Notice Board

Do not allow foreign bachelors to live near family houses in Kuwait

 
 
 

The Public Services Committee in the Council of Ministers is convening today (Sunday) to review the report presented by Municipal Minister Fahd Al-Shula on the current situation in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area, reports Al-Qabas daily. A reliable source has informed us that the committee will thoroughly analyze vital aspects concerning the enhancement of the northwestern section of the region. This analysis includes addressing challenges, evaluating property ownership and status, scrutinizing traffic and security conditions, and exploring various potential solutions.

The discussed options encompass imposing restrictions on leasing residential units to singles or the so-called bachelors, allowing the development of worker housing within industrial plots and agricultural areas, and granting permits for labor accommodations within major projects. The source highlighted that six specific locations have been designated for labor cities, collectively covering an area of 13,335,000 square meters. Additionally, eight sites have been earmarked for worker housing complexes, spanning a total area of 18,600,000 square meters.

Furthermore, the committee will carefully evaluate the recommendations outlined in the Minister of Municipality’s report. Depending on the evaluation of the current state of the area, appropriate actions will be determined. He added that the committee will review the recommendations included in the report of the Minister of Municipality, and if the current status of the area is maintained, the matter will require finding solutions to address the imbalance in the demographic structure; improving the security and traffic situation and putting an end to existing violations; developing the main and internal road network and modernizing and developing the infrastructure network (electricity, water, and sewage); taking advantage of plots 19 and 20 to provide residential care, which was previously acquired, and no specific use has been decided for them to date and improving and developing the health system

He stated that in the case of radical development of the area to keep pace with the surrounding uses, the following is needed to be done:

— The necessity of expropriation in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 of Decree Law No. 86/131, regarding the expropriation of real estate for which expropriation formulas have been issued. The Council of Ministers may issue expropriation formulas in the event of extreme necessity for considerations required by the public interest, and this shall be based on the request of the concerned authority and the presentation of the Minister of Municipality.

— Handing over workers’ cities and residential complexes to workers in accordance with the decisions of the Municipal Council issued regarding them, and beginning their implementation in parallel with the expropriation and evacuation plan for the area.

— Reorganizing the region in a civilized manner that is consistent with its distinctive location, finding solutions to create the necessary balance for the demographic structure, ending the phenomenon of existing Arab houses and the problem of commons spread within them, and organizing the network of external and internal roads in the region in accordance with developments in the surrounding areas.

— Raising the level of services in the region by providing the necessary public facilities and services according to the proposed new uses. It is noteworthy that Minister Al-Shula explained, in his report, that the value of the acquisition of plots in the region, according to estimates for the year 2023, amounts to about 1.432 billion dinars. At its meeting, the Ministerial Services Committee will consider the request of the Public Authority for Housing Welfare to overcome the obstacles facing the S2 Investment Opportunity Project in Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City.

The Minister of Justice and Minister of Housing, Faleh Al-Ruqabah, had sent a letter to the Council of Ministers, regarding the delay in issuing building permits for the S2 Investment Opportunity Project in Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City, referring to the partnership contract concluded on September 8, 2020 between the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) and one of the companies for the management and development of lands and real estate, regarding the building design, financing, operating, maintaining and transferring the investment opportunity that serves the residents of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City in particular, and the areas surrounding the city in general.

Al- Ruqabah said that these projects are developmental, reduce the financial burden on the state, and translate the vision and plan of the State of Kuwait into the contribution of private sector activity to the implementation of development projects. Accordingly, the delay in issuing building permits negatively affects the indicators of the State of Kuwait. The committee will review the letter from the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, regarding its approval of the concerned party’s donation project to build a mosque in a public park in the Al-Masayel area, Block 1, at its own expense, if the neighbors agree.

 
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The Demographics Committee has approved the Kuwaitization of government contracts

 
 
 

Two important draft regulations that will improve Kuwait's demographics have been approved by the Demographics Amendment Committee. Kuwaitization of government contracts and electronic lease contracts are the goals of these regulations. They both have the potential to enhance the management of data and the tracking of the country's population.

