Notice Board

On February 8th, Kuwaiti banks will have an official holiday

 
 
 

Kuwait Banking Association (KBA) reported that the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) issued a circular on Monday stating all local banks will close on Thursday, February 8th, as an official holiday on the occasion of Al-Israa and Miraaj.

A press release from KBA stated that all banks will resume work on Sunday, February 11th, congratulating His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah on this Islamic holiday.

 
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Mandatory Health Insurance for Expats Proposed Under New Healthcare Laws

 
 
  

In order to discuss two notable legislative proposals, the Health Affairs Committee will convene a meeting with representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the General Investment Authority. Reports Al-Seyassah daily, the first proposal pertains to the enactment of a law governing health care services, while the second proposes establishing the "Dawakum" zone for pharmaceutical industries and medical equipment storage facilities.

Ultimately, the health care proposal aims to improve the quality of health services in the country while easing the financial burden on the state budget. The proposed law is grounded in principles of administrative reform, aiming to enhance fairness within the health sector and extend health coverage to all citizens and expats. Among its key provisions, the proposal mandates health insurance for all individuals residing in Kuwait. Expats whose expenses are borne by employers or sponsors, and visitors who must secure health insurance before entering the country, are covered by the state.

Providing comprehensive health coverage for everyone is the overarching goal, while contributing to administrative efficiency and a fair healthcare system. The second proposal seeks to establish the “Dawakum” zone, whose primary objective is to achieve drug security, diversify income sources, provide Kuwaiti citizens with employment opportunities, and improve the proficiency of Kuwaiti health workers. In the pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries, this initiative contributes to economic growth, self-sufficiency, and sustainability.

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Kuwait Airways intends to increase flight options at a lower cost

 
 
 

The Kuwait Airways Board of Directors is reportedly in the process of evaluating a reduction in flight prices and associated reservation modification fees in response to mounting complaints and in an effort to enhance its competitive edge, sources informed Al-Seyassah daily. There are concerns that other airlines are taking advantage of Kuwait Airways' comparatively higher ticket prices.

Kuwait Airways' Board, which was established in September last year, is undergoing a major overhaul to strengthen its position as the national carrier and meet the expectations of its diverse customer base. This comprehensive strategy includes operational improvements and service enhancements.

Kuwait Airways has set ambitious targets, including a concerted attempt to reach 5.5 million passengers by 2025. Furthermore, the airline is eyeing substantial fleet expansion, with plans to augment its current fleet of 33 aircraft to a robust 50 by the year 2030.

Kuwait Airways' intention to adjust its pricing and reservation fees illustrates its commitment to adaptability and competitiveness. Kuwait Airways hopes to position itself as a responsive and customer-centric player on the dynamic aviation market by balancing customer satisfaction with operational efficiency.

 

 
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No Amnesty for Residency Violators; Focus on Bank Account Freezing

 
 
 

The Public Authority for Civil Information has recently introduced stricter procedures for issuing or renewing civil cards for single expatriates (bachelors). This involves thorough verification of rental contracts, including scrutinizing the owner’s signature. Unmarried individuals residing in private and residential areas have also been addressed by a committee, cross-referencing their civil cards to ensure accuracy in reporting their locations.

Khaled Al-Shammari, spokesperson for the Public Authority for Civil Information, emphasized that the address list it maintains explicitly prohibits the registration of bachelors in private housing. For the purpose of enforcing this restriction, automated procedures and systems are in place.

Al-Shammari emphasized the authority's active participation in a government committee dedicated to combating and preventing bachelors from living in conventional areas. The committee receives complaints and conducts on-site verifications to identify any violations.

As of 2021, the Authority offers an expatriate data service through its website and a networked government application (Sahel). This service allows property owners to review expatriate data within their buildings. The service allows property owners to automatically file complaints and make necessary changes to data if any inaccuracies are identified.

 
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No Amnesty for Residency Violators; Focus on Bank Account Freezing

 
 
 

Kuwait has opted against announcing any amnesty period for expatriate residency violators, citing previous experiences that have demonstrated the ineffectiveness of such measures. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) had initially planned to grant amnesty for residency violators before 2020 but has since suspended this plan.

