Kuwait Airways has recently announced a job opening for the position of Deputy Operations Director - Flight Services. The airline is seeking qualified candidates to join their team in accordance with the specific requirements and qualifications outlined. In this article, we will provide details about the job opening, qualifications, experience, and application process.

Position Details: Job Title: Deputy Operations Director - Flight Services

Qualifications and Experience: Candidates must have one of the following:

A Bachelor's degree in hospitality industry, hotel, or aviation management or equivalent, with 15 years of experience, including 5 years in a supervisory position
18 years of experience in cabin services with at least 5 years in a supervisory position, and at least 3 years of experience as a Safety Instructor (or equivalent)
Flight crew qualifications as instructor/examiner (i.e., TRI/TRE)

General Terms:

Priority in appointment shall be for eligible Kuwaitis.
This vacancy is open for females only.
Applicants must have a strong command of English (spoken & written) and good computer skills. A minimum of 70% is required to pass the English language test, with the exception of specific jobs.
Applicants will be subject to necessary conditions for appointment in accordance with the rules and regulations at Kuwait Airways.
University degrees not recognized by the official authorities in Kuwait will not be considered.
Compliance with Cabinet Resolution No. 914 issued on 29/06/2010 is required.
Applicants will be subject to interviews and tests, and must pass the tests to proceed to the interview.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their applications through the Kuwait Airways careers website (careers.kuwaitairways.com) within 15 days from the publication date of the announcement.

Required Documents:

CV
Academic certificate and equivalency approved by the official authorities in the State of Kuwait.
Copy of civil ID and passport.
Certificate from the General Organization for Social Insurance (career progression certificate) and an experience certificate, if any.
Copy of licenses, technical certificates, and proof of previous supervisory experience (based on the job).

Note that non-compliant and incomplete applications will be excluded. Receipt of the application does not guarantee acceptance, and Kuwait Airways reserves the right not to accept any applicant for the mentioned vacancy.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to join Kuwait Airways as a Deputy Operations Director - Flight Services. Apply now and take your career to new heights.

The public were urged to stay home and not leave except for dire necessity amid rainy conditions expected between Tuesday evening and Thursday afternoon, Kuwait Fire Force said on Tuesday.

KFF also highlighted the need to maintain the safety of external electrical installations at home to avoid the risk of contact or electrocution, to make sure that there are no obstacles impeding water drainage outlets and to inspect the operation of water pumps in basements.

The authorities added that the power supply should be disconnected with inhabitants moving to upper floors in the event of basements being flooded by rainwater. In an earlier notice, nationals and residents alike were urged to exercise caution due to the forecasted unstable weather, adding they should not hesitate to dial the emergency services 112 hotline if in need of urgent assistance. Kuwait’s Meteorological Department said the three-day showers will begin gradually on Tuesday evening before reaching their peak on Wednesday. (KUNA)

The Meteorological Department has warned of rain in all regions of the country, ranging from light to medium and heavy at times. The rainy condition will start from Tuesday evening and continue until next Thursday afternoon, reports Al- Qabas daily. The weather forecast observer at the Meteorological Department, Abdulaziz Al-Qarawi, said that the heavy rains will peak from Wednesday evening until Thursday dawn, explaining that the department monitors the weather situation around the clock. He indicated that the rain will fall at intermittent periods and in varying amounts from light to medium, as the rainy situation will focus on the central regions of the country.

He pointed out that it is expected that the amounts of rain will be more than 20 mm, and explained that the rain will be accompanied by winds blowing at a speed exceeding 50 kilometers per hour. He stressed that the cause of the rain is due to the depression coming from the west of the country, which leads to the multiplication of low and medium clouds, interspersed with some cumulus clouds, accompanied by heavy rains in some areas. Al-Qarawi indicated that the temperatures are expected to drop on Thursday, reaching 25 degrees Celsius. The Central Operations Department of the General Fire Force requested in an official letter from the control sector to raise the readiness of the fire stations, due to the weather conditions that the country will pass through.

Tanishka Sujit, a bright and meritorious student from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, is set to appear for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) final year exams at the age of 15 and she aims to further study law and become the country's Chief Justice.