In addition, the committee has evaluated an initiative to create a national platform for labor market data. An examination of the legality of the electronic labor contract project has been assigned to the Public Authority for Manpower in coordination with the Fatwa and Legislation Department. In addition, the committee is developing a plan to reduce the proportion of foreign workers in government contracts with the Ministry of Finance and the General Secretariat.

During a meeting led by Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, who heads the Committee to Adjust the Demographics and Labor Market Development, these decisions were made. Meeting objectives included monitoring the committee's progress and discussing demographic issues.

He thanked the committee members for their tireless efforts in addressing Kuwait's demographic and labor market imbalances. Specifically, he stressed the importance of aligning with the objectives outlined in the executive regulations of the Demographics Law, which benefit Kuwait and its people. Kuwaiti youth must be provided with employment opportunities as soon as possible, according to him.

Among the topics discussed at the meeting was an assessment of the current population structure and its challenges. It also explored strategies for enhancing the labor market and expanding employment prospects for young individuals. Furthermore, discussions focused on achieving equilibrium across different sectors and ensuring sustainability.

A review of recent economic and social developments as well as their potential impact on demographic composition and labor market requirements was also included in the meeting. Lastly, there was a focus on strengthening vocational education and training to ensure that educational outcomes align with the evolving needs of the labor market.

Kuwaitization of government contracts and promotion of Kuwaiti employment
A draft regulation aimed at Kuwaitizing government contracts has been approved by the committee. This initiative is designed to incentivize young people to seek employment in the private sector and enhance job security for workers engaged in government contracts. Additionally, it is expected to boost national employment and create new job opportunities within government contracts.

In order to swiftly implement this draft regulation, the committee has given the "Workforce" the responsibility of completing the necessary procedures to present it to the Council of Ministers.

Kuwaiti citizens will be offered employment opportunities within government contracts as a result of this regulation. It also places an obligation on contractors to offer national workers enticing employment benefits, which may include health insurance, annual travel allowances, and a structured salary scale.

Review of the National Data Platform
A comprehensive review of the proposed initiative aimed at establishing a national labor market data platform was conducted by the committee. This platform is set to serve as a critical foundation for organizing academic sector outputs and aligning them with the evolving requirements of the labor market.

This initiative aims to provide real-time data on the labor market and population movements. Additionally, it will create a solid foundation for the development of mechanisms and legislation aimed at enhancing and organizing the labor market. A pivotal role is expected for this forward-looking initiative in improving labor market insights and facilitating informed decisions.

Electronic Lease Contracts and Streamlining Rental Agreements approved
An electronic lease contract project has been approved by the committee, marking a significant step towards improving data quality and organization. This project aims to catalog the residences of individuals within the State of Kuwait, while also exerting control over the rental process across commercial, investment, and residential real estate, ensuring the compliance of both parties involved in the contract.
An important benefit of this project is the precise documentation of lease contract durations, which will be associated with licenses. This linkage serves to guarantee that property owners adhere to the state’s laws and regulations.
Furthermore, the project will present contract data in a secure electronic format that is resistant to tampering. The responsibility of launching this project within six months lies with the Public Authority for Civil Information. Kuwait's electronic lease contract project aims to improve efficiency and transparency in the rental process.

 
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The Expat Population in Kuwait Is Declining, Leaving More Vacant Apartments

 
 
 

Expatriates being laid off increased the number of vacant apartments in Kuwait, which led to a drop in property sales. Kuwait Times reports that around 50,000 rental investment apartments were unoccupied by the end of the first half of this year.

According to the report, residential property sales declined significantly, reaching KD 363 million, the lowest level since the second quarter of 2020. This is primarily due to a reduction in the number of property transactions. The expatriate population continues to face challenges that limit their spending and even force some to leave. The restrictions on granting visit visas to expatriates have also contributed to an increase in vacant apartments, the daily reported.

There was an unprecedented decline in expatriate population growth rates during the first half of this year. Over the past five years, the growth rate has fallen from 5 percent to approximately 1.8%.

