Applying for a visit visa just got simpler for nationals from countries with entry restrictions. Those banned from entering the country can now submit their visit visa applications directly to the relevant departments for security approval, without the requirement of a return air ticket on the national carrier.

According to reports, the Residency Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Interior has instructed to accept applications from nationals of banned countries for security clearance, eliminating the need for a return air ticket on the national carrier. However, it's important to note that the return ticket must be obtained once the sponsor secures security approval from the concerned authorities of the Interior Ministry.

The Interior Ministry enforces entry bans on citizens from eight countries, namely Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen, and Sudan, into Kuwait without obtaining high-level security approvals. Visit visa applications from citizens of these countries must undergo high-level security approval processes.

The Cooperatives Sector in the Ministry of Social Affairs has toughened penalties for the boards of directors of cooperative societies that are not committed to the implementation of the mechanism for the direct purchase of local products at a rate of not less than 75 percent of their actual needs, reports Al-Jarida daily quoting a reliable source. The source disclosed that the committee formed as per the recent administrative decision on supporting the promotion of local agricultural produce in cooperatives will work for a period of four months; during which it will conduct field visits to the approved sales outlets to attend auctions, follow up and tally the participating cooperatives and their daily purchase rates, uncover violations, and then take the necessary legal measures.

The source said: “The committee will submit periodic reports about cooperatives that are not committed to implementing Ministerial Resolution number 115/T of 2022 on supporting the promotion of local agricultural products in cooperatives. Article 13 of this resolution stipulates penalties for erring cooperatives, starting with a warning to address the violation, up to the issuance of a ‘judicial seizure’ report that will lead to the suspension of bank credit for a certain period. Other penalties include non-submission of the erring cooperative’s requests to the concerned committees in the ministry, halting its transactions with governmental and private agencies, and suspending its employment file in coordination with the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM). The source added that the committee will also tally the daily purchases of vegetables in each cooperative, compare them to the actual needs, and monitor the quantities of local products available in the market to ensure the daily needs of cooperatives are covered.

This year’s Eid Al-Fitr holiday will be six days if the holy month of Ramadan completes 30 days.

Sources disclosed that based on the above, April 9 is the last day of Ramadan; so Eid Al-Fitr will be three days from April 10-12 (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday), in addition to April 14 (Sunday) which will be declared a rest day in lieu of Friday (April 12) and this needs Cabinet approval. If approved, the Eid holiday will be six days.

However, if the holy month does not complete 30 days, the Eid holiday will be three days only — from April 9-11 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), sources added.

The Kuwait Ministry of Health has announced a series of groundbreaking decisions, revolutionizing the licensing conditions for medical practice in both the public and private sectors.

Physicians with a general practitioner license are now permitted to work in private clinics, health centers, and medical centers. They can also practice in private hospitals, specifically in the emergency department, outpatient clinics, or general medical specialty wards, under the supervision of a senior physician. However, they are not authorized to perform specialized surgeries.

Physicians and dentists aged 65 and above must undergo a medical examination before their license can be renewed, with this examination repeated every two years thereafter.

For eligibility for promotion to a higher level within the private medical sector, physicians and dentists must accrue 100 continuing medical education units from a program accredited by the Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialties.

Private health facilities are required to adhere to quality and infection prevention standards. Additionally, their social media accounts must be supervised by the Ministry of Health.

Private hospitals and medical centers offering same-day surgery must acquire international accreditation for healthcare quality.

The use of lasers and other equipment requires a special permit from the Radiation Protection Department.

The Ministry of Health stressed the importance of these regulations in ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare services in Kuwait. It emphasizes that employing physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals without a license from the ministry is prohibited. Moreover, the accommodation of patients or performing any surgical or invasive procedures in healthcare facilities not authorized to do so is strictly prohibited.

The Ministry of Health urged all healthcare providers to adhere to the new regulations.

Government institution statistics provide a comprehensive overview of Kuwait’s workforce, spanning both the public and private sectors, revealing notable trends in employment distribution, reports Al-Qabas daily. In the government, the education sector emerges as a significant employer, with approximately 154,000 employees, comprising around one-third of the total government workforce of approximately 471,000 employees.