In past instances of amnesty, violators tended to overlook the opportunity to rectify their status and chose to remain in Kuwait in violation, refusing to leave. In a strategic move, authorities are now turning to banks to freeze the accounts of residency violators. This measure aims to ensure that fines for residency violations and deportation costs are directly deducted from the violators' bank accounts, preventing individuals from claiming a lack of funds to pay fines.

In a related development, the Ministry of Interior has recently reversed its decision to allow expatriates who violated residency laws before 2020 to pay fines and adjust their status. This change reflects a broader shift in Kuwait's approach to addressing residency violations.

 
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Residency violators before 2020 can regularize their status and pay fines

 
 
 

In a significant move, the Ministry of Interior has initiated a process allowing residency violators predating 2020 to rectify their status by settling the prescribed legal fines.

Sources reveal that the General Departments of Residence Affairs have commenced receiving violators after a thorough review by the Residence Affairs Investigation Department, which issues a no-objection approval to proceed with the necessary procedures. These steps include paying a fine of 600 dinars for each violator. Upon completing the fine payment, the violator can then proceed to the administration to renew their papers and obtain a new residency.

 
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The Indian Navy rescued nine Indians from a ship that was attacked in the Gulf of Aden

 
 
 

In the Gulf of Aden, a critical maritime route that connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, the Marshall Island flagged MV Genco Picardy came under drone attack, further escalating geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea.

The Indian Navy responded to the incident by sending its warship INS Visakhapatnam to the region and rescued the ship hit during the rampant Houthi attacks on the shipping route. The prompt action by the Indian Navy was taken after it received a distress call, soon after which it intercepted the vessel to extend assistance.

It wrote on its X social media handle, “Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer INSVisakhapatnam, deployed in the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy operations, responded swiftly to a distress call from Marshall Island flagged MV GencoPicardy following a drone attack on 17 Jan 24 at 2311 hrs and intercepted the vessel at 0030 hrs to offer assistance.”

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. As a result of a thorough inspection by an expert in explosive ordnance disposal, the ship was cleared to sail to its next port.

“MV Genco Picardy with 22 crew (including 09 Indians) reported nil casualties & fire under control. INS Visakhapatnam EOD specialists boarded MV in the early hours of 18 January. According to the Indian Navy, the damaged area was inspected thoroughly and rendered safe by EOD specialists for transit to the next port of call.

 
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Kuwait possesses the world's most valuable currency and strong purchasing power

 
 
  

Kuwait has the world's most valuable currency, the strongest purchasing power, and the most stable currency, not to mention one of the richest countries in terms of per capita GDP. It is also one of the largest oil producers in the world, the British Daily Express newspaper pointed out.

According to the paper, the Kuwaiti dinar is linked to an undeclared basket of weighted currencies, which consists of a portfolio of currencies from various countries with significant commercial and financial ties to Kuwait, and it is believed that its composition is heavily influenced by the dollar.

The Central Bank of Kuwait regulates the money supply in line with the country's economic needs, supports the value of the Kuwaiti currency, and during the 2008 financial crisis, it injected capital into banks and guaranteed deposits to protect the economy and the value of the currency.

The Kuwaiti currency is stable due to several factors, including economic strength, political stability, and a low trade deficit. The value of the currency increases if the country's economy is growing and stable, which attracts foreign investment and increases demand.

According to the newspaper, the Kuwaiti dinar's exchange rate was about $3.25 as of December 2023, and although the Kuwaiti economy is heavily dependent on oil, the country relied heavily on fishing, pearl hunting, and trade before its discovery.

According to the newspaper, Kuwait has experienced rapid growth since oil was discovered in the last century, generating about 90% of government revenues through industries based on oil and petroleum derivatives. Due to the heavy reliance on the oil industry, the currency has not been devalued to support non-oil exports, estimated at $440 million.

As Kuwait is one of the world's largest oil exporters, and with global oil demand remaining very high, the demand to pay for it is also very high, making the Kuwaiti dinar an extremely valuable currency.

Since oil resources are susceptible to depletion, it will be interesting to see how Kuwaiti economy will be managed if the need arises to reduce oil dependence and find alternative sources of income.

