To curb local energy consumption rates and address environmental concerns, government authorities are contemplating the utilization of used tires as an alternative energy source in industrial processes. This initiative aims to achieve a dual benefit by reducing industrial energy consumption and addressing the mounting issue of used tires accumulation.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed to Al-Rai that the proposed strategy involves cutting used tires and converting them into fuel for consumption in factory furnaces, replacing traditional fossil fuels such as oil and coal. This transition is expected to yield significant environmental benefits.

The study suggests that factories equipped with furnaces capable of burning solid waste, including alternative fuels like used tires, could initially consume these fuels at a rate of 40 percent, gradually increasing to 100 percent within five years. With over 9.5 million tires estimated to be used from vehicles registered in Kuwait by the end of 2020, the potential for utilizing used tires as fuel is substantial.

Highlighting the logistics involved, the study proposes storage facilities in designated areas, alongside electrical and fuel requirements necessary for tire-cutting operations. Successful tire-cutting initiatives, such as those witnessed in Germany, serve as precedents for similar efforts in Kuwait, where tire-shredding operations commenced in 2019.

However, challenges persist, particularly concerning the disposal of accumulated tires. The Environment Public Authority underscored the urgency of addressing this issue due to its adverse environmental impact. Recommendations include expedited removal and disposal of damaged tires, alongside exploring innovative solutions for their use as fuel in various industries.

The municipality is urged to collaborate with relevant authorities to devise comprehensive strategies for tire disposal and treatment, with a focus on coordination and legal clarity regarding ownership and responsibility for tire management.

As Kuwait seeks sustainable solutions to its environmental challenges, the exploration of alternative energy sources like used tires presents an opportunity for both environmental stewardship and industrial innovation.

Khaled Al-Ajmi, the Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Sector Affairs at the Ministry of Social Affairs, disclosed that the Ministry has formed a working group for a duration of three months, as per the recommendation of the National Committee tasked with implementing the strategy to prevent trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrant workers, reports Al-Jarida daily. This group, led by the Ministry and comprising directors from civil and charitable associations, along with representatives from the Family Welfare and Community Development Departments, is tasked with implementing the “national referral” system.

This system involves collaboration with civil society and public benefit associations focused on human and children’s rights. Al-Ajmi highlighted that the committee’s duties include executing the national referral system through six stages aimed at identifying victims of human trafficking, conducting investigations, providing legal and judicial prosecution, offering protection and assistance to victims, facilitating their voluntary return to their home countries, and aiding in their reintegration into their communities. He emphasized that Kuwait’s efforts align with international standards in combating this reprehensible crime, which is condemned by both Sharia and law.

Al-Ajmi said, “The team will coordinate with civil and charitable organizations to spread awareness among expatriate workers and educate them about their rights.” Moreover, Al-Ajmi outlined that the team will conduct field visits to specialized shelter centers for victims of human trafficking to provide psychological support. Additionally, they will coordinate with national and charitable organizations to raise awareness among expatriate workers about their rights. The working group is committed to submitting regular reports on its progress to the National Committee, with meetings convened at the invitation of the president or deputy. The validity of these meetings requires the presence of the majority of members.

The committee overseeing labor market regulation is nearing completion of establishing protocols for recruiting foreign workers in specific technical fields demanded by the market. This initiative aims to streamline operations for business owners and private sector companies, fostering a conducive business environment to curb visa trade, reports Al-Jarida daily. According to informed sources, the committee is focusing on devising recruitment mechanisms for key professions such as medical, educational, engineering, legal, accounting, and financial roles.

These mechanisms will be applied uniformly to recruiters of all nationalities without discrimination, with implementation set to commence soon. Following approval by relevant authorities, the implementation of labor market regulation measures is expected to commence within the next few years. The committee overseeing this regulation, comprising the Public Authority for Manpower and pertinent governmental and private entities such as the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Higher Education, the Kuwait University, and specialized professional associations, has nearly finalized the establishment of protocols for recruiting foreign workers in essential technical fields demanded by the market.

This initiative is geared towards facilitating business operations for owners and private sector enterprises, fostering a conducive business environment, and curtailing residency trade. Similarly, the Public Authority for Manpower persists in its endeavors to regulate the labor market and refine the processes for recruiting overseas workers through a series of regulatory measures, facilitated by a civil government committee comprising a panel of experts, reports Al-Rai daily. According to reliable PAM sources the committee will have representatives from PAM and key stakeholders such as the ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Higher Education, Kuwait University, and the specialized public service associations.

