residential areas.”

Sources attribute the crisis the ministry is currently facing to delays in proposing and implementing electricity and water production projects. These delays include projects proposed by either the Ministry or the Public-Private Partnership Projects Authority. Additionally, the crisis is exacerbated by the obsolescence of production units in generation stations and the high maintenance costs associated with them.

They pointed out that ministry officials are “relying on next summer’s maximum temperature not reaching record levels." There are concerns about potential severe measures, such as planned power cuts, if the temperature indicator reaches dangerous levels for farms, chalets, and businesses during peak hours between one and three in the afternoon.”

The sources mentioned several recommendations to avoid production shortages, which were put forward by two fact-finding committees on the causes of the electricity shortage. These committees were formed by Dr. Salem Al-Hajraf, Minister of Electricity, Water, Renewable Energy, and State Minister for Housing Affairs, and his predecessor, Dr. Jassim Al-Astad.

He stated, “Among the recommendations to overcome the current crisis and alleviate the severity of the electricity shortage are several options, starting with utilizing the Gulf interconnection between the Cooperation Council countries. Additionally, there is a proposal to reduce loads by no less than 20 percent during peak times (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.) in industrial areas, including factories and certain oil facilities.”

Gulf energy pact: A temporary fix for the looming electricity crisis

The sources mentioned, “Completing the agreement to import electrical energy from some Gulf countries through the Gulf Interconnection Authority can temporarily alleviate the expected electricity crisis. However, it cannot prevent it during the upcoming summer season, as expectations suggest that the anticipated shortage may reach 1,000 megawatts during the summer of 2025.”

The sources explained that “due to technical reasons, the ministry cannot import more than 600 megawatts from the Interconnection Authority. These limitations are determined by technical factors related to the size of the interconnection lines between the Gulf countries.”

Slow documentation hampers projects

The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy was unable to add approximately 13,000 megawatts due to the slow documentation process in implementing its projects, whether they were presented through the Ministry or the Public-Private Partnership Projects Authority.

Partnership projects:

Al-Zour North Station (second and third phases), with a capacity of 2,700 MW.

Al-Khairan (first phase), capacity 1,800 MW.

Al-Shaqaya (renewable energy) with a capacity of 4,500 MW.

Ministry projects

Nuwaiseeb station (first phase), with a capacity of 3,000 MW.

Subiya station (fourth phase), with a capacity of 1,050 MW.

In a bid to streamline business processes and foster a more conducive business environment, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has introduced six new electronic services aimed at facilitating the establishment of companies. These services are accessible through the "Sahl Business" application, catering to the needs of business owners.

Yousef Kazem, the spokesperson for the unified government application for electronic services, known as Sahl, highlighted the significance of these newly introduced services. He explained that within the Kuwait Business Center section of the application's services list, business owners can now avail themselves of streamlined procedures for establishing various types of companies, including profit-making, non-profit-making, and professional-holding companies.

Kazem emphasized the convenience of these electronic services, noting that the entire process of setting up these companies can now be completed directly through the application, eliminating the need for manual paperwork and physical visits to government offices.

As part of its ongoing efforts to combat money laundering, the Central Bank of Kuwait has implemented a new auditing system requiring intensified inspections of money transfers to and from Kuwait. This move aligns with the standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), reports Al-Rai daily. The Central Bank has mandated that exchange companies under its supervision hire an impartial global auditing firm to assess compliance with Law 106/2013, which addresses money laundering and terrorist financing. The audit focuses on transactions and activities that appear unusual or lack clear, legitimate economic purposes. The auditing process must be carried out twice a year, on June 30 and December 31. The newly introduced auditing system ensures that transactions are not conducted with individuals or entities listed on international or local blacklists.

It also involves scrutinizing public benefit organizations and charitable institutions by examining a selected sample of their transactions. In addition, the audit verifies that customer information and details about the actual beneficiaries of transfers are properly collected and updated. Records of customers and their transactions must be retained for a minimum of five years. Importantly, the appointed auditor cannot be an internal auditor or affiliated with the company’s internal control team. These enhanced measures demonstrate Kuwait’s commitment to ensuring financial transparency and curbing illicit activities within its financial sector.

The Interior Ministry announced two separate timings for residency violators, who wish to amend their status and those who wish to leave the country.

According to the Ministry of Interior statement, the morning period in all governorates during official working hours will receive those wishing to amend their status in the country.

The evening period from 3 pm to 8 pm is for those violators who wish to leave the country and who have new passports or travel documents to register them in the computer system at the Residency Affairs Departments of Mubarak Al-Kabeer and Farwaniya Governorates.

Residency violators who wish to leave the country and have valid passports registered in the Ministry of Interior system do not need to visit these places again and can leave the country directly, it added.

MoI published the details in various Indian languages including Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu and Hindi, in addition to the English language.