Kuwait also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world. While it was expected to reach 2.2% at the end of 2023, this rate was much lower than its counterpart in the United Kingdom, which reached 4.2% during the same period.

Kuwait also has a tax exemption system and a fixed exchange rate of $3.32 for its currency, which helps maintain its value and provide stability despite fluctuations in global markets. Kuwait City has become a skyscraper as a result of the country's wealth, the newspaper concluded.

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Artificial intelligence improves Kuwait's government performance

 
 
 

Acting Director General of the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT), Dr. Amar Al-Hussieni, highlighted Tuesday the positive impact Artificial Intelligence technologies can have on government performance, the work environment, and overall public service quality. KUNA interviewed Al-Hussieni on the sidelines of the third workshop organized by the agency in partnership with Huawei. The workshops are part of a forum on AI applications in the government sector, which was launched in December.

The workshop aims to deepen understanding of AI technologies and keep up with the rapidly evolving field, as well as examine mechanisms for adopting these technologies in various government agencies. A number of government agencies have already adopted Artificial Intelligence, including Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

A number of public sector employees attended the previous two workshops on machine learning and artificial intelligence. CAIT and Huawei are teaming up to promote more effective use of technological systems, explore AI capabilities, and create innovative solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

 
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CSC Announces New Rules for Expat End-of-Service Benefits

 
 
 

The Kuwaiti Civil Service Commission has recently implemented updated guidelines governing the disbursement of end-of-service benefits to non-Kuwaiti employees. The newly established rules encompass several key requirements, including the submission of an end-of-service gratuity form issued through integrated systems, a clearance from the Ministry of Interior's "Judgments Enforcement Department" for relevant cases requiring end-of-service benefits payment, and an additional clearance from the Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Communications.

These conditions also mandate the provision of a copy of the employment contract related to the case in question, along with a documented separation decision. The Commission emphasizes the inclusion of a statement detailing career progression and a breakdown of comprehensive monthly bonuses. It is essential that these bonuses encompass all increments received during the individual's service, with accurate recording of financial and functional data within the integrated systems of the civil service structure.

 
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Kuwait Launches New Cooperative Society Price Control Initiative

 
 
 

UCSO President Musab Al-Mulla has announced a new initiative aimed at enhancing price control within cooperative societies for essential commodities, vegetables, and fruits.

In a press statement, Al-Mulla revealed that the Union has engaged with the Ministries of Trade and Industry, as well as Social Affairs, proposing a novel concept under the “Sahel” program. This initiative aims to facilitate the monitoring of prices for basic goods, vegetables, and fruits in each cooperative society, allowing for comparisons with other societies to ensure uniformity and minimal price differences.

According to Al-Mulla, this idea would empower shareholders to access and compare prices of the cooperative societies in which they are members, providing transparency even from the comfort of their homes. If implemented, cooperative societies would be mandated to update their prices through the “Sahl” system, eliminating disparities.

Al-Mulla emphasized that this approach aligns with the social responsibility of the Union and its commitment to the well-being of citizens contributing to cooperative societies. He highlighted that under this system, various entities, including price monitors in the federation, associations, and inspectors, could scrutinize prices to ensure they are not unjustly raised.

The President stressed that the Union has numerous other ideas and suggestions aimed at benefiting citizens, which will be presented to the relevant authorities for implementation. The goal of these initiatives is to provide shareholders and citizens with the best prices and services possible. In response to the decision by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Muhammad Al-Aiban, to restrict the retailing of vegetables and fruits in cooperative societies, Al-Mulla explained that discussions were held involving officials from trade, affairs, and the union to study such proposals. Supporting these measures, he urged everyone to adhere to them.

 
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Kuwait has imposed an indefinite ban on livestock exports

 
 
 

A decree prohibiting the export of livestock from Kuwait is set to be enacted by Muhammad Al-Aiban, Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Youth Affairs. As a precautionary measure, this decision is expected to affect both locally produced and imported livestock, stabilizing the local market in the midst of the ongoing Red Sea developments, particularly with respect to the primary commodity.