Sources said that during a recent meeting various proposals for recruiting workers, particularly in technical fields, were deliberated upon. Sources elaborated that the committee scrutinized the most pressing technical professions demanded by the labor market, intending to devise tailored recruitment mechanisms for each while at the same time underscoring that the proposed recruitment process would unfold gradually, with the initial phase targeting professions in the medical, educational, engineering, legal, and financial domains. Efforts are underway to ascertain the labor market’s requirements through comprehensive assessments conducted by the committee, inclusive of all nationalities eligible for entry into the country.

Among the proposals is a stipulation to withhold the issuance of new work permits unless preceded by the endorsement, validation, and equivalence of academic credentials by official bodies and the Kuwaiti embassies overseas. Furthermore, the committee is mulling over the addition of accredited professional experience certificates for each profession, spanning a minimum of 3 years for selected roles and up to 5 years for others. Additionally, applicants may be required to present a professional practice certificate sanctioned by relevant authorities and successfully clear a professional practice test. Recent decisions issued by PAM have regulated the process of transferring expatriate labor brought in from abroad between employers, allowing companies to recruit all anticipated workers from overseas without the need for internal transfers.

However, the daily has learned that the committee has made significant progress in this regard, with a focus on addressing the market’s demand for technical professions. Regarding the proposed mechanisms, sources indicated strict enforcement of certified practical certificates issued by labor-exporting countries, in coordination with Kuwaiti embassies abroad. Additionally, requirements include possessing a certificate indicating years of experience specific to each profession, alongside a profession practice certificate endorsed by relevant authorities in the worker’s country. Equivalency of a certificate in higher education in Kuwait and successful completion of profession practice tests sanctioned by certain public benefit associations are also part of the criteria.

In a groundbreaking move, the Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) has initiated trial operations of a robot at the Al-Zour Refinery, marking a significant leap forward in the country’s oil sector.

With the introduction of this robotic technology, KIPIC aims to leverage the latest advancements to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, maintaining the refinery’s reputation for top-tier performance.

In a statement shared across its social media platforms, KIPIC unveiled its experimental robotics project, highlighting its commitment to embracing innovation for future-oriented solutions. The project represents a strategic initiative aimed at integrating robotics technology into refinery operations, signaling KIPIC’s leadership in adopting cutting-edge technologies.

Speaking on the initiative, a spokesperson for KIPIC emphasized the company’s dedication to advancing safety standards, increasing productivity, and optimizing operational efficiency. The adoption of robotics technology underscores KIPIC’s proactive approach to staying abreast of technological advancements and ensuring operational excellence.

The implementation of robotics technology is poised to yield cost-saving benefits and expedite the resolution of high-cost challenges. With the evolution of artificial intelligence technology, coupled with the integration of the Internet of Things and fifth-generation networks, Kuwait’s oil and gas sector is poised to make rapid, informed decisions to address emerging needs and challenges.

The Al-Zour Refinery, with a refining capacity of 615 thousand barrels per day, stands as a cornerstone of Kuwait’s petroleum industry, and the introduction of robotics technology represents a significant step towards further enhancing its operational capabilities and competitiveness in the global market.

Official data released by the Central Bank of Kuwait revealed a significant drop in profits for local exchange companies during the first quarter of the current year. Profits decreased by approximately 56%, totaling 5.88 million dinars. This marks a decline from about 10.5 million dinars recorded during the first quarter of 2023.

The decline in profits can be attributed primarily to an increase in expenses, notably administrative expenses, bank interest, and allocations. Additionally, there was a slight decrease in the volume of other revenues.

During the first quarter of the current year, the total revenues of 32 exchange companies under the supervision of the Central Bank of Kuwait decreased by 1.4%, amounting to about 26.59 million dinars. This is compared to 26.97 million dinars for the same period in 2023.

While revenues from currency sales increased by 1.01% to reach 19.98 million dinars, revenues from bank interest witnessed a notable increase from 255.2 thousand dinars to 339.2 thousand dinars. However, other revenues decreased by 9.6%, amounting to 6.26 million dinars.

Conversely, total expenses increased by 33.44%, reaching 21.9 million dinars in the first three months of 2024. This includes a significant rise in administrative and banking expenses, as well as increases in bank interest and allocations. Other expenses decreased by 67.65% during the same period.