The teenage girl, who lost her father and grandfather to COVID-19 in 2020, recalled her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bhopal a few days back and how he encouraged her to pursue her dream.

Sujit, a student of Indore's Devi Ahilya University, told PTI on Monday that she will appear for her BA (Psychology) final year exams to be held from April 19 to 28.

She cleared the Class 12 exams at the age of 13 straightaway after passing Class 10 in the first division.

Rekha Acharya, Head of the Department of Social Science Studies at the Devi Ahilya University, said Sujit was given admission to BA (Psychology) first year at the age of 13 after she performed well in the entrance test taken by the university for her as a special case.

Sujit met PM Modi during his visit to the state capital Bhopal on April 1 for the Combined Commanders' Conference.

The girl said during the meeting, which lasted for around 15 minutes, she told the PM that she wanted to study law in the US after clearing her BA exams and dreamt of becoming the Chief Justice of India someday.

"On hearing about my aim, the prime minister advised me to go to the Supreme Court and watch the arguments of lawyers there as it would motivate me to achieve my goal. Meeting the prime minister was a dream come true for me," she said.

Her mother Anubha said her husband and father-in-law died in 2020 due to coronavirus, but she fought and overcame the grief for the sake of her daughter, who continued to excel in academics.

"After losing both family members, I was left clueless. After two-three months, I felt that I should take care of my daughter's studies for the sake of her future and have to fight for this," she added.

Seven Kuwaiti banks made the “Forbes Middle East” list of the 50 largest banks in terms of market value for the year 2023, with a total market value of $76.2 billion, according to the closings of last February 28, which constituted about 13.9 percent of the total value of the 50 banks within the list which totals $48.1 billion, reports Al-Rai daily. Kuwait Finance House” ranked fifth on the list, with a market value of $37.5 billion, followed by the National Bank of Kuwait sixth, with $26.3 billion, then the Commercial Bank of Kuwait in the 33rd place with a market value of $3.3 billion. The Gulf Bank ranked 34th with $3.2 billion, followed by Burgan Bank at 37th with $2.4 billion, Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait at 40th with two billion dollars, then Warba Bank at 43rd with $1.5 billion

Influential dealings The “Forbes Middle East” stated that the banking sector is going through a difficult year after the collapse of the US Silicon Valley Bank, while fears are increasing of infection spreading to other banks, and low-cost deposits, with no connection to influential dealings with American banks that were ravaged by the crisis. The sources explained that, according to a report issued by “Moody’s”, Gulf banks enjoy a great deal of flexibility in facing the crisis of American banks, as they are supported by the governments of the region, which own influential stakes in most of them.

The report also pointed to the rapid growth of Islamic finance in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, where less The cost of deposits in Islamic banks compared to conventional banks, which supports their profitability in times of high interest rates. The Gulf banks dominated the list of “Forbes Middle East” with 41 banks representing about 82 percent of the list, while Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the most represented by 10 banks each. The Saudi Al-Rajhi Bank topped the list, with a market value of $75 billion, followed by the National Bank of Saudi Arabia, with $56.4 billion.

Kuwait’s Cabinet announced Monday that the Eid Al-Fitr holiday at all ministries, and governmental bodies and institutions would start on April 21-25.

Work will resume on April 26, while agencies with a special nature will determine their Eid holiday by the competent bodies to take into consideration the public interest, according to the Cabinet.(KUNA)

The Health Ministry is bringing in new batches of doctors, nurses and medics after a new batch of Pakistani doctors arrived in Kuwait recently to work in new hospitals and medical centers. “The Ministry of Health requested to bring in doctors from Iran and addressed security authorities to allow them to do so, as it is exempted from strict regulations when bringing in workers from certain countries for security reasons, including Iran,” sources revealed to Kuwait Times.

“The Ministry of Health believes Iranian doctors are distinguished and can benefit Kuwaiti hospitals and health centers. It also believes in the importance of diversifying recruitment of medical workers. If an agreement is reached to bring in doctors from Iran, then the first batch will not be less than 200 medical personnel, which may be followed by more batches,” sources added.