 
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An alarming increase in cancer cases has been observed among Kuwaitis and expats

 
 
 

Dr. Khaled Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Cancer Awareness Campaign, has disclosed that the annual rates of cancer incidence in Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are on the rise, with an increase ranging from 1% to 5%. This increase can be attributed to various factors, including heightened community awareness regarding the significance of early cancer detection and the region’s high population density.

In a special statement to Al- Seyassah marking the launch of the annual breast cancer awareness campaign, themed “Your Health is Your Capital,” Dr. Al- Saleh reported that Kuwait recorded 640 new cases of breast cancer. Among these cases, 41% were Kuwaiti citizens, while 59% were expatriates. Furthermore, Dr. Al-Saleh highlighted the introduction of new initiatives this year, notably in the Mubaraki

ya area. Over a three-day period later this month, these initiatives will involve participation from a delegation representing GCC countries. Their objective is to raise awareness about the critical importance of early breast cancer screening. Dr. Al-Saleh encouraged women above the age of forty to get in touch with the campaign to receive guidance on conducting early self-examinations for breast cancer detection.

 

 
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An Oversight Committee Will Examine the Teachers' Licensing Initiative

 
 
 

A Kuwaiti oversight team reviewing documents for the teacher's licensing initiative has completed the preliminary draft of the teacher's license, which consists of two distinct tracks - administrative and technical.

On Sept 30, this draft will be presented to Dr. Adel Al-Manea, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. It will be decided after this when the implementation will take place as well as how the application process will be handled within schools.

A source within the education industry told Al-Rai that the license will be applicable to educational staff members, school principals, assistant principals, and technical mentors. However, the application will vary based on the administrative and technical tracks.

Al-Manea will play a crucial role in determining if the license will apply exclusively to new teachers or to all educators.

Dr. Fawzi Al-Dokhi, Assistant Dean of Admission and Registration at the General Authority for Applied Education and Training and Professor of Curricula and Teaching Methods, was at the helm of the review team on April 9.

This team includes seven notable figures from the educational domain, whose roles are defined as establishing the mechanism for implementing the teacher's license and developing the field application strategy. Additionally, they must outline the project's administrative, legislative, and technical prerequisites.

 

 
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Meteor Showers will illuminate Kuwaiti skies twice in October

 
 
 

In October 8th and 9th, Kuwait's skies are expected to witness a meteor shower between sunset and midnight, according to the Al-Ajiri Scientific Center. The center also revealed that the Sayadiyat meteor shower will be visible in Kuwait's skies on October 21st and 22nd.

The October moon will appear on the 14th of the month in further astronomical events. Furthermore, on the 23rd of October, the planet Venus will be observed at its greatest distance from the sun.

Skywatchers can look forward to the Hunter's Moon, which will illuminate the night sky on the 28th of October as we near the end of October.

This October, the world will also witness two significant celestial events. On the 4th and 14th, an annular solar eclipse will occur, although it will not be visible from Kuwait. On the 29th, a lunar eclipse is scheduled, but it is not visible from Kuwait.

 
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The railways will conduct a '14-minute miracle' cleaning session on Vande Bharat trains

 
 
 

The Indian Railways is preparing to introduce a novel cleanliness initiative called the ‘14-Minute Miracle’ in its Vande Bharat trains. Under this scheme, which will be launched by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday, the Vande Bharat trains will be swiftly cleaned and made ready for the next trip in just 14 minutes. Currently, the cleaning of the trains takes about 45 minutes.

“This innovative initiative will now be implemented across all Vande Bharat trains at 29 railway stations including in Delhi, Chennai, Puri and Shirdi,” announced the railway minister, who will kickstart the scheme at the Delhi Cantonment railway station. 

Vaishnaw added that the ‘14-Minute Miracle’ will be carried out daily on all operational Vande Bharat trains across various routes. “The ‘14-Minute Miracle’ will continue (after the launch on Sunday). After a few months, we plan to extend this initiative to other express trains as well,” he said. 