The forthcoming decree may not specify a specific timeframe for ceasing livestock exports, according to sources. This will probably depend upon Kuwait's ongoing assessment of livestock abundance in the market, the moderation of their prices, and assurance that Kuwait's supply of this crucial commodity remains unaffected by events in the Red Sea.

Kuwait imported around 95,000 heads of live livestock in December alone, indicating that the nation needs approximately one million sheep and 12,000 calves per year. The decision to halt exports during the current period is driven by the necessity of maintaining food security in the country, despite having sufficient quantities for local consumption and a surplus for export.

 
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Kuwait Oil Company Contractors Face Fines for Salary Payment Delays

 
 
 

Khaled Al-Anazi, the head of the Private Sector Workers Union said a private company engaged in oil services supporting Kuwait Oil Company will face a 2,000 dinar fine for delaying the payment of salaries to national workers on specified dates.

Al-Anazi emphasized that the penalty will still be applied even if the company settles its dues, expressing regret over the non-compliance of many private sector companies with national employment rates.

In a statement to Al-Seyassah, Al-Anazi revealed that the Union plans to launch an electronic platform in the upcoming period. This platform will facilitate applications for permanent and part-time job opportunities for citizens, students, and retirees.

It will include a section for submitting complaints regarding workers in the private sector. Al-Anazi highlighted that these complaints will be thoroughly verified and monitored with the relevant authorities until resolution.

Al-Anazi mentioned that the number of national workers in the private sector recently decreased to about 64 thousand from the previous 70 thousand. He attributed this decline to private companies’ failure to comply with laws safeguarding national workers in the private sector.

He emphasized the Union’s significant role in disbursing national labor support to workers in joint operations contractor contracts in the divided region. This was achieved in collaboration with the Minister of Interior, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled.

Furthermore, Al-Anazi noted that the Union is currently coordinating a conference on job opportunities scheduled for March in collaboration with the Public Authority for Manpower.

 
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In Kuwait, new measures to combat caller ID spoofing have been unveiled

 
 
 

Director of the Department of Information Security and Emergency Response at the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority, Eng. Layali Abdullah Al Mansouri, has announced the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to combat electronic fraud via phones, particularly those employing phone numbers resembling local ones, reports Al-Anba daily. The goal is to integrate all Kuwaiti operating companies into caller ID services in order to combat electronic impersonation, also known as "Caller ID spoofing."

In this month, the regulations for this project will be officially launched, representing a crucial measure against the rising attempts to defraud citizens and residents by calling deceptively. The Authority has finalized procedures to identify local telecommunications companies, as well as CITRA, on the network, according to Al Mansouri.

These numbers will display the company name above the number even if they are not registered on the customer's phone, enhancing their trustworthiness and thwarting impersonation attempts. Currently, the Authority is collaborating with Kuwait's Central Bank to authenticate the identities of local and foreign banks, as well as Kuwait's exchange companies. By blocking avenues of access for impersonators, this initiative aims to prevent fraud.

It also actively defines the identities of companies providing Internet services, a crucial segment serving a wide customer base. As part of the upcoming phase, Al Mansouri outlined plans to directly integrate all Kuwaiti companies into the caller ID system, ensuring automatic identification of company numbers on the network. A priority will be given to companies that directly serve individual customers, particularly those that provide financial services.

According to Al Mansouri, this comprehensive integration of companies will serve as a safeguard against phone-based electronic impersonation, effectively closing the door to fraud in this field. The Authority's website will offer a specialized caller identification service in the future, according to Al Mansouri. In addition to enhancing the overall security and trustworthiness of communication channels, this service will act as a gateway for companies and government agencies to take necessary measures for identifying their identity on the network.

 
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Meta Announces Measures to Protect Teens From Harmful Content

 
 
 

Meta said Tuesday it will hide inappropriate content from teenagers' Instagram and Facebook accounts, including posts about suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders. In a blog post, the Menlo Park-based company said that in addition to its goal of not recommending such "age-inappropriate" material to teens, it will also not display it in their feeds even if another account shares it. "We want teens to have a safe, age-appropriate experience on our apps," Meta said.