“Approving the recruitment of doctors from Iran, if it takes place, will open the door to bringing in workers from other specialties and fields, especially since Iranian workers in Kuwait have reduced a lot throughout the previous years, as their number in the country has become less than 50,000 people,” sources clarified.

This Sunday's seminar on the United States golden visa is filling up fast, as UAE residents and residents of other GCC countries become more interested in this immigration route. Demand for the US golden visa is at an all-time high as a fast track to US residency and green cards.

Due to increased interest in US residency in the Middle East market, The American Legal Center expects a full room for their complimentary seminar. This Sunday, April 9 at 3 pm, the event will take place at the Address Sky View meeting halls in Downtown Dubai.

How does the US golden visa work?

US Congress created the EB-5 program in 1990 to promote economic growth by injecting foreign capital into the US economy and creating jobs for Americans. Investing $800,000 in a government-approved real estate project in the United States is a required investment for an investor and their qualifying dependents (spouse and children under 21) to obtain US green cards under this US government immigration program. Investors are refunded their investment amount approximately five years after making the investment.

What makes the US golden visa so popular among Gulf residents?

Families around the world are motivated to migrate to the United States because of its political stability, economic growth, and high standards of living. Access to America is relatively quick and hassle-free with the US golden visa. For the reasons discussed below, this migration route is superior in many ways.

Access to US residency expedited

New legislation called the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) was passed in March 2022, enhancing the EB-5 program. The new EB-5 legislation created a new category of reserved visas called visa set asides. The applicants who act quickly in filing their applications in these new categories will benefit most from shorter wait times and priority processing.

Founder and Legal Director of The American Legal Center, the leading experts on the US golden visa in the Middle East, Shai Zamanian, says reserved visas are especially important for Indians and Chinese nationals who are otherwise subject to longer wait times under the EB-5 visa category. "To take advantage of this short window of opportunity, we urge families who are considering this program to reach out to us now for a free consultation."

The US golden visa provides free education and university tuition

The US golden visa is popular among Gulf residents because of its tremendous benefits for their children. The program is essential for families with children pursuing education in the US. Parents can benefit from not having to pay out of pocket for the cost of their children’s education given that green card holders can access government grants and scholarships covering tuition and all associated costs. Having a higher acceptance rate, better internship and research opportunities, and a better chance of finding a job after graduation can benefit children.

With the passage of the new EB-5 legislation, a new concept called concurrent filing has made the US golden visa more attractive than ever. With concurrent filing, individuals that are already in the United States on another visa can apply to adjust their status and obtain work authorisation and travel permits. Therefore, they can essentially benefit from living and working in the US before they receive their green cards. "The option of concurrent filing is particularly suitable for students in the US on an F-1 visa or professionals working in the US on an H-1B visa," says Shai Zamanian. "They can continue their lives in the US while their EB-5 applications are pending, and rest assured that they have a stable path to obtaining permanent resident status."

The American Legal Center is a team of licensed US lawyers and professionals specializing in the US golden visa. Our team at The American Legal Center frequently hosts free seminars throughout the Middle East to educate families about this immigration path to the United States.

On Sunday, April 9, 3 pm, the American Legal Center will host their next seminar at the Address Sky View in Downtown Dubai. The seminar will cover pertinent topics such as the introduction of reserved visas and how families residing in the GCC can benefit from faster processing times. Other topics that will be discussed include the ins and outs of the EB-5 program and the various requirements. Reserve your spot for the upcoming seminar by contacting +971 52 446 6095 or media@america.ae if you're interested in learning more about the US golden visa.

The meteorologists say Kuwait will be hit by rains this week, which will be heavy at times due to thunderstorms, reports Al-Rai daily. Meteorologist Issa Ramadan said “this year’s weather is characterized by rain that exceed the usual annual rates in terms of frequency, continuity and abundance, which made the spring of this year one of the most beautiful, wonderful and splendid for many years.” Ramadan stated, “We are currently in the Sabq Al-Sarayat season, which is characterized by the continuous formation of clouds and rain, followed by a relatively cold wave that made the past days one of the distinctive and comfortable periods in terms of low temperatures until the beginning of April, when temperatures rise during the day.”