Apple said it had removed Meta’s WhatsApp messaging app and its Threads social media app from the App Store in China to comply with orders from Chinese authorities.

The apps were removed from the store on Friday after Chinese officials cited unspecified national security concerns.

Their removal comes amid elevated tensions between the U.S. and China over trade, technology and national security.

The U.S. has threatened to ban TikTok over national security concerns. But while TikTok, owned by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, is used by millions in the U.S., apps like WhatsApp and Threads are not commonly used in China.

Instead, the messaging app WeChat, owned by Chinese company Tencent, reigns supreme.

Other Meta apps, including Facebook, Instagram and Messenger remained available for download, although use of such foreign apps is blocked in China due to its “Great Firewall” network of filters that restrict use of foreign websites such as Google and Facebook.

“The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns,” Apple said in a statement.

“We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree,” Apple said.

A spokesman for Meta referred to “Apple for comment.”

Apple, previously the world’s top smartphone maker, recently lost the top spot to Korean rival Samsung Electronics. The U.S. firm has run into headwinds in China, one of its top three markets, with sales slumping after Chinese government agencies and employees of state-owned companies were ordered not to bring Apple devices to work.

Apple has been diversifying its manufacturing bases outside China.

Its CEO Tim Cook has been visiting Southeast Asia this week, traveling to Hanoi and Jakarta before wrapping up his travels in Singapore. On Friday he met with Singapore’s deputy prime minister, Lawrence Wong, where they “discussed the partnership between Singapore and Apple, and Apple’s continued commitment to doing business in Singapore.”

Apple pledged to invest over $250 million to expand its campus in the city-state.

Earlier this week, Cook met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, pledging to increase spending on Vietnamese suppliers.

He also met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Cook later told reporters that they talked about Widodo’s desire to promote manufacturing in Indonesia, and said that this was something that Apple would “look at”.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah issued a ministerial decision amending some provisions of Ministerial Resolution No. 957/2019 on the executive regulations of the Foreigners’ Residency Law and its amendments, reports Al-Anba daily. Article One of the decision states that Article 12 of Ministerial Resolution No. 957/2019 is amended as follows: ”A foreigner who enters the country under Clause Nos. 1-7 and 14 of Article Four of this decision may remain here without a residence permit for a period not exceeding two months from the date of his entry.

Procedures must be initiated to obtain regular or temporary residency within this period. “Regular residence data are recorded on the civil identification card issued by the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), while data related to temporary residency stipulated in Article 14 of this decision are recorded by the mechanism specified by the Residency Affairs General Department in the Interior Ministry.”

Article Two mandates the concerned undersecretary to implement this decision, which shall take effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Acting Minister of Interior, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef issued a ministerial decision regarding the mechanism for granting work permits and the transfer of migrant workers recruited with work permits and the prescribed fees, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

The decision stipulates the following:

Article 1 – The employer must obtain work permits according to an estimate of need after obtaining the approval of the concerned department of PAM. An additional fee of KD 150 will be collected for each work permit under the provisions of this decision.

Article 2 – The following categories are exempted from paying the additional fee referred to in Article One of this decision:

1 – Companies wholly owned by the government.
2 – Hospitals, dispensaries, medical centers and medical clinics licensed by the Ministry of Health.
3 – Universities and private colleges.
4 – Private schools.
5 – Foreign investors approved by the Investment Promotion Authority.
6 – Sports clubs, federations, public benefit associations, cooperative societies, trade unions, foundations, and charitable endowments.
7 – Agricultural plots licensed by the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR).
8 – Fishing.
9 – Barns, grazing sheep and camels.
10 – Industrial establishments and small industries.

Article 3 – In cases where it is permissible to transfer workers from one employer to another by the procedures in force at PAM, the transfer of a migrant worker who was brought in with a work permit to another employer is permitted by the provisions of this decision, which is before the lapse of three years and for a fee of KD 300. The ban imposed on the movement of labor outside the sectors referred to in the decisions issued by PAM will continue in accordance with its procedures.

Article 4 – The Director General of PAM may issue administrative decisions and circulars regarding the implementation of the provisions of this decision, particularly the conditions and controls for granting or suspending permits.

Article 5 – The Board of Directors of PAM must direct its affairs to prepare a study on the effects of implementing this decision before one year has passed from the date of its implementation, and present it to the concerned minister along with any recommendations that the board deems appropriate.

Article 6 – Suspend the provisions of Ministerial Resolution No. 12/2017 regarding adding fees to employers who meet the conditions in the event of recruiting workers over the number allocated to them. – Suspend the provisions of Ministerial Resolution No. 26/2018 regarding the fees applied on employers holding second-class work permits. – Suspend the provisions of Chapter One regarding “Categories of Permits” from part two of the list of rules and procedures for granting work permits referred to, during the validity period of this decision mentioned in Article 7 below. – Excluding government contracts and projects and small and medium enterprises for holders of licenses registered with the Business Owners Service Department, they are excluded from the application of the provisions of this decision.