Following closely is the public administration and defense sector, employing around 172.3,000 individuals, constituting about 36.5% of the total workforce. The breakdown within the education sector indicates that 128,000 Kuwaiti citizens are employed alongside 22.7,000 non-Kuwaitis. Meanwhile, the health and social work sector employs approximately 41,000 individuals, representing about 8.7% of government employment, with 14.1000 Kuwaitis and 26.8 thousand non-Kuwaitis contributing to the workforce.

Turning to the private sector, which boasts approximately 1.6 million employees, accommodation and food activities emerge as the predominant employer, with 639,000 individuals, comprising 39.1% of the total private sector workforce. The construction sector follows closely behind, employing 225,000 workers, constituting approximately 13.85% of the private sector workforce. Manufacturing industries rank third, with approximately 163,000 workers, while administrative and support services activities employ about 131,000 individualsno

Failaka Island in Kuwait boasts a rich tapestry of history, with evidence of civilizations dating back to the end of the 3rd millennium BC, extending through to the 19th century AD. Among its notable sites is Dilmun Town, also known as Tell Sa’ad, which contains the remains of houses and rooms dating as far back as 1950 BC, belonging to the late Dilmun period around 1450 BC. This historical site also includes the Rest House of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who governed Kuwait from 1921 to 1950.

Located northeast of Tell Sa’ad are the Al-Hakem Palace and the Dilmunian Tower Temple, which date back to 2000 BC. Additionally, remnants of a small housing unit affiliated with the Third Ur Dynasty around 2100 BC contribute to the island's historical significance.

The Financial and Administrative Affairs Sector in the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has completed the review of the employees’ performance evaluation for the year 2023, reports Al-Anba daily. Assistant Undersecretary for Financial and Administrative Affairs Salah Khaled Al-Saqabi revealed that the excellent job performance bonus will be disbursed to deserving employees during Ramadan, affirming the bonus is included in the budget for fiscal 2023/2024. He stated that most ministries, public institutions, and government agencies have completed the review of employees’ performance evaluation reports, while stressing the need for all these entities to complete the review before the new budget year begins on April 1.

Meanwhile, sources told the daily that an agreement has been reached to reduce the working hours to four during Ramadan for women who will also be given two grace periods — 15 minutes in the morning and another 15 minutes at the end of the working day; meaning, they can arrive 15 minutes late and leave 15 minutes early. The working hours for men will be four hours and 15 minutes with only one grace period — 15 minutes in the morning. Sources clarified that each government agency will be given the freedom to choose appropriate work hours and shifts, taking into account the working hours that will be approved by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). Sources said the agreement includes retaining the grace period of 15 minutes in the morning for all employees, so those who report for work on time could leave 15 minutes early, while the number of hours of permitted partial absence during the holy month is two hours maximum and one-hour minimum. Asked if the working hours will be flexible or in shifts, sources disclosed the discussion focused on flexible working hours; such that employees have the opportunity to prove attendance within an hour or two. They confirmed that the flexible working hours system has been proven to have reduced tardiness among employees, adding that the three-shift system was implemented in Ramadan 2023.

Director General of the General Department of Training at the Ministry of Interior Brigadier General Abdul Qader Ahmed Al-Shaaban has stressed the importance of the role of the International Organization for Migration in preserving the rights of expatriate workers. He said this in a press statement issued on the sidelines of the conclusion of a five-day training course titled “Criminal and electronic investigations into cases of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants” organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – the United Nations migration agency in Kuwait – in partnership with the Ministry of Interior.

Brigadier General Al-Shaaban highlighted the establishment of the organization’s office in the State of Kuwait in 1991 and Kuwait’s accession as an active member to IOM in 2017. He revealed that Kuwait hosts about 60 to 70 percent of expatriate contractual workers of various nationalities on its soil. Brigadier General Al-Shaaban affirmed the keenness of the General Department of Training in the Ministry of Interior to organize workshops and training courses with the concerned local and international authorities for officers of various ranks in the Ministry of Interior to acquaint them accurately with the rights of expatriate workers and their duties towards them.