The observed fluctuations in profits and expenses highlight the ongoing challenges faced by exchange companies in Kuwait and underscore the need for effective financial management strategies in the sector.

 Recent official figures have highlighted significant dynamics within Kuwait’s labor market, reflecting both shifts in workforce demographics and sectoral distribution. According to data provided by the Central Department of Statistics, Kuwait currently boasts a workforce totaling approximately two million and 133 thousand individuals.

Indians emerge as the predominant nationality within the labor force, with a staggering 535 thousand workers, followed by other nationalities. Notably, over the past year, the market welcomed an influx of 96 thousand individuals, among which 12 thousand were citizens. The labor force includes a substantial segment of 786 thousand servants, comprising 422 thousand females.

One of the most striking revelations from the data is the significant rise in the number of Nepalese workers, experiencing a remarkable 27% increase. However, while the total workforce expanded, the percentage of citizens decreased from 21.3% to 15.6%, including the family sector.

Examining the distribution of workers, Kuwaitis accounted for 454,038 individuals, constituting 21.3% of the workforce, while non-Kuwaitis numbered 2,132,996, representing 78.7%. These numbers exclude workers from the family sector, which encompasses a substantial portion of employment.

A detailed analysis reveals that the number of national workers increased marginally, from 442,647 individuals in December 2022 to 454,038 individuals in December 2023. Conversely, non-Kuwaiti workers witnessed a more pronounced increase, from 1,594,343 to 1,678,958 individuals during the same period.

Furthermore, educational attainment among workers remained relatively stable, with a notable increase observed among Kuwaitis holding university qualifications and above. Interestingly, the distribution of non-Kuwaiti workers based on educational levels showed minimal fluctuations, except for a slight rise among those with high school qualifications.

In terms of employment by nationality, Indians led the workforce, followed closely by Egyptians and Kuwaitis. Notable changes were observed in the number of workers from various nationalities, with significant increases in Indian and Nepalese workers and a decrease in Egyptian workers.

Sector-wise, over half of employment remains concentrated in the private sector, accounting for 56.8% of all sectors. Conversely, the family sector represents 31.9% of total employment, while the government sector constitutes 16.3%.

An intriguing trend emerges regarding the distribution of national workers across economic activities within the private sector. More than half of them are engaged in accommodation and food services, financial and insurance activities, and construction. Conversely, non-Kuwaiti labor in the private sector is predominantly concentrated in accommodation and food services, construction, and manufacturing industries.

Overall, these figures provide valuable insights into Kuwait’s labor market dynamics, underscoring the diverse composition of its workforce and the evolving trends within different sectors.

Kuwait is taking bold steps toward enhancing its renewable energy capacity with the announcement of a groundbreaking solar energy project. The initiative, set to generate 1 gigawatt of electricity through solar power, represents a significant move in Kuwait's energy diversification strategy.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Electricity and Water and the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has paved the way for this transformative project. The MoU outlines plans for a global operator model, with a tender process underway to engage suitable entities for project execution. Selected companies will enter into contractual agreements spanning 25 to 30 years to procure energy.

Technical details, including specifications, interconnection points, and load distribution, are being delineated by Kuwait Oil to facilitate the tendering process. This venture marks the oil sector's inaugural step into emission reduction initiatives and aligns with Kuwait's goal of sourcing 15% of its electricity from renewable sources.

Projected for completion before 2030, the project dovetails with Kuwait Oil's energy transformation strategy for 2050, championed by His Highness Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad. Cost-efficiency and technical compatibility will be prioritized in the selection process, with prospective bidders evaluated for their experience in renewable energy ventures.

The oil sector aims to roll out similar projects in the future, with plans to increase clean energy production to 3.7 gigawatts by 2030/2031. This transition underscores the sector's commitment to Kuwait's energy landscape, signaling a move toward complete reliance on renewable energy sources.

Collaboration between the Ministry of Electricity and Water and the oil sector is key to Kuwait's energy transition. A reconstituted energy committee, comprising representatives from both entities, is spearheading efforts to integrate renewable energy into the national grid and chart a sustainable energy future for Kuwait.

Deputy Director General of the Labor Protection Sector at the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) Dr. Fahd Al-Murad has unveiled the plan of the authority to establish a shelter for male expatriate workers, reports Al-Anba daily. According to Al-Murad, this shelter is currently being prepared and Kuwait will be the first country in the region to provide such a facility.