Teens who do not lie about their age when signing up for Instagram or Facebook will also see their accounts placed on the most restrictive settings, and they will be blocked from searching for harmful terms. “Take the example of someone posting about their ongoing struggle with self-harm thoughts. This is an important story, and can help destigmatize these issues, but it’s a complex topic and isn’t necessarily suitable for all young people,” Meta said. "Now, we'll eliminate this type of content from teens' Instagram and Facebook experiences, as well as other types of age-inappropriate content."

In a lawsuit filed by dozens of U.S. states accusing Meta of harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis, Meta has designed features on Instagram and Facebook that are knowingly and deliberately addictive to children. Meta's moves were criticized for not going far enough by critics.

Josh Golin, executive director of Fairplay, a children's online advocacy organization, said today's announcement by Meta is yet another desperate attempt to avoid regulation. In light of the fact that the company is capable of hiding pro-suicide and eating disorder content, why did they wait until 2024 before announcing these changes? ”

 
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Chemicals Are Added to the Health Ministry's Controlled Substances List

 
 
 

In a recent development, Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, the Minister of Health, has issued two decisions aimed at adding certain chemicals to the list of controlled drugs and psychotropic substances. These decisions are part of the ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and regulate the usage and trafficking of drugs in accordance with international standards, reported Al-Anba Daily.

The first decision specifically focuses on amending Table No. 1 of Law No. 74 of 1983, which pertains to the regulation and control of drugs in the country. The newly added articles in this decision align with the latest international updates related to controlled substances.

By including these chemicals in the list, Kuwait aims to tighten its grip on the illicit drug trade and prevent their misuse. Furthermore, the second article of the decision emphasizes the importance of notifying relevant authorities about the implementation of these additions to the controlled substances list. It also states that the decision will come into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

 
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Kuwaiti banks have strict loan approval criteria for expats in Kuwait

 
 
 

Local banks in Kuwait are shifting their job preference list for expatriates, focusing on sectors such as education and healthcare. According to sources, the updated list now prominently features doctors, nurses, technicians, and people in elite positions where competence is vital. In accordance with nationalization policies, this preference extends to stable government jobs and positions unlikely to face competition from Kuwaitis.

According to bank sources, the banking industry is shifting its focus to customers with high-quality credit records and substantial end-of-service benefits. The focus is on individuals with stable jobs, emphasizing a reluctance to grant loans to newly appointed expatriates. For non-Kuwaitis with over 10 years of continuous employment earning around 1,250 dinars, consumer loans are capped at 25,000 dinars.

Bank policy reflects a growing appetite for low-risk ventures, resulting in a reluctance to accept unstable financing. Increasingly, banks limit loans for newly appointed expatriates and set strict guidelines for employees over 55 with low salaries and non-university educations.

In the government sector, loans to expatriates have declined significantly over the past year. Banks attribute this to the reduction in non-Kuwaiti appointments in government jobs in 2023 and the prioritization of appointments for citizens.

Kuwaiti banks' overall loan growth has slowed due to this cautious approach to lending. EFG Hermes estimates a meager 4 percent annual growth and 1 percent quarterly growth for the fourth quarter of 2023, placing Kuwaiti banks below the expectations set for Gulf banks.

According to sources, non-Kuwaiti individual loans will continue to experience sluggish credit growth through the first quarter of this year. With most banks adopting stringent credit policies, the question arises: who is willing to lend to newly hired and middle-income expatriates?

Four out of ten banks are more willing to offer favorable terms to expatriates, according to sources. These banks face stiff competition for the Kuwaiti segment, and to fuel their growth plans, they turn to the expatriate sector, capitalizing on the limited credit space for Kuwaitis. As required by the Central Bank, these banks will wait for their customers to switch banks after 30 percent of the repayment period has passed.

Expat lending becomes a viable alternative for banks struggling to gain market share in Kuwait's retail sector. Market studies indicating a manageable default rate among expatriates drive these banks to expand their lending portfolios, even as they maintain general principles for good individual lending.

Even though these banks insist on certain criteria, such as a well-known employer and known history, they are comparatively more lenient when it comes to years of experience, salary rate, and end-of-service bonuses. Expatriates with salaries exceeding 300 dinars can secure loans, even with just four months of employment, adhering to the legally required stabilization period. The banks adopt a broader list of companies than their conservative counterparts, which enhances their protective measures.