He explained that the training course organized by the General Department of Training at the Ministry of Interior, with the cooperation of the United Nations Migration Organization in Kuwait, took place during the period from February 11 to 15. It was aimed to enhance the capabilities of police officers in confronting the crime of human trafficking. A total of 30 officers of the Ministry of Interior from various departments participated. Brigadier General Al-Shaaban recalled the efforts of the late Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah – the Humanitarian Leader, his prominent international role in preserving the dignity of everyone living on the land of Kuwait, and his emphasis on treating expatriates well, preserving their rights and duties, and allowing them to work comfortably within the country. He concluded by revealing that several more training courses and events will be held for national cadres in the ministry in parallel with the developments occurring in the labor and immigration laws in the State of Kuwait.

Meanwhile, Head of the IOM’s mission in Kuwait Mazen Abu Al- Hassan said, “Preventing human trafficking, protecting and assisting victims, and prosecuting perpetrators are essential elements for combating human trafficking”. In a speech he delivered after the session, he stressed that IOM is proud of its long-term partnership with the Ministry of Interior through a series of workshops conducted in cooperation with the ministry over the years.” Abu Al-Hassan explained that the topics covered during the training included indicators for identifying cases of human trafficking, national legislation related to human trafficking and international agreements, using information technology for investigating cases of human trafficking, identifying symptoms associated with psychological trauma for victims of trafficking, and establishing strategies for conducting interviews with victims and suspects. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals call for immediate and effective measures to eliminate forced labor, modern slavery, and human trafficking.

The training course is part of the efforts undertaken by the State of Kuwait in its various ministries and institutions, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice, the Public Authority for Manpower, and the permanent national committee concerned with implementing the national strategy to prevent human trafficking and smuggling of migrants. Abu Al-Hassan concluded by highlighting the efforts exerted by Kuwait to combat the crime of human trafficking, including the issuance of law No. 91/2013 regarding combating human trafficking and smuggling of migrants, establishing a center to accommodate expatriate workers, and forming the permanent national committee concerned with implementing the national strategy to prevent human trafficking and smuggling of migrants.

The latest Kuwaiti labor market data issued by the Central Statistics Bureau revealed that about 107,000 citizens and expatriates entered the labor market in the first nine months of 2023; bringing the total number of workers in the country to about 2.897 million citizens and expatriates at the end of September last year, compared to 2.79 million at the end of December 2022 — an increase of 3.8 percent, reports Al-Anba daily. The total workforce in the country includes 2.44 million expatriates in the private and government sectors at the end of September 2023, compared to 2.34 million at the end of December 2022 — an increase of 4.2 percent; while the number of citizens reached around 448,800 at the end of September 2023, compared to about 442,600 at the end of December 2022 — an increase of 1.4 percent.

The data showed that the recruits in the labor market included 6,181 citizens; while the expatriates, including domestic workers, reached 100,780 foreign workers. Indians topped the list of expatriate communities in the Kuwaiti labor market with about 879,500 at the end of September, as they increased by 44,900 from January to September; compared to 834,670 at the end of December 2022. Egyptians came in second place with 479,880 at the end of September 2023, although their number decreased by about 4,372; compared to 484,259 at the end of December 2022. Kuwaitis are in third place, and their number reached 448,800 at the end of September 2023 — 6,181 higher compared to 442,647 at the end of December 2022. Filipinos ranked fourth, but their number declined from 266,900 at the end of December 2022 to 260,380 at the end of September 2023. Bangladeshis are in fifth place with 256,670 at the end of September 2023, compared to 241,300 at the end of December 2022.