“Railway employees across the country will implement this initiative, ensuring that onboard cleaning is completed swiftly without causing any inconvenience to passengers, regardless of where the Vande Bharat train is stationed,” said a senior railway officer.

Similar cleanliness initiatives are in place in other countries. The Japanese railways employ a similar ‘7-Minute Miracle’, said a senior railway official. The Japanese railway staff clean their bullet trains in 7 minutes, including collecting trash, wiping each of the 1,700 individual tables, opening the curtains, rotating the seats 180 degrees to make them face the front of the train, and numerous other tasks.

 

 
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Kuwait's new residency bill has harsh penalties

 
 
 

Parliament’s Committee for Interior and Defence Affairs will hold a meeting on Sunday to discuss the bill on amending the law related to foreigners’ residency in Kuwait.

The bill, which consists of 37 articles split into seven chapters, allows Kuwaiti women to grant their non-Kuwaiti husbands and children permanent residency but under one condition, which is that she must not have obtained Kuwaiti citizenship as per article 8, i.e., acquiring citizenship because of getting married to a Kuwaiti citizen. Former non-Kuwaiti wives or widows of Kuwaiti men are allowed to obtain permanent residency as long as they have children from that marriage.

According to the bill, hotels and furnished rental apartments must inform the relevant department at the Ministry of Interior about the names of their foreign clients and the dates of their check-in and check-out.

The fees for residency renewal and entry visa will be determined by a ministerial decision to be issued by the minister of Interior.

The bill imposes penalties of maximum three-year imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from KD 5,000 to KD 10,000 against individuals who are accused of human trafficking by bringing in expatriate workers after receiving money from them.

The Public Prosecution is authorised as the relevant authority to identify the crime in a lawsuit as human trafficking.

As per the bill, foreigners are allowed to stay in Kuwait for a maximum of three months after the expiry of their temporary residency, in case they are unable to renew or transfer residency.

Expatriates can obtain a maximum of five-year residency. The children of Kuwaiti women and the owners of real estate in Kuwait can obtain a maximum residency of ten years. Foreign investors can obtain a maximum of 15-year residency. The Council of Ministers will define the businesses included in this condition, and the required amount of investment.

Expatriate workers of a public sector institution cannot be granted a license to work in another public sector institution without the approval of the first institution.

Domestic workers are allowed to stay in Kuwait for the term period of their contract unless their residency is cancelled after leaving the work. In such a case, they are to be granted a grace period, as defined by the relevant department at the Ministry of Interior, to leave unless they obtain a new residency from another sponsor.

Transfer of domestic labor residency will not be allowed without the approval of the employer. Domestic workers can stay outside Kuwait for a maximum of four continuous months unless they obtain a permit from the relevant department at the Ministry of Interior prior to the end of the four months.

The bill authorised the Minister of Interior to deport expatriate workers, even if they hold a valid residency, in case the minister deems deportation necessary to preserve public interest or based on moral and security reasons, or if they are not working to survive.

The decision to deport may include the expatriate’s family members whom he sponsors. Deported expatriates can be subject to one-month arrest but will be able to renew residency before leaving Kuwait.

The Minister of Interior is authorised to exempt deported expatriates from paying the fines resulting from previous violations. Presidents of other countries, their family members, the members of diplomatic delegations and their family members, and holders of special passports of political nature are exempted from this law. The Minister of Interior is authorised to exempt specific individuals from this law for courtesy/ complimentary reasons.

The report on the bill is expected to be completed before the end of parliamentary vacation in order to be scheduled during the upcoming sessions.

By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staffno

 
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The Interior and Defense Committees will meet to debate the Residency of Foreigners

 
 
 

On Sunday, the parliamentary Interior and Defense Committee will discuss the “Residency of Foreigners” project which had been submitted to the National Assembly ample times before. It is believed the proposal will soon be finalized in terms of its articles with the purpose of referring it to the Parliament for inclusion on the session’s next agenda, reports Al-Rai daily.