He added, “The temperatures will begin to gradually rise during the day, starting today, so that the Sarayat season will begin in the middle of this month, and will continue until the end of May. He pointed out that “the depressions and chances of rain will continue, God willing this month, as it is expected that the Gulf region and the Arabian Peninsula from Saudi Arabia to Kuwait and southern Iraq and the Gulf regions will be affected rain that start at the end of this week and in Kuwait it will be from next Wednesday, and the opportunity for sporadic rain, which is sometimes thundery, will continue until next Saturday.”

Regarding the amount of that rain, Ramadan said, “It will be light, medium, and sometimes heavy in some areas due to thunderstorm clouds, but weather changes must be followed until that time to find out the reasons for the rapid change in the upper layers of the atmosphere, air masses, and the temperature difference in recent times, which makes it difficult to predict accurately for such weather conditions for specialists in the science of meteorology, and this is what makes some amateurs and fans of meteorology get confused and rush to publish inaccurate weather bulletins, sometimes they are accurate and sometimes they disappoint.”

 Standing at the entrance of the interior ministry building in Mishref, Abdullah Saad, an Egyptian expat, could not contain his frustration as he narrated his ordeal over the ban on family visas. “This is really frustrating. We (Saad and two of his friends) come here every month to check if the ban has been lifted, but we always get the same answer – no,” he said in dismay. On June 27, 2022, the Kuwait government announced and implemented a temporary ban on issuing family visas for expatriates.

The ban applies to all nationalities, including those who have been residing in the country for many years. The decision was made to reduce the number of foreigners living in Kuwait and address the country’s demographic imbalance. The ban applies to all types of family visas, including those for spouses, children and parents. Officials have defended the decision, stating that it is necessary to address the country’s demographic challenges. The ban prohibits the issuance of family visas for expatriate family members.

This means that those who are currently residing in Kuwait cannot bring their family members to live with them in the country until the ban is lifted. “The ban is preventing family members (especially non-Westerners) from reuniting, thereby causing emotional distress and family strain. I really need my wife to be with me. It has not been easy with me. The separation is affecting our relationship. If I had known, I wouldn’t have sent them home after COVID,” Saad said regrettably. The family visa ban can have a significant impact on families, both emotionally and financially.

“This ban has caused emotional distress for families who are unable to reunite, especially those of us who have young children. I only have 30 days of vacation annually. This is not enough. I wish I can bring my wife and my son here. According to Kuwait’s family visa rule, I am qualified to bring my family here. I have a monthly salary of KD 700. It is more frustrating to know that you can, but you actually can’t because of the ban. My wife feels emotionally tortured every time I called her,” Raph Davis, an African expat, told Kuwait Times

The ban has also had financial implications for families, as they are now forced to bear the costs of living in two separate locations. “Apart from the emotional torture, the financial burden is much too. I have to pay rent here and (there) for my family in my home country, coupled with the high cost of living now. This ban has triggered emotional stress and financial difficulties for many expats who are struggling to cope with the separation,” Davis added. “The ban on family visas has a significant impact on the social and emotional well-being of expatriate families.

It also makes it challenging for expatriates to manage their work and family responsibilities, as they will have to travel back and forth between Kuwait and their home countries. The ban also has economic effects. It may discourage skilled expatriates from coming to work in Kuwait. Many skilled workers prefer to bring their families with them when they move abroad, and the ban on family visas may make it less attractive for them to work in Kuwait. The ban has led to a decrease in consumer spending, which could affect various sectors of the economy,” explained Ahmed Zaki, a sociologist.

Amir Hassan, an Indian expat, explained the difficulty in renting a flat without a family. “It is hard to find a decent flat in Kuwait unless you have a family. Most building owners and harises (caretakers) prefer to rent flats and houses to families. They always ask for marriage certificates and the wife’s civil ID copies. We are still sharing a flat with another family even though we can afford to pay for a flat,” he said, as his friend nodded in confirmation.