The aim of the shelter is to protect the rights of male expatriate workers and address any problems that may arise between employers and employees. The shelter will also assist workers in meeting their needs and facilitate their return to their home countries, he explained. In another development, Al-Murad said the authority is currently working on launching the online ‘To Whom It May Concern’ certificate issuance service, which will allow attachment of this certificate to documents submitted to government agencies for tender participation.

Al-Murad revealed that the certificate will be available within a few days as part of PAM’s electronic services. He stated that the purpose of the ‘To Whom It May Concern’ certificate is to ensure that companies applying for tenders comply with Private Labor Law No. 6/2010, regulations and decisions. It also confirms that the company has no recorded serious violations that would hinder it from entering into contracts with government agencies, he added.

In other news, the Public Authority for Manpower, through the National Manpower Affairs Sector, is gearing up to implement regulations aimed at increasing the employment of Kuwaiti nationals in government contracts, as per Cabinet Resolution No. 1179 of 2023, reports Al-Jarida daily. This move is aligned with directives from the political leadership and the Council of Ministers to bolster the presence of citizens in the private sector while ensuring their job security and stability

The regulations are designed to incentivize young people to seek employment in the private sector by enhancing job security in government contracts and creating more opportunities for national cadres to gain scientific experience and develop technical skills. These contracts serve as mechanisms to boost the proportion of national workers in non-governmental agencies.

The implementation of these regulations is expected to curtail opportunities for unskilled and unqualified workers in the labor market while minimizing violations. Initial steps are crucial for the effective implementation of the regulations, with plans to expand their coverage to include contracts across various entities to further increase the proportion of national workers.

The draft regulation for Kuwaitizing government contracts was approved by the Committee for Adjusting Demographics and Labor Market Development last October. It mandates the Kuwaitization Unit to determine the proportion of national labor for each government contract based on its nature and available positions. The contractor must adhere to conditions stipulated in government contracts when selecting applicants, and the Kuwaitization Unit will announce available jobs.

Applicants with disabilities confirmed by the Public Authority for the Affairs of People with Disabilities are exempt from advertising procedures. Upon acceptance, the relevant authority must promptly provide the contractor with candidate data, and the contractor is obliged to complete recruitment procedures within 30 days of notification or the start of the government contract, whichever comes first.

The latest statistics from the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy highlight the significant increase in electrical energy demand during the summer months, reports Al-Jarida Daily. The maximum load of electrical energy this summer peaked at around 17,250 megawatts, indicating a consistent upward trend in demand. Projections suggest an annual growth rate of 4 to 6 percent based on current consumption rates, with an increase of 3,595 megawatts over the past 8 years.

The rise in electrical loads is attributed to various factors, including urban expansion, housing development, and soaring temperatures, which have reached as high as 52 degrees Celsius in some years. To meet this growing demand, the Ministry is implementing measures to ensure uninterrupted access to electrical energy, including periodic maintenance of electrical networks and power stations, as well as expanding energy production through ongoing projects. In March, the Ministry’s monthly statistical report revealed a total of 73,271 kilowatts of electrical installations across all sectors.

The private sector accounted for the majority of extensions, serving 529 customers with loads totaling 44,418 kilowatts, followed by the agricultural sector with 13,526 kilowatts across 7 plots. The government sector ranked third, delivering power to 20 plots with total loads of 9,335 kilowatts, followed by the industrial and investment sectors. The commercial sector had the fewest extensions, with loads reaching 40 kilowatts for two plots. These statistics underscore the diverse distribution of electrical installations across different sectors of the country, reflecting the comprehensive efforts to meet the nation’s energy needs efficiently.

Kuwait’s commitment to infection prevention and control has been highlighted by Dr. Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Director of the Infection Prevention Department at the Ministry of Health. Dr. Al-Mutawa announced Kuwait’s commendable status as one of the countries with minimal infection spread in intensive care units for infants and premature babies, underscoring the nation’s significant progress in combating infections within healthcare facilities.

Speaking at the inauguration of the annual hand hygiene campaign titled “Knowledge is the First Line of Defense,” held at the Infection Prevention Department headquarters in the Al-Sabah Specialized Medical District, Dr. Al-Mutawa emphasized the campaign’s objective of promoting awareness and health literacy regarding hand hygiene. He stressed the importance of enhancing skills and expertise to elevate healthcare services and prevent healthcare-associated infections.