On the other hand, the distribution of workers according to nationalities showed that the number of workers in the government and private sectors; that is, excluding domestic workers, increased by about 70,500 — 2.107 million at the end of September 2023, compared to 2.036 million at the end of December 2022. Indians topped the list of expatriate communities working in the two sectors with about 526,800 at the end of September 2023 — about 29,700 higher than 497,000 at the end of December 2022. Egyptians are in second place with 478,800 at the end of September 2023, although their number decreased by 4,351; compared to 483,180 at the end of December 2022. Kuwaitis are in third place after their number rose from 442,647 at the end of December 2022 to 448,828 at the end of September 2023.

The Ministry of Education continued its efforts to follow up the implementation of the fingerprint attendance system in public schools, which started on an experimental basis last Sunday, reports Al-Anba daily. Educational sector sources revealed to the Daily that on the first day; the concerned authorities in the ministry monitored 400,000 fingerprinting operations for teachers, indicating that it was observed that a teacher made the fingerprint attendance more than once as the system does not accept it.

Sources confirmed that the Technical Committee at the Information Systems Center is working hard to address all problems, explaining that the signing of timesheets for entry and departure continues to protect the rights of teachers. Sources said fingerprinting will not be applied permanently without ensuring that all procedures are correct. “We are currently in a trial period to find out the negatives, if any, and address them,” sources added. In another context, the ministry granted the periodic bonus to its employees, including teachers and administrators, which was scheduled for January but it was postponed.

Sources said the Administrative Sector has completed the review and verification procedures for the names eligible for the bonus, which reached approximately 20,000 teachers and administrators, indicating that the bonus will be paid retroactively to the ministry’s employees in public and assistant positions. Sources that some employees will be paid this month and others in March, noting that there are employees whose salaries have been approved for the current month so there was no time to add the bonus.

‘Insider Monkey’ said that fuel prices in Kuwait remain the cheapest among the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and rank fifth in the world, with the price of a gallon being $1,286 according to the list issued by the company for the 10 cheapest countries in terms of fuel prices around the world.

‘Insider Monkey’ attributed this decrease to the support provided by the government to all consumers, both citizens and expatriates, noting that since the percentage of expatriates who hold driving licenses constitutes about 55% of the total driving licenses granted in Kuwait, half of the government support goes towards expatriates’ fuel consumption.

According to the figures, the annual cost of fuel in Kuwait, including gasoline and diesel products amounts to about 976 million dinars (equivalent to 3.15 billion dollars), while the value of the sale of these products is about 651 million dinars (equivalent to 2.1 billion dollars), which means that the difference exceeds 300 million dinars, equivalent to $1.05 billion.

Kuwait is considered a major producer in the global oil markets, and is a member of OPEC. The oil sector contributes nearly half of the country’s gross domestic product, and about 95% of total export revenues, as well as the country’s general revenues.

Returning to the ‘Insider Monkey’ report, Iran topped the list of countries with the cheapest fuel prices, ranking first in the world. For Iranians, cheap gasoline is considered an acquired right, as their country has the fourth largest reserve of crude oil in the world, and a gallon of fuel is sold at $0.108. This should not exceed a monthly quota of about 16 gallons, with the price nearly doubling for any consumption exceeding this limit.

The large government support kept fuel prices low, but due to the widening gap between the supply, which is restricted by local refining capacity, and the high demand, the government was forced to take advantage of its strategic reserves and import gasoline for the first time in a decade.

Below is a list of the 10 cheapest countries in the world in terms of fuel prices:

Iran: The price of a gallon is $0.108.

Libya: The price of a gallon is $0.116.

Venezuela: The price of a gallon is $0.132.

Algeria: The price of a gallon is $1,267.

Kuwait: The price of a gallon is $1,286.

Angola: The price of a gallon is $1.375.

Egypt: The price of a gallon is $1,409.

Turkmenistan: The price of a gallon is $1.625.

Malaysia: The price of a gallon is $1,642.