The draft comprises 37 articles and 7 chapters various aspects such as entry and deportation of foreigners, combating visa trafficking, and associated penalties. This is in addition to granting Kuwaiti women married to foreigners the right to sponsor their husbands and children, provided they haven’t obtained citizenship as per Article 8. The project also outlines penalties for violations.

The project also mandates that hotels and furnished residences must report to the judicial authorities when they rent to foreigners their accommodations. It also stipulates that fees related to residence, renewals, and various entry visas will be determined by ministerial decisions.

The draft strongly prohibits the trafficking of residencies, including exploitation, recruitment, or facilitation of recruitment of foreigners in exchange for monetary gains or benefits. Violations of this law incur criminal penalties, including imprisonment for a maximum of three years and a fine ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 dinars. The draft designates the Public Prosecution for exclusive jurisdiction in exempting individuals from residency trafficking penalties.

The government had earlier submitted a memorandum containing amendments aimed at aligning perspectives with the committee members. The amendments were in response to objections raised by MPs regarding certain articles in the project.

Foreigners on Visit Visa

Notably, managers of hotels and furnished residences intending to rent must inform the Ministry of Interior authority within 48 hours when foreigners stay in or depart their facilities. Employees, as designated by the Minister of Interior, have the right to inspect records and report violations. The amendments also grant residence permits to Kuwaiti citizens for their foreign husbands and children. Widows or divorced Kuwaiti individuals with children from a foreign spouse can also obtain residence permits.

Additionally, the amendments allow temporary residence for foreigners in Kuwait, not exceeding three months. They must leave the country upon its expiration unless they obtain a renewal for up to one year. Longer-term regular residence permits (up to five years) can be granted to foreigners, and children of Kuwaiti women and property owners may receive residency for up to ten years. Investors may be granted residency for up to 15 years based on specific investment criteria set by the Council of Ministers.

The law enforces regulations on foreigner residency. For instance, a government employee cannot hold a residence permit with another entity without approval from their current employing entity. Similarly, non-governmental entity employees need approval from the competent authority for a residence permit.

Domestic Workers
Amendments concerning domestic workers are also outlined in the memorandum. Domestic workers and those in similar roles may receive regular residence permits in line with Article 13 of the law, based on their recruitment contract duration. If their residency is canceled upon leaving work, they must exit Kuwait within the stipulated period unless granted a new residency permit beforehand. Transferring their residency requires the worker’s employer’s approval. The domestic worker may not stay outside Kuwait for more than four months without prior permission from the Ministry of Interior.

Cases of Deportation
The law grants the Minister of Interior the authority to deport a foreigner, even with a valid residence permit, if deportation is deemed necessary for public interest, security, morals, or if the individual lacks a legitimate source of income. The deportation decision may extend to the foreigner’s family members dependent on them. Detention of a foreigner subject to deportation may not exceed thirty days, with the possibility of renewal if required to implement the deportation decision. The Minister of Interior may waive fines for deported foreigners upon their departure from Kuwait.

Exemptions from the Law
Certain categories are excluded from the law’s provisions, including heads of state and their families, officials and staff of diplomatic missions along with their families (subject to reciprocity), holders of diplomatic, special, and political passports (subject to reciprocity), and individuals whom the Minister of the Interior deems appropriate to exclude due to courtesy-related considerations.

 
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As temperatures rise, Kuwait faces two critical weeks

 
 
 

In light of the expectations of the Meteorological Department of high weather temperatures by the beginning of next August, the Ministry of Electricity is facing two critical weeks, during which electricity loads are expected to touch new record consumption levels, reports Al-Jarida daily. This has prompted the Ministry to appeal to consumers to adopt a rationalization policy during the peak season of consumption and heat, in order to avoid emergency outages as a result of increased loads. The MEW sources told the daily that the increase in each temperature is matched by an increase in loads exceeding 200 megawatts, pointing out that the expected consumption will not be more than 16,700 megawatts, while the production capacity exceeds 18,000 megawatts.