Dr. Al-Mutawa highlighted the national program’s significance in combating infection spread and reiterated the Infection Prevention Department’s commitment to organizing annual awareness campaigns since 2005. These campaigns align with global initiatives by the World Health Organization and patient safety programs observed every May.

Throughout the month, various awareness activities and events are planned in hospitals and health centers as part of the campaign. Infection prevention teams will set up awareness corners to educate healthcare professionals, patients, and visitors about the critical role of hand hygiene in infection prevention. Additionally, awareness leaflets and symbolic gifts will be distributed to participants.

Dr. Kholoud Al-Fadali, Head of the Infection Prevention Department, echoed the call for heightened awareness, announcing plans for 19 lectures across health facilities, public hospitals, and other centers to educate medical teams. Practical training sessions for medical staff and awareness lectures for clinical and non-clinical departments are also on the agenda. An awareness booth will be established for medical and public staff in hospitals and centers affiliated with the Ministry, further emphasizing the importance of infection prevention measures.

The members of the Municipal Council Sharifa Al-Shalfan and Abdullatif Al-Daei yesterday presented a proposal to redevelop the Shuwaikh Industrial Area by focusing on redesigning and developing the streets, sidewalks, public spaces, services, and infrastructure in the Shuwaikh Industrial Area No. 1, provided that it includes, at least, streets No. 4, 5 and 6. The preamble of the proposal referred to the issuance of a previous decision by the Municipal Council regarding the Shuwaikh Craft and Commercial Service Area to create some activities in the area.

Some of its plots, especially the Shuwaikh Industrial Area 1, became characterized by a commercial and recreational nature, which led to a change in the type of its patrons. It was stressed that the proposal coincided with this change, as it was supposed to redevelop the area’s streets, sidewalks, and public spaces surrounding its buildings according to an integrated vision for their development, and to avoid problems of pressure on services.

The preamble stated that the absence of development resulted in random solutions that lack methods of urban and aesthetic development in the region, especially vehicular traffic with the increasing number of visitors to the area and activities that encourage movement in the area on foot. Therefore, it has become necessary to redesign it in accordance with this change. The proposal presents a modern, sustainable vision that includes ten basic components, which are re-studying vehicle routes, traffic, and parking, infrastructure adapted for pedestrians and any other means of transportation, pedestrian crossing paths, ease of access for people with special needs, shades, planting and greening, a unified character for directional signs, urban furniture and lighting, as well as specifying the materials used and finishing materials for streets, sidewalks, urban furniture, etc., and any other components intended to serve the project.

The proposal concluded by emphasizing the necessity of coordination with the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, and other relevant authorities. Meanwhile, the Municipal Council, under the chairmanship of Abdullah Al-Mahri, is scheduled to convene its meeting on Monday. Among the key agenda items for discussion are the objections raised by Minister of Municipality, Dr. Noura Al- Mashaan, concerning the Municipality’s proposed amendments to the regulations and requirements for private housing in building codes, reports Al- Jarida daily.

During the session, the Municipality will deliberate on Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s appeal to incorporate a commercial component into the oil sector complex building in Shuwaikh. Additionally, considerations include requests to allocate state property to plots in Kuwait City’s Al-Qibla area (Block No. 1), as well as the Ministry of Interior’s proposal to establish surface parking lots in the front yard of the Rawda Police Station within Plot No. 2. Another significant matter up for discussion is the development request for the JW Marriott Hotel located in Kuwait City’s Al-Qibla District, Plot No. 13. Furthermore, the Council will address a proposal by members Al-Farsi, Farah Al-Roumi, Sharifa Al-Shalfan, Abdul Latif Al-Daei, and Ismail Behbehani, advocating for the allocation of a site for a recycling materials facility.

Member Al-Shalfan’s proposals regarding recycling plastic bottles and preserving beaches will also be reviewed. Additionally, the Council will examine the Central Agency for Information Technology’s request to allocate part of the site of the Umm Al-Haiman Post Center, previously Umm Al-Hayman, for the establishment of a national data center. This center will focus on business continuity and disaster management. President of the Municipal Council Abdullah Al-Mahri’s proposal to expand activities in the Ardiya Industrial Area and Vice Chairman Khaled Al-Mutairi’s suggestion to assign parking lots adjacent to private housing plots in all Kuwait areas to plot owners will also be on the agenda.

The Ministry of Awqaf, through its Fatwa and Sharia Research Sector, has issued a ruling prohibiting the practice of using the hand or face print to unlock the phone of the deceased, reports Al-Qabas daily. This fatwa was prompted by a query from the Funeral Affairs Department Director regarding the permissibility of such actions.