Kazakhstan: The price of a gallon is $1,721.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) intends to implement a ban on the sale and distribution of “balloons” and “water pistols” and foam sprayers” across all commercial outlets in Kuwait, reports Al-Qabas daily. The Al-Qabas daily has learned that this ban will encompass cooperative societies, supermarkets, and stores, with significant penalties imposed on violators, including closure of the point of sale and legal prosecution, reports Al-Qabas daily. According to informed sources, the anticipated decision from the ministry will enforce the ban for a specific period, including February. This action follows numerous complaints regarding the misuse of balloons, pistols, and water sprayers during national holiday celebrations.

The sources further revealed that the Ministry of Commerce has decided to prohibit the sale of balloons and water pistols based on pertinent data, which has been detailed as follows:

- The huge annual waste of water, specifically during February 25 and 26.

- The phenomenon of using balloons and water sprinklers causes an increase in car accidents and damage to other people’s property.

- The Ministry of Health annually records a large number of injuries to the face and eyes due to the injured being thrown into balloons from water pistols filled with liquids.

- The Ministry of Interior records a large number of cases of physical assault during the holiday period, which are sparked by throwing balloons and throwing water.

Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) called on Sunday mobile and fixed subscribers to update their data to ensure the continuity of their access to services from companies.

The manager of the Competition and Operators Affairs Department at the authority, Khaled Al-Qarawi told News Agency that the registration list of subscribers to communication services was obliged by all licensed companies to urge their customers to update their expired personal data and information registered with the companies.

Al-Qarawi emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity of service to subscribers during the update phase, adhering to protocols set by mobile and virtual telecommunications providers.

He emphasized the significance of public awareness of the registration list for mobile and fixed telecommunications services on the TRA website and urged them to avoid fraud.

Meanwhile, Mobile telecommunications companies such as Zain, Ooredoo and STC also urged users to update their Civil ID either through online or from their Mobile apps to ensure uninterrupted service.

Mumbai Police registered a case against an unknown person after an IndiGo flight from Chennai to Mumbai received a bomb threat on Tuesday.

According to the Mumbai Police, about 40 kilometres away from Mumbai airport, a threatening letter was found in the airplane bathroom. Written on some tissue paper were the words, "There is a bomb in my bag, if we land in Bombay, everyone will die, I am a terrorist agency."

"After receiving this threatening letter, the local police and other agencies were informed about it," said the police. "As soon as the plane landed at the airport, all the passengers were hurriedly debarred and the plane was checked, but it was a matter of relief that nothing like this was found."

Mumbai Airport Police registered a case against an unknown person and initiated an investigation into the matter.

Due to expatriates frequently submitting incomplete paperwork, the Department of Residence Affairs in Kuwait’s six governorates has taken proactive measures. They’ve prepared a comprehensive brochure outlining the necessary documents needed to fulfill family visit requirements.

According to the circular, approval for visits requires a signed request from the sponsor, including his phone number, a pledge signed by the sponsor, a travel ticket issued by Kuwait Airways or Jazeera Airways, a copy of the arriving person’s passport, provided that the validity of the passport is more than six months, a copy of the sponsor’s civil ID, verification of the address, and permission. The sponsor is required to handle the “computer printout.”

Important conditions include certificates of kinship, which must be authenticated by the Kuwaiti embassy abroad, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry, and the foreign ministry of the visitor’s home country.

Additionally, a security source reiterated that visa issuance for all types of visits is ongoing, dispelling rumors of the ministry’s imminent closure of visitation permits within a month or two.

The Kuwait Municipality has unveiled a comprehensive field plan in preparation for the upcoming 63rd National Day and the 33rd anniversary of Liberation Day. In an official statement released today, Sunday, the municipality outlined its strategy to ensure cleanliness and orderliness during the national holiday celebrations.

According to the municipality, the field plan encompasses the deployment of machinery and cleaning workers to various locations and streets expected to host festivities marking national occasions. The initiative commenced today and will continue throughout February.

Key components of the plan include the removal of any unauthorized activities taking place on state property and strict enforcement of licensing regulations for event organizers. The municipality emphasized that supervisory authorities will conduct intensified inspection campaigns to monitor street vendors and ensure compliance with regulations.