This means that things will remain under control especially since the maximum load recorded by the index during the current summer was 16,370 megawatts. The sources expect the summer peak to end on August 15, and explained that the ministry appeals to reduce loads to save fuel consumption used in production, and reduce the burdens and costs of annual maintenance of power production units.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy confirmed on Saturday that what was being published in some social media about shutting down air conditioners in some schools and government agencies and cutting off electricity in industrial areas, chalets, and farms is inaccurate. The ministry said in a statement that the routine emergency plan is implemented annually before the summer season and takes into account all possible scenarios for providing alternatives when need be.

The ministry continues the awareness campaigns to save electricity and water, reduce waste in consumption, and preserve and sustain the country’s resources through the optimal use of them.

 
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Summer comes to an end on the 16th of this month, coinciding with the start of the second Gemini season

 
 
 

According to the Al-Ajairi Scientific Center, the summer season will end on July 16, coinciding with the start of the second Gemini season, which will last 13 days.

In a statement to Kuwait News Agency, the center stated that the second period of Gemini seasons is the hottest period of the summer. It is therefore known as "Ahura summer" due to its peak heat and hot northern winds at its end.

As explained by the center, the highest temperatures will occur during the second Gemini season, which is the fourth house of the summer season for Arabs of the Badia and the fifth house in the solar and lunar calendar.

As mentioned by the center, this season is characterized by strong toxic winds, even during the night, and periods of humidity that last until the end of July, as well as a rise in temperatures.

During the second Gemini season, daylight hours extend to more than 13 hours and 36 minutes, and night hours to over 10 hours and 24 minutes.

 
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People can travel sans biometric fingerprint, to be done on arrival

 
 
 

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Lieutenant General Anwar Al- Barjas, said the biometric fingerprint project provides a database for everyone who lives in Kuwait provided he/she is 18 years old and above, reports Al-Qabas daily. In this regards the Public Relations and Security Media Department of the ministry said in a press release following an inspection tour by Lieutenant General Al-Barjas to a number of biometric fingerprint centers, to determine the level of performance, speed of completion, and facilitation and facilitation for citizens and residents that the work on new biometric fingerprint efficient and smooth.

Lieutenant General Al-Barjas conveyed to the employees of the General Department of Criminal Evidence, who are in charge of the project, the greetings and appreciation of the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Acting Minister of Defense Sheikh Talal Al-Khalid. Lieutenant General Al-Barjas affirmed the keenness of Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled to harness all capabilities and overcoming all obstacles in front of citizens and residents to facilitate their obtaining a biometric fingerprint.

He explained, “There are no impediments to traveling without taking a biometric fingerprint,” stressing that it is applied only during the return to the country. He added that the General Department of Criminal Evidence has taken all measures to facilitate arrivals and its readiness to complete the fingerprint for them, expressing his thanks and appreciation to those in charge of implementing development and modernization plans in the security sectors and upgrading the level of services provided to the public. About 3 weeks after its implementation at the ports, security sources confirmed that the new security system works efficiently and smoothly in the context of the development plan, noting the adoption of an integrated plan to keep pace with the momentum of summer travel and avoid overcrowding.

 
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The Meteorological Department forecasts dust storms and thunderstorms

 
 
 

A wave of thunderstorms and dust storms is approaching, according to the Meteorological Department. The weather conditions are anticipated to cause a significant decrease in horizontal visibility to less than 1000 meters, and in some areas, visibility may be completely obscured due to the presence of dust. The adverse weather conditions will be accompanied by strong and active winds, with speeds exceeding 60 km/h, reports Al-Rai Daily.

As reduced visibility can pose significant risks to drivers and pedestrians, it is crucial to take appropriate safety precautions. It is recommended to stay updated on weather forecasts and follow local authorities' instructions or guidelines.

 
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More than 100 pharmacies in Kuwait face closure

 
 
 

In order to regulate and monitor the operations of private pharmacies inspection campaigns will persist in the sector. The primary objective is to verify the adherence of license holders to the provisions of the Profession Practice Law 28/1996, as amended by Law 30/2016.

The sources emphasized the continuous coordination between the Ministries of Commerce and Health to address violations related to the unauthorized management of numerous pharmacies by individuals who are not the license holders. Such actions are clear infringements upon the laws governing the practice of the profession.