“We are appealing to the government to review this decision so that we can reunite with our families,” Hassan’s friend Vihaan added, as he thanked Kuwait leaders for their wisdom, wishing them Ramadan Kareem. It is important to note that the ban only applies to new applications for family visas. Expatriates who already have family members living with them in Kuwait are not affected by the ban. 

According to the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), Kuwaitis increased by 28,700 on average in 2022 compared to 2021, a percentage estimated at 0.019%. According to PACI, whose report was obtained by the daily, the total number of citizens in Kuwait rose to 1.5 million until 2022, an increase of 28,700 over last year, while the total population reached 4.7 million. A report shows an increase in the number of children of 17 communities living in Kuwait, compared to a decrease in only three nationalities - Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Iran.

Kuwait's non-Kuwaiti population reached 3.229 million people, of whom 2.99 million belong to 20 nationalities. The Indians topped the list with 965.7 thousand people, followed by the Egyptians with 655.2 thousand, followed by the Philippines, Bangladesh, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka.

In the report, 35 percent of Kuwaitis over 15 are students, full-time houseworkers, or retirees with income, while only 32 percent are in the labor force. According to a comparison of the number of nationalities living in the country and the size of their contributions to the labor market, 87 percent of the Indian population is employed. The percentage of Filipino and Bangladeshi workers increased to 97 percent of their total number in the country, followed by Egyptians with 74 percent of their workers joining the labor force. The percentage of Syrians working in Kuwait was 40 percent, while the percentage of Saudis was 52 percent, and the percentage of Sri Lankans was 94 percent.

Kuwait has a total of 2.05 million workers, 24 percent of whom work in the government sector, with the exception of the domestic sector "domestic labour". In the public and private sectors, Kuwaitis occupy the third place with 22 percent of the workforce, ahead of Indians and Egyptians. Kuwaitis make up 78.2% of the government sector's workers, which is the highest percentage. Meanwhile, they come in fourth place in the private sector with 5 percent of the total number of workers, behind "India, Egypt, and Bangladesh", who account for about 68 percent of the total number of workers in this sector. The total population of Kuwait is 4.7 million, of which 1.5 million are Kuwaitis and 3.2 million are non-Kuwaitis. In total, there are 2.05 million workers in the labor market, of which 492,300 are government employees, 772,700 are domestic workers, and the remainder are expatriates.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Engineers Society (KES), Faisal Al-Atl, said cases of forgery of engineering certificates continue to be monitored, indicating that all of them have been referred to the investigation committees and the competent legal authorities to take the necessary action, reports Al-Jarida daily. He added, the KES must harness all its capabilities to overcome obstacles to those who are eligible to practice engineering professions.

Al-Atl revealed, in a statement, a new project to develop the capabilities of workers in the engineering sector, both citizens and residents, noting that the project will give a financial advantage to Kuwaiti engineers only who are able to develop themselves and pass the relevant exams, which will be conducted every two years. He explained that this step is equivalent to professional advisory certificates granted by the United States and Britain, hoping that it will be implemented in Kuwait with the support of the Civil Service Commission.

Regarding the employment of Kuwaitis in the oil sector, Al-Atl said, “There is a huge shortage of workers (500 engineers and 1,000 technicians) in the oil sector which can be covered through national manpower, which the Kuwait Engineers Society will work to rehabilitate. He pointed out that raising the volume of employment of Kuwaitis in the oil sector can be achieved through benefiting from those who passed the tests saying they will be hired directly, instead of wasting public money in holding new tests and forming committees.

In Kuwait, there are two primary allergy seasons: April-May and September-October. During these periods, the combination of dust storms, pollen from specific plants, and increased air pollution can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is crucial to be aware of these factors and take appropriate precautions to minimize discomfort and potential health risks.

Main Points:

1. Common allergy symptoms: Allergic reactions during these seasons can lead to various symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, throat irritation, itchy eyes, and skin allergies.

2. Causes of allergies: The main factors contributing to these allergies are dust storms, pollen from certain plants, and increased air pollution.