Violations will be promptly addressed, and legal actions will be taken against offenders to uphold the cleanliness and integrity of public spaces, streets, and squares. The municipality underscored the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean environment during national celebrations and urged the public to refrain from engaging in activities that may tarnish the festivities.

Highlighting ongoing efforts, the hygiene management team in Hawalli Governorate has initiated a field campaign to prepare coastal areas at popular beach destinations such as Al Blajat, Marina Mall, and Green Island. As part of the campaign, public facilities have been cleaned, and containers have been distributed to accommodate waste generated during the celebrations.

Today’s campaign yielded significant results, with public spaces, coastal areas, and designated celebration venues receiving thorough cleaning. Additionally, the municipality deployed a substantial workforce, including cleaners, sweepers, and lorries, along with the provision of waste containers at strategic locations to ensure effective waste management and maintain cleanliness standards during the festivities.

The "Sahel" app, serving as Kuwait's unified platform for government transactions, is gearing up to unveil its long-awaited English version. According to a report by local media outlet 'Kuwait Times,' the official spokesperson for the 'Sahel' app, Yousef Kazem, affirmed ongoing efforts to introduce this crucial update.

Initially launched as an Arabic-only application, 'Sahel' aimed to streamline government transactions for citizens and residents. However, the absence of English support posed a significant barrier for non-Arabic speakers, limiting their access to essential services through the platform.

Recognizing the need for inclusivity, Kazem emphasized, "We are certain that there is a large segment of society, especially non-Arabic speakers, who need to easily access the e-services directly through the application." He reiterated the commitment to address these concerns by integrating an English version in forthcoming updates.

Despite the assurance of improved accessibility, a specific launch date for the English version was not disclosed.

A member of the Kuwaiti Fishermen’s Union, Abdullah Al-Sarhid, has filed a complaint with the Fahaheel Police Station accusing 3 Indian men of stealing his private fishing boat and escaping with it to their homeland, reports Al-Anba daily. Al-Sarhid said, during a press conference, he would seek the help of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to recover the boat and prosecute those accused of theft Al-Sarhid denied rumors that the suspects were not paid their salaries for two years, or that he had maltreated them and withheld their passports, stressing that this talk is completely untrue and a mere fabrication and lie.

He added that the Indian embassy of the suspect men summoned him some time ago and showed him that there was a travel ban imposed on the three suspects (as the court had found the three to be involved in consuming liquor cases) and that he informed the embassy that, he was ready to pay the travel tickets if the embassy could issue the necessary documents. He stressed that Kuwait is a state of institutions and laws, and some parties protect the rights of the worker, and if they had rights, they would have resorted to them or the embassy of their country, but they escaped with the boat, which is worth more than 35,000 dinars. He pointed out that the police in their (expatriates) home country have arrested the three fugitives, and the authorities contacted him via video calls, listened to his testimony, and charged the fugitives with — stealing a boat, leaving a country, and entering another country illegally.

The Indian workers who attempted the getaway on a boat valued at 35,000 dinars almost succeeded until Indian authorities intercepted them upon their arrival. Subsequent investigations delved into their illegal return and implicated the boat’s owner, Abdullah Al-Sarhid. However, media reports, notably from India, highlighted the fugitives’ allegations of mistreatment and unpaid wages, omitting Al-Sarhid’s perspective, adds Al-Nahar daily. Al-Sarhid, a Kuwaiti Fishermen’s Union member, initially notified the Indian embassy of the situation but broke his silence in light of media scrutiny. He refuted claims of unpaid wages and mistreatment, asserting that the escapees resorted to theft due to their motives, not any wrongdoing on his part. The Indian embassy, having previously been briefed on the travel bans, assured Al-Sarhid of their cooperation in deporting the fugitives.

However, he expressed disappointment in the biased portrayal by Indian media, emphasizing the deceitfulness of the accused. Taking legal action, Al-Sarhid filed a theft case against the absconders and sought assistance from local authorities and the Indian embassy to recover his boat. He remains committed to pursuing justice and retrieving his property, hoping for appropriate consequences for the perpetrators.