In the fatwa, the Ministry clarified that accessing the deceased’s phone in this manner violates their privacy and raises suspicions about potential sensitive or shameful content. Consequently, it is deemed impermissible to undertake such actions, as they infringe upon the dignity and sanctity of the deceased. The Ministry emphasized that if there arises a legitimate need to unlock the deceased’s phone, such matters should be handled through proper legal channels, either by seeking judicial authorization or involving the relevant security authorities.

Dr. Fahd Al-Murad, Acting Deputy Director of the Public Authority for Manpower and Workforce Protection Sector Affairs, emphasized the significance of adhering to labor regulations during the Authority’s celebration of International Labor Day. Al-Murad stressed that failure by private sector employers to pay workers’ wages and transfer them to financial institutions monthly constitutes a serious violation, resulting in the suspension of the employer’s file and potential worker transfer to another employer.

During the event, which took place at the Avenues Mall and was organized in collaboration with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the General Union of Kuwaiti Workers, Al-Murad reiterated the Authority’s commitment to enforcing Article 57 of Law 6/2010 concerning private sector employment. This article governs wage payments and worker entitlements.

Al-Murad highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with labor laws, including developing inspection mechanisms to accommodate commercial expansion. The Authority aims to facilitate the submission of documents proving monthly wage transfers by employers and has expanded the use of automated systems for labor dispute resolution.

Furthermore, the Authority is actively engaged in promoting legal awareness among workers and employers to resolve disputes and maintain stability in the labor market. Aseel Al-Mazyad, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department, emphasized the Authority’s dedication to providing information in multiple languages and launching an integrated awareness campaign on social media platforms.

Representatives from civil society institutions, including Yahya Al-Dosari of the Workers Union and Hussein Al-Tarkait of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reaffirmed their commitment to protecting workers’ rights and fostering cooperation with the Authority.

Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah, underscored Kuwait’s commitment to respecting workers’ rights and providing equitable employment opportunities for both national and expatriate workers. She highlighted the significant contribution of expatriate workers, who represent 75% of Kuwait’s total workforce, and reiterated Kuwait’s commitment to ensuring their well-being.

The celebration of International Labor Day served as a platform to underscore the importance of upholding labor laws and promoting fair working conditions in Kuwait.

The Department of Combating Cybercrime at the Ministry of Interior issued a warning urging the public to exercise caution when engaging with individuals or entities offering hourly domestic worker services.

Emphasizing the potential for fraudulent activity, the department advised against dealing with such parties. Specifically, it highlighted companies like Al-Durra Company and other labor agencies and to not facilitate reservations for their services through social media platforms or messaging applications like WhatsApp. This cautionary statement serves to protect individuals from falling victim to scams and fraudulent schemes related to domestic worker services.

The Ministry of Health in Kuwait assured the public on Wednesday that COVID-19 vaccines have shown no unexpected side effects apart from those anticipated. This announcement comes amidst global concerns regarding vaccine safety and efficacy.

In a press release, the Ministry emphasized that the vaccines available in Kuwait have been rigorously evaluated and endorsed by leading international medical authorities. Notably, these vaccines demonstrate adaptability in combating emerging variants of the coronavirus, offering a crucial layer of protection against evolving threats.

The statement from the Ministry addresses recent speculations linking a particular COVID-19 vaccine to an increased risk of blood clots since 2021. However, no such correlation has been identified in Kuwait, reaffirming the safety profile of authorized vaccines in the country.

Highlighting the paramount importance of vaccination during a pandemic, especially for vulnerable demographics such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, the Ministry underscored that the benefits far outweigh the rare occurrences of side effects. Vaccination remains a vital tool in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and safeguarding public health.

After years of the 'Corona' pandemic, Kuwait removed 'vaccination status' from the personal data inside the "My ID" mobile application. Ministry of Health also discontinued the mobile applications 'Immune' and 'Shlownik', which were launched during pandemic time.

Earlier the "My ID" application used to display a green label for those who successfully completed Covid vaccination. According to sources, the authority has discontinued the link between the My ID app and vaccination status.

Yousef Saleh Al-Husseini, Secretary General of the Union of Petroleum and Petrochemical Industry Workers, extended congratulations to the union movement and oil sector employees on the occasion of the anniversary of "International Workers’ Day,” which falls on May 1.