 
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Following regulatory reforms, there will be a scarcity of domestic workers

 

As a result of the intensive campaigns organized by the tripartite committee formed by the Commerce and Industry Ministry, Interior Ministry, and Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) ensuring strict compliance with recent decisions specifying recruitment fees for domestic workers, and the requirement to collect such fees through K-Net devices, indicate that the government will rely on Al-Durra Labor Recruitment Company for the recruitment of domestic workers and will be firm against the domestic labor recruitment offices.

In spite of the company's launch in 2016, the company failed to keep pace with the domestic labor market as required due to the growing demand, which raises further questions regarding its readiness to fulfill its role as required and the speed at which it recruits workers, especially since Filipino workers are no longer being recruited.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry's official spokesman Abdullah Al-Haraz reiterated that all domestic labor recruitment offices must have K-Net devices. He warned that the necessary legal measures will be taken against any office without such a device. According to him, the goal is to prevent these offices from increasing their fees by collecting only the specified fees in accordance with the regulatory decisions. The offices that violated the regulations must modify their status, obtain K-Net devices, and adhere to the regulating ministerial decisions and Domestic Workers Law number 68/2015; and must comply with the specified fees. According to him, the Commerce Ministry's decision - number 2/2024 - amends the decision issued in 2022 regarding recruitment fees. As he pointed out, the recent campaigns aim to ensure the presence of K-Net devices in domestic labor recruitment offices; and if they are not available, the citizen should file a complaint with the competent authorities for action.

According to domestic labor experts Bassam Al-Shammari, the recent decisions will result in a scarcity of requests for domestic workers and difficulty in finding them. A number of factors could harm the domestic labor market, he told the daily, including the recent decision of the Ministry of Commerce, the lack of workers, and the suspension of recruitment processes by Sri Lankan domestic labor companies and labor recruitment offices. He pointed out that the local market needs around 5,000 to 6,000 female workers per month; indicating the owners of domestic labor recruitment offices will face a problem in continuing to recruit these numbers in light of the current conditions. He added the total number of domestic workers in the country now stands at 811,000 420,000 of whom are female. He said the main problem with female domestic workers is that the Kuwaiti labor market needs more female domestic workers due to the opening of new residential areas and urban expansion. The owners of domestic labor recruitment offices are waiting for the new government formation to present their ideas and suggestions in a way that protects the labor market, owners of domestic labor recruitment offices, and private companies.

 

 

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Expat Residency Law in the News During Critical Session

 

Speaker Ahmed Al-Saadoun has invited the government and MPs to the parliamentary session on Tuesday to discuss:

– Voting on the minutes of the previous session;

– Parliamentary queries;

– Amiri Speech delivered on Oct 31, 2023;

– Report of the Legal and Legislative Affairs Committee about the bills on reforming the constituencies, and amending the National Assembly Law and Penal Code number 16/1960;

– Report of the Interior and Defense Affairs Committee on the proposed amendment to the Foreigners Residency Law;

– Report of the fact-finding committee tasked with investigating the armament deals (Eurofighter and Caracal helicopters);

– Report of the Oil and Energy Committee on the proposal to establish a national shareholding company for advanced petrochemical industries;

– Reports of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee on these proposals — amend the law on establishing the Public Institution for Social Security in order to grant zero interest loans to retirees, increase the cost of living allowance, transform Kuwait Airways Corporation into a shareholding national company, and exempt the heirs of those who obtained loans from Kuwait Credit Bank from paying the remaining installments in case of the death of the borrowers;

– Reports of the Interior and Defense Affairs Committee on the proposal to amend the Traffic and Police laws;

– Report of the Illegal Residents Affairs Committee about the bills on granting social, civil and career rights to Bedouns;

– Report of the Human Resources Development Committee on the proposed amendment to Civil Service Commission Law number 15/1979.