It is anticipated that the number of pharmacies facing closure will exceed 100 within the coming weeks, considering the violations that have been identified thus far and the sustained inspection efforts.

It is worth noting that the Ministry of Health has already closed 40 pharmacies during the past and current week as part of their regulatory measures.

 
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Kuwait seeking smart system for expatriate workers

 
 
 

Secretary General of the Supreme Planning and Development Council Dr. Khaled Mahdi said on Wednesday that Kuwait is continuously seeking to overhaul legislation’s concerning expatriate workers with the aspiration to set up “a smart system” to regulate bringing in the foreign laborers. Mahdi, in a statement marking launch of the report of the 2023 International Development Bank, indicated that mechanisms would be set up to test professional skills of the workers that would be allowed into the country.

Notions incorporated in the aspired strategy include specifying areas where the workers are highly needed with priority for building a lucrative work environment for the citizens namely the young Kuwaitis who should be employed in the private sector. A planned online platform will screen potential employed workers from abroad to ensure the newcomers are qualified to perform the job chosen for them. “It does not make sense that a truck driver in his home country turns into an engineer in the host state!,” he sarcastically remarked alluding to some of such cases. He called for establishing an agency for hiring the foreign expatriates in the private sector.

Meanwhile, member of the national human rights diwan, Dr. Abdulredha Asiri said in a separate statement that the department advocates protecting rights of citizens and expatriates. The resident representative of the World Bank in Kuwait, Ghassan Al- Khojeh, indicated that authorities of the expatriates’ home countries should have well-studied systems to regulate dispatch of laborers to work abroad. The head of the International Migration Organization in Kuwait, Mazen Abulhessen, said recommendations incorporated in the report are in harmony with the international convention for migration and the IMO strategy for the Gulf. (KUNA)

 
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As the temperature rises, so does the electrical load index

 
 
 

The electrical load index jumped to 14,250 megawatts on Monday, the highest since the beginning of this summer, as a result of the rise in temperature. According to reports, the temperature on Monday reached 43 degrees Celsius.

To strengthen the electrical and water network in the country, coordinated efforts are being made to launch the northern Khairan and Al-Zour power stations.

In addition to producing 1800 megawatts of electricity, the Khairan station will also produce 33 million gallons of desalinated water per day. The second and third phases of the Al-Zour plant will produce 2700 megawatts of energy, and 120 million gallons of desalinated water.

 
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Stop Selling Live Poultry in Residential Areas Proposal

 
 
 

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors has urged the Director General of the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, Dr. Reem Al-Fulaij, and the Director General of Kuwait Municipality to take action in canceling the sale of live poultry in shops located in residential areas. The aim is to prioritize the licensing of exhibitions for the sale of frozen chicken only, with the goal of safeguarding public health and ensuring consumer safety.

A letter from the Food and Nutrition Authority to the Kuwait Municipality,revealed the ongoing correspondence with the Ministry of Social Affairs regarding the cancellation of selling live poultry in stores, reports Al Qabas. The suggestion is to limit the licensing of exhibitions for the sale of frozen chicken, as the responsibility for identifying investment activities in cooperative societies within central markets and their affiliated branches in residential areas falls under the jurisdiction of the Kuwait Municipality, as per a decision issued by the Municipal Council.

The decision to cancel the activity of selling live poultry and focus solely on licensing exhibitions for selling chilled chicken is based on the need to preserve public health and consumer safety. This decision comes after testimonies from the Director of the Slaughterhouses Department and the Deputy Director General for Inspection and Control Affairs, as well as a legal opinion issued by the Legal Affairs Department. An official letter from the Ahmadi slaughterhouse highlighted the damages and disadvantages associated with shops selling, slaughtering, and processing live poultry in residential areas.

The Food and Nutrition Authority emphasized the importance of taking prompt measures in line with public interest and consumer safety. However, the implementation of the decision is contingent upon the approval of the Kuwait Municipality.