Al-Husseini stated, “This anniversary marks our acknowledgment of the accomplishments of union efforts and the Kuwaiti union movement’s role in driving development and progress for the working class, highlighting the contributions of human resources to the revitalization of the national economy.”

He continued, “This anniversary serves as a reflection on past workers’ demands that we’ve embraced, renewing our commitment to turning them into achievements that workers aspire to. It also highlights the accomplishments of the Kuwaiti trade union movement, its contributions, and its significant role in promoting stability and addressing various societal issues, particularly those directly affecting the working class.”

“We recognize workers as the largest segment of Kuwaiti society, especially those in the oil sector, and we consistently work towards achieving our goals for progress and revitalization in this vital industry,” Al-Husseini added.

He urged May 1st to be recognized as a paid public holiday, akin to other nations worldwide, emphasizing its significance for the Kuwaiti working class. He prayed for divine protection over the government and its people, wishing for a secure and safe environment under the guidance of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

The Kuwait Municipality has unveiled plans to kickstart the “License Your Advertising” campaign across all governorates of the country, starting at the beginning of May. This initiative aims to ensure that all advertisements comply with the necessary licensing regulations.

Muhammad Al-Mutairi, the official spokesperson for Kuwait Municipality and Director of the Public Relations Department, announced in a press statement today. He revealed that teams from the municipal services’ auditing and follow-up departments will be deployed to intensify field campaigns, focusing on verifying the validity of licenses for all advertisements.

As part of the campaign, supervisory teams comprising both male and female inspectors will conduct thorough inspections of various types of advertisements, including commercial, promotional, construction, seasonal, and event-related. This initiative aligns with the implementation of new advertising regulations.

Al-Mutairi highlighted that Kuwait Municipality has launched an awareness-raising advertisement displayed on screens in the main buildings of the municipality. Additionally, road advertisements have been deployed across all governorates to spread awareness about the campaign.

Addressing advertisement owners directly, Al-Mutairi emphasized the importance of obtaining or renewing licenses for all types of advertisements through the licensing departments located in the municipality’s branches across governorates. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to five thousand Kuwaiti dinars.

Furthermore, Al-Mutairi warned that violation reports will be issued for advertisements lacking proper licensing or violating the terms and controls outlined in the advertising regulations. Financial penalties specified in the regulations will be enforced accordingly.

A significant development has emerged in the legal battle surrounding AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, as the pharmaceutical giant has admitted for the first time in court documents that its vaccine can cause a rare side effect. This admission, made in an apparent about-turn, could pave the way for substantial legal payouts amounting to millions of pounds.

A class action lawsuit has been filed against AstraZeneca, alleging that its vaccine, developed in partnership with the University of Oxford, has led to death and serious injury in numerous cases. Central to the claims is the contention that the vaccine triggered a rare side effect with devastating consequences for affected families.

The legal proceedings were initiated last year by Jamie Scott, a father of two, who suffered permanent brain injury after experiencing a blood clot and brain bleed following vaccination in April 2021. AstraZeneca, while contesting the claims, conceded in a legal document submitted to the High Court in February that its Covid vaccine “can, in very rare cases, cause TTS” (Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome).

TTS, characterized by blood clots and a low blood platelet count, has been the subject of intense legal scrutiny, with fifty-one cases currently before the High Court. The potential damages sought by victims and their families are estimated to reach up to £100 million.

The acknowledgment by AstraZeneca follows a year of legal wrangling and could signal the beginning of payouts if the company accepts responsibility for specific cases of serious illness and death linked to the vaccine. Notably, the Government has committed to covering AstraZeneca’s legal expenses.

While AstraZeneca maintains that the vaccine’s benefit-to-risk profile remains positive, the company’s admission of the vaccine’s association with TTS marks a significant shift in its stance. However, it has not conceded that the vaccine is inherently defective, as alleged by lawyers representing claimants.

Despite AstraZeneca’s acknowledgment, the Government has yet to intervene directly in the legal proceedings, opting instead to indemnify the pharmaceutical company against any legal action. Families affected by the vaccine’s adverse effects continue to seek fair compensation, calling for expedited resolution and accountability from both AstraZeneca and the Government.

The admission by AstraZeneca comes amid ongoing debates over vaccine safety and efficacy, underscoring the complexities surrounding mass vaccination campaigns. As legal battles unfold, the broader implications for public health policy and corporate accountability remain under scrutiny.