– Report of the Public Funds Protection Committee on the proposed amendment to the Public Funds Protection Law;

– Report of the Health, Social and Labor Affairs Committee on the proposed amendment to the Cooperative Societies Law;

– Report of the Family, Women and Children Affairs Committee on the proposal to grant rights to the children of Kuwaiti women married to non- Kuwaitis;

– Report of the Foreign Affairs Committee on the military cooperation treaty between Kuwait and Turkey; – Request of several MPs to discuss the strategic alternative to the salary scale with the government;

– Request to discuss the factors leading to price hikes;

– Request to discuss the procedures and criteria adopted to fill up vacant supervisory posts;

– Request to form a fact-finding committee to investigate the Dhaman Hospital issue and violations recorded by the State Audit Bureau.

In another development, MPs Mubarak Al-Tasha, Adel Al-Damkhi, Hamad Al-Obaid, Abdullah Fehad and Abdulaziz Al-Saqaabi have submitted a bill on amending Personal Status Law number 51/1984, particularly Clause A of Article 189, such that the order of granting custody of the children in case of divorce shall be as follows: mother, grandmother (mother of the female spouse), father, aunt (sister of the female spouse), sister of the female spouse’s mother, sister of the female spouse’s father, grandmother of the father and father’s aunt.

The existing law puts the father in seventh place among the relatives who could be granted custody of the children in case of divorce. The lawmakers explained that their bill is aimed at correcting this, considering the essential role of the father in raising children.

Meanwhile, Secretary of Inter-Parliamentary Group MP Muhammad Al- Mahan has called on the parliaments of Islamic countries to push for a ceasefire in Gaza and to stop the genocide being committed by the Zionist entity against the Palestinians. He stressed the need to provide safe passages for the affected as a humanitarian gesture. Al-Mahan made the statement at the recent meeting of the Permanent Palestinian Committee in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation hosted by the Iranian Parliament; during which he also called for confronting Israeli attacks and foiling attempts to displace the people in Gaza.

He stressed the need to file a case against the Israeli prime minister, and the political and military leaders, as they are war criminals. He stated that Israel and its supporter countries must respect international legitimacy. Treasurer of the group MP Hamad Al-Obaid and member MP Fahd bin Jamee attended the meeting as well.

Hamad Al- Matar, Undersecretary of the group, as well as MPs Dawoud Maarefi and Shuaib Shaaban, will attend the first meeting of the Palestine Committee at the Asian Parliaments Union. Furthermore, MP Fahd bin Jame’e enquired about the role of the National Council for Cybersecurity in protecting ministries' and other public institutions' websites, and how hackers can access important data through these websites. Sheikh Talal Khalid Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is acting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

In addition, he wishes to know the agreements or contracts the council has signed with local and international cybersecurity companies and individuals, the council's organizational structure, recruitment regulations, the number of its employees, their nationalities, qualifications, jobs, salaries and allowances, as well as if any of them have been appointed without publishing recruitment advertisements since the council was established until today. In addition, he asked Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, acting Minister of Information, Endowments and Islamic Affairs, how many electronic newspapers and media services were licensed, how these entities were monitored, what measures have been taken against electronic media services without licenses, censorship regulations, and the number of violations since January 2020.

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Kuwait's water reserves have reached a new high of 4,186 million gallons

Kuwait's strategic water reserve recently reached an unprecedented 4,186 million imperial gallons, breaking records. This marks an increase of 11 million gallons from the highest rate earlier in the week, demonstrating the nation's commitment to water security.

Al-Rai was informed by ministry sources that a series of ongoing and future projects will increase water storage capacity to accommodate the growing population. It includes key initiatives like the nine Al-Mutlaa reservoir projects and reservoir developments in Wafra and Na'ayem to fortify Kuwait's strategic water reserve.

It can be attributed to meticulous coordination among concerned sectors that the water stock levels have increased during this period, compared to a significant 72 percent decrease just a few months ago. Notably, the maintenance of distillers and effective water network management have played pivotal roles in this reversal.

Regarding the Gulf water connection project, sources confirmed that discussions are ongoing. The initial plan involves establishing a bilateral connection between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia before extending the connection to encompass other Gulf countries. Kuwait's commitment to improving water infrastructure and promoting regional collaboration on water resources is evident in this strategic approach.

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IFL  - Kuwait 2024