3. Precautions: To minimize the risk of allergic reactions, individuals should:

• Stay informed about local weather conditions and pollen counts.
  • Limit outdoor activities during high pollen and dust storm days.
  • Keep windows and doors closed to reduce the infiltration of allergens.
  • Use air purifiers and maintain a clean living environment.
  • Consult with healthcare professionals for appropriate allergy medications or treatments.

Conclusion:

During Kuwait's peak allergy seasons, it is essential for sensitive individuals to be aware of potential triggers and take necessary precautions. By staying informed and adopting preventive measures, individuals can effectively manage their allergies and maintain their health and well-being.

1 Kuwait allergy seasons

2 Managing allergies in Kuwait

3 Dust storms and allergies

4 Pollen-related allergies in Kuwait

5 Air pollution and allergic reactions

6 Allergy prevention tips during dust storms

7 Allergy symptoms and treatment in Kuwait

8 Seasonal allergies in Kuwait

9 Coping with allergies in Kuwait's climate

10 Outdoor activities and allergy risks in Kuwait

Credit: Kuwaitlocal.com

Meteorologist Issa Ramadan said that the country is currently witnessing the Sarayat season, which will end on the April 14, which sometimes lasts until the end of May, reports Al-Qabas daily. He explained that the Sarayat season was marked this year by rainfall, which was followed by a relatively cold wave unprecedented in years, during that period.

In a statement to the daily, Ramadan indicated that the temperatures will begin to rise gradually next week, especially from Sunday, expecting the continuation of sporadic rain opportunities, sometimes accompanied by thunder, starting next Wednesday and continuing until Saturday. He pointed out that the expected rainfall is light, medium and heavy in some areas.

 The private housing sector is still witnessing stagnation, as evident in the continuation of the decline in residential real estate prices in some areas during the first quarter of 2023, reports Al-Qabas daily. The global economic crisis, increasing interest rates and other factors played a major role in the decline of real estate prices, which reached unprecedented levels in previous years. As per the data of Al-Hesba Real Estate Company, private housing prices continued to decline at a slow pace in different parts of the country, starting from the fourth quarter of 2022 — four percent lower than the third quarter of 2022 when prices reached the peak. The decline continued in the first three months of this year, which recorded a decline of six percent.

The data indicated that the decline in the first quarter of 2023 ranged from one percent to 10 percent depending on the areas: One percent to five percent in Faiha, Kaifan and Qadisiyah; five percent to six percent in South Surra; six percent to seven percent in East Qurain, Ishbiliya and Andalus; and eight percent to 10 percent in Saad Al-Abdullah and Khairan residential areas.

Market
Also, during the first quarter of 2023, the private housing real estate market witnessed a significant decrease in the value of transactions amounting to KD 224.29 million — 38.3 percent lower than KD364.02 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, and also lower by 49 percent compared to KD439.54 million in the first quarter of 2022.

The total number of private housing deals decreased to 432 in the first quarter of 2023 compared to 694 in the fourth quarter of 2022 — a decline of 37.7 percent, while it decreased by 52.4 percent compared to the same period last year, when it reached 908 deals. The aforementioned data include only real estate properties sold at a rate of 100 percent and Sabah Al-Ahmad Sea City— Coastal Strip System was excluded. Several factors contribute to the continuation of the real estate stagnation in the country as follows:

1- High interest rates, which reduced the demand for real estate purchase and negatively affected the investor’s ability to provide liquidity.

2- The repercussions of the global economic crisis and the geopolitical situation that led to anticipation and caution among dealers in the real estate sector.

3- The decline in the purchasing power of citizens with the stability of salaries of a large segment in light of the rising inflation rates.

4- Some citizens prefer to keep cash in light of the uncertainty of the economic conditions in general.

5- The decline in the attractiveness of real estate investment in light of the migration of capital owners towards bank deposits with high and guaranteed returns.

With regard to internal areas, residential real estate prices in most of the internal areas close to the capital, or what is known as the ‘Golden Square’ that includes Shuwaikh Residential Area, Dahiya, Shamiya and Nuzha, are still steadfast in general despite the repercussions of the global economic crisis and the accompanying successive rises in interest rates.