Article 7 – This decision shall be effective starting from June 1, 2024 for a period of one year, and shall be published in the official gazette. The concerned authorities shall be informed and shall implement what is stated therein.

To address the high labor wages and the labor shortage in the country, a meeting held under the chairmanship of the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah, the Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) approved to amend the mechanism for granting work permits, transferring expatriates brought from abroad with work permits, and imposing an additional fee on them, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

PAM’s Board of Directors unanimously decided to amend the mechanism that was previously in place for granting work permits. Employers can now bring in migrant workers from abroad as estimated for their license, instead of the previously set quota of 25 percent for overseas recruitment and 75 percent for local recruitment. This is aimed to reduce the high wages as a result of the labor shortage as well as to develop the business environment. The decision will come into effect as of June 1, 2024. The previous decision obliged business owners, according to their activity categories, to obtain specific permits from abroad and complete recruitment through local hiring. This led to an increase in labor wages and imposed a higher burden on the citizens.

The new decision imposes an additional fee of KD 150 for issuing a work permit for the first time. This is aimed to achieve greater employment stability for employers. It also imposes a fee of KD 300 for the transfer of migrant workers from one company to another if they have not not been in the country for more than three years. In both cases, the employer’s approval is required for the transfer. The decision aims to limit visa-trade and make it easier for employers to carry out their commercial activities and develop the business environment. It is also aimed to reduce the cost and wages of labor, which will contribute to lower costs in the construction and contracting sector and other activities in the country.

In other news, The Public Authority for Manpower has developed a comprehensive program for regular and ongoing inspections of institutions and facilities to ensure compliance with labor laws and specific regulations, reports Al-Anba daily quoting reliable PAM sources. As part of its ongoing awareness campaigns conducted throughout the year via its websites, the Authority has initiated a “Flash” campaign urging employers to adhere to all provisions of the Labor Law and regulations governing the labor market. This includes ensuring that employment contracts are honored and that workers are assigned tasks specified in their work permits by the Authority.

The Authority emphasized that failure to assign tasks as per the work permit could lead to penalties, including imprisonment for up to 3 years and fines ranging between 2,000 and 10,000 dinars per worker, or both. Moreover, the Authority has cautioned business owners against employing workers registered under another employer’s files. Violation of this regulation could result in similar penalties as mentioned above. In another development, the Public Authority for Manpower, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Public Authority for Youth (Work Makers Team), facilitated 137 job opportunities for citizens seeking employment in the private sector. These opportunities arose from government contracts with the Ministry of Health.

During the event, the Authority provided details about the available positions, the nature of work, and addressed queries from applicants. Personal interviews were conducted with 137 job seekers, followed by a training program spanning five weeks for successful applicants. The training program, focused on Ministry of Health contracts, concluded with the hiring of supervisors and first supervisors to oversee cleaning, internal transportation, and waste disposal services. This initiative aligns with PAM’s commitment to promoting employment opportunities for Kuwaiti citizens in the private sector and ensuring job security in government contracts, as outlined in Kuwait’s regulations for the nationalization of government contracts.

The Ministry of Justice has introduced a new service called “Partial or Full Payment to the General Administration of Execution” through the Sahel application, reports Al-Jarida daily. This service enables users to access information regarding the amounts owed to them by the General Administration of Execution and allows them to make partial or full payments towards these amounts. By utilizing this service, individuals can settle their debts partially or in full.

Upon complete payment, all administrative procedures initiated by the administration, such as travel bans, vehicle seizures, or freezing of the debtor’s assets, will be lifted. Additionally, users will receive notifications confirming the lifting of these seizure and prevention procedures. This new feature aims to streamline the process of debt settlement and enhance accessibility to services related to debt repayment, ultimately providing individuals with greater control over their financial obligations.

The Food and Nutrition General Authority has rolled out a new initiative aimed at enhancing public awareness about the nutritional content of packaged foods. Under the banner of “Your Hand is in Our Hand,” this initiative introduces a system of light signals on the front of food packages, making it easier for consumers to make informed dietary choices.

Aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035 and following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote healthier eating habits, combat obesity, and prevent chronic non-communicable diseases linked to nutrition.

Implemented by the Community Nutrition Affairs Sector, the initiative extends an invitation to all national food companies producing locally packaged foods to participate. The goal is to foster community partnerships and engage food manufacturers, producers, and importers in sustainable development efforts.

The light signals placed on food packages serve as visual cues, indicating the levels of energy, fats, saturated fats, sugars, and salt contained in the product as percentages. This labeling system aims to empower consumers by providing clear information to help them make healthier food choices and manage their intake of fats and calories more effectively.