Further meetings and discussions between officials from the Food Authority and the municipality will be conducted to devise an appropriate mechanism for achieving the objectives of the decision and ensuring consumer health. The fate of this initiative will be determined in the coming days, depending on the approval or postponement by the Kuwait Municipality.

This proposal has not yet been communicated to the owners of companies and shops selling poultry in separate areas. If implemented, it will determine the fate of shops selling live chickens in residential, investment, and other areas, although further study and discussions will be held regarding the application of the decision.

 
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The Ministry of Justice clarifies the requirements for domestic workers to complete a travel declaration

 
 
 

The Ministry of Justice has notified the public that the message spread on some social media platforms about the need for citizens to complete the travel declaration transaction for domestic workers in the Documentation Department if they are traveling with the workers is incorrect, reports Al-Rai daily. The ministry stressed that Kuwaitis are not required to complete such a transaction in case they intend to travel with the domestic workers under their sponsorship.

 
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Violations in the Residence Affairs Sector

 
 
 

According to reliable sources, the security committee formed by the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and Acting Minister of Defense Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled to review the transactions completed in the Residence Affairs Sector during the last period discovered 400 unarchived transactions in the Jahra Residency Department, reports Aljarida daily. They explained that members of the committee, which included officers from the Department of Counterfeiting and Forgery Crimes affiliated to the General Department of Criminal Investigation and officers from the Residence Sector, also uncovered cases of embezzlement of ministry stamps and fines resulting from transactions. They were completed by computer, and no archive was found for them in the administration building.

This meant there has been manipulation in collecting fees or in estimating the number of expatriate workers for citizens and Gulf nationals. The committee also revealed the presence of a female employee of the Jahra Residence Department with residence permits of seven men registered in her name, despite not owning a home. Even if she met the conditions, she would have been granted only a driver and a servant. It was also discovered that another female employee registered in her name five drivers, even though she is married to a citizen and is not allowed to issue work visas under her own name. The committee concluded that there are extensions granted to the visit visas of expatriates of various nationalities, as well as to commercial visit visas that exceed the validity.

Also, they discovered that a Gulf citizen registered in his name seven Bangladeshi expatriates, and their fees have not been collected. The sources affirmed that the committee submitted its report to the First Deputy Prime Minister to refer 20 employees, including officers of various ranks, in the Jahra Residency Department to the investigation authorities, after all the illegally completed transactions were documented, and violations committed by male and female employees were documented by increasing the number of migrant workers registered under their names.

 
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Kuwait Bans Over 140,000 People From Traveling

 
 
 

Al-Anba daily reports that the General Administration of Execution makes great efforts in implementing judgments and protecting public money in the administrations of the various governorates and Kuwait International Airport. Meanwhile, the daily continues to publish details of the annual statistics prepared by the Statistics and Research Department of the Information Technology and Statistics Sector at the Ministry of Justice, including the efforts of the General Administration of Implementation of the Ministry of Justice. According to statistics of the Ministry of Justice, 140,005 citizens and residents were prevented from traveling during 2022.

Kuwait Airport Office had the largest share of the travel ban, with 36,145 citizens and residents banned from traveling through Kuwait Airport, according to the statistics. With 28,251 citizens and residents banned from travel, the Capital Governorate had the highest number, followed by Farwaniya Governorate, with 25390 residents and citizens banned from traveling. Al-Jahra Governorate came third in terms of the number of those banned from traveling, with 17,112 citizens and residents, followed by Hawalli Governorate, with 14,495.

With 13,759 people banned from traveling, Al-Ahmadi Governorate ranked second, while Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate ranked third with 4,853 people banned from traveling. With regard to the implementation of family courts, the number of those banned from traveling reached 6075 citizens and residents due to family court cases.

There are 1448 citizens and residents in Hawalli Governorate, while there are 1129 citizens and residents in Al-Ahmadi Governorate who are prohibited from traveling. In order of number of citizens and residents banned from travel, Jahra governorate had 1077, Farwaniya governorate had 947, the capital had 878, and Mubarak Al-Kabeer governorate had 596.

 

 
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IFL  - Kuwait 2024