The consistency of real estate prices in the internal regions is due to the scarcity of land in exchange for an increase in demand for housing units, as well as the lack of new housing cities that are similar to specifications that are attractive to citizens. This is in addition to the fact that those wishing to buy properties in internal areas among the affordable category usually depends on personal financing, not on borrowing from banks.

These areas often witness deals at record rates. It is worth mentioning that Al Hesba Real Estate Company (Kuwait Limited Liability Company) was established in 2016 by a group of specialists (18 years experience) in real estate, in order to provide real estate services with the required transparency through the use of the best modern technology solutions to facilitate access to information and analysis in the local real estate market and provide innovative ideas to all stakeholders.

The Supreme Committee of the Insurance Regulatory Unit (IRU) has issued a decision to regulate the issuance of a civil liability insurance policy arising from traffic accidents (“compulsory vehicle insurance policy”), whereby the qualified insurance company and the contracting broker are obligated to issue the unified insurance policy, reports Al-Rai daily. It is not permissible to amend the standard insurance policy form or add any appendices to it except if it is for the benefit of the insured or the beneficiary.

According to the decision, the unit will review the price tariff periodically — at least once every fiscal year — or whenever the market needs it, in accordance with the actuarial principles in force in this regard.

According to the decision, the value of the basic insurance premium for private vehicles for individuals will amount to 32 dinars annually, in addition to an amount of 2 dinars for each passenger, and 2 dinars for the value of supervision and control fees. The qualified insurance company will not accept payment of the value of the unified insurance policy from the insured (participant) in cash, and collection of the value is limited to electronic payment methods, with the exception of the unified insurance policy issued under Article (8) of this decision.

The unit will establish an approved list that includes data of insurance companies eligible to issue the unified insurance policy, and their qualifications will be reviewed periodically or when any regulatory decisions are issued.

The qualified insurance company must undertake not to accept granting or collecting a commission for the issuance or marketing of the standardized insurance policy by the broker in excess of 10 percent of the value of the basic insurance premium of the standardized insurance policy shown in Appendix No. (2) of this decision.

Subject to the international agreements ratified by Kuwait, the competent authority may authorize a Kuwaiti company or more of the insurance companies qualified according to the approved list to issue the unified insurance policy for the benefit of non-Kuwaiti vehicles coming across the borders of Kuwait, according to the price tariff mentioned in Appendix No. 3 of this. The decision provides that the period of insurance coverage for this policy does not exceed one year.

In this case, the provisions of Article (4) of this decision do not apply. According to the decision all insurance policies and their appendices issued prior to the implementation of this decision shall remain valid, including the rights, obligations and guarantees they contain, and the companies issuing these policies shall continue the administrative and technical work related to them; qualified insurance companies and contracted brokers are allowed to issue the unified insurance policy through the paper track and compensation resulting from documented damages or expenses incurred by third parties/the injured due to damage or loss of property, with a value not exceeding one million dinars, regardless of the number of those whose property was damaged.

 The Health Ministry is still working on implementing its three-tiered plan to increase health service fees for expats, with the aim of keeping pace with the government’s approach to maximizing public treasury revenues. According to plan, the cost of health insurance for domestic workers will initially remain unchanged, as they continue to get treatment at government-run healthcare facilities.

But it’s expected to increase slightly in the future, according to sources. The ministry said it will keep the increase minimal, taking care not to burden citizens who are liable for covering the insurance cost for their workers. The end goal of the plan is to limit receiving health care at government hospitals to Kuwaitis only. Phase one stipulates that about two million expats who work in the private sector or hold family residence permits will only be able to receive care at Dhaman hospitals.

Expats who work in the public sector will still be able to receive care at government hospitals at the beginning, but will be restricted to Dhaman hospitals as the ministry moves forward with the second tier of the plan. The ministry is also planning on making health insurance mandatory for those on a visit visa.

General Directorate of Civil Aviation Eng. Saleh Al-Fadaghi revealed that so far 700,000 passengers criss-crossed the Kuwait International Airport during the month of Ramadan aboard 7,800 flights.

On the sidelines of the Ramadan Ghabka organized by the Union of Kuwaiti Travel and Tourism Offices, Al-Fadaghi said he expected 220,000 passengers to travel during Eid Al-Fitr, which is April 20 to 25 on 1,800 flights. As reported by Al-Qabas daily, Dubai, Istanbul, Jeddah, Cairo and Doha are the top travel destinations during the Eid holiday.

Most prominently, Al-Fadaghi says, are rationing vacations for employees and supervisory leaders, so that they do not exceed 30% of the total workforce during summer travel season.

As he continued, "We are also in the process of forming a support team consisting of operations, engineering, security organization, and public relations members so we can facilitate passenger movement and resolve any problems that may arise."

According to Al-Fadaghi, coordination meetings will be held after Eid Al-Fitr with many government agencies and ground service providers to address all negatives to avoid them in the upcoming summer season. He stressed that passenger traffic is expected to touch 13 million passengers in 2023.

Actions that will be taken to deal with the summer season

- Regulating vacations for employees and supervisors

- Formation of a support team for rapid intervention in solving problems

- Allocating rewards for outstanding employees

- Saad Al-Abdullah Airport for charter and private flights

- Coordinating meetings with the competent authorities to prepare field plans

In an effort to enhance Kuwait's insurance landscape, the country's Insurance Regulatory Unit has recently approved several decisions that will impact private vehicle owners. Among these changes is an increase in the annual insurance for private vehicles, taking effect from April 16, 2023. The updated insurance premiums aim to provide more comprehensive coverage and better protection for vehicle owners and road users in Kuwait.

Under the newly approved system for mandatory vehicle insurance for traffic accidents, the annual basic insurance premium for privately-owned vehicles and vehicles owned by entities will see a significant increase. The premium will rise from the current KD 19 to KD 32 for private vehicles, while the premium for vehicles owned by entities will jump to KD 53.

These changes come as part of Kuwait's continuous efforts to improve the insurance sector and safeguard the interests of both consumers and insurance providers. The Insurance Regulatory Unit has thoroughly reviewed the existing policies and structures, identifying areas where improvements could be made to better serve the market's needs.

The increased annual insurance premiums are expected to lead to a more stable and robust insurance market in Kuwait, ensuring a higher level of protection for vehicle owners in case of accidents or other unforeseen incidents. As a result, motorists and insurers alike can expect greater peace of mind and financial security.

In conclusion, the recent decisions by Kuwait's Insurance Regulatory Unit, including the hike in annual insurance premiums for private vehicles and vehicles owned by entities, demonstrate the country's commitment to strengthening its insurance sector. As these changes take effect from April 16, 2023, private vehicle owners and other stakeholders should prepare for the new insurance landscape in Kuwait.

The Ministry of Interior, Public Authority for Manpower, the Public Authority for Civil Information and health insurance, in partnership with the Central Administration for Statistics, helped 1.4 million expatriates to renew their work permits in the private sector during the past year, reports Al-Qabas daily. These expatriates paid approximately 109 million dinars, in addition to 2.7 million dinars paid by 22.2 thousand expatriates who joined the business last year. Workers in the family sector, “domestic workers,” also paid 15 million dinars for renewing their annual residency and health insurance, and another 28.6 million dinars were paid by 520,000 residents who joined the family.

The value of financial payments decreased for those who obtained Article 24 (self sponsor) residency, and those who obtained an investor’s residence according to Article 19 paid approximately 200 thousand dinars. The state bears paying 6.3 million dinars to the 97,880,000 residents working in the government sector, the majority of whom work in medical services, health and education, at a rate of 76.5%. Annual residency revenues decline by 3.5 million dinars due to the presence of violators of the residency law, whose number exceeds 133,000.

A single resident in Kuwait annually costs approximately 70 dinars, in exchange for renewing a work permit, health insurance, residence and civil card, if he is registered in the labor market, and it decreases for domestic workers to an annual value of 20 dinars and between 55 and 65 dinars for those who join a family, sponsor himself, and investors.