Data released by the Central Bank of Kuwait indicates that expats in Kuwait have sent approximately 33.353 billion dinars in remittances over the past seven years, equivalent to 108.3 billion dollars. Remittances saw fluctuations over the years, with an increase from 4.142 billion dinars in 2017 to 5.526 billion dinars in 2021. However, there was a slight decline in 2022 and a further reduction to about 2.979 billion dinars during the first nine months of 2023.

The data reveals a significant drop in expatriate remittances during the first nine months of 2023, with a decrease of 29.67% compared to the same period in 2022. This decline was observed across all quarters, with the largest decrease in the second quarter at 40.33%, followed by a 31.46% decline in the third quarter

Remittances play a crucial role in the household income of low- and middle-income countries, contributing to poverty alleviation and improving nutritional outcomes. However, the decline in remittances has impacted Kuwait’s balance of payments, with a decrease in the secondary income account deficit and a decline in the current account surplus during the third quarter of 2023. Overall, the balance of payments deficit increased by 40.73% compared to the same period in 2022.

The Ministry of Interior has advised citizens and expatriates to strictly comply with the guidelines and instructions on the celebration of the upcoming national holidays, warning that any violation of the law will be dealt with firmly, reports Al-Jarida Daily. In a press statement, the Public Relations and Security Media General Department in the ministry confirmed the completion of security and traffic preparations for the national celebrations. It pointed out that this complies with the directives of the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and acting Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah. Undersecretary of the ministry Lieutenant General Sheikh Salem Al-Nawaf is closely monitoring the implementation of these directives. According to the ministry, security and traffic awareness campaigns will be intensified, which will be supervised and implemented by the Public Relations and Security Media General Department in cooperation with various audio, print, and visual media and communication platforms.

It stated that the senior ministerial leadership stressed the need to achieve balance between decorum in dealing with revelers and being firm in handling violations and wrong behavior. It emphasized the need for everyone to comply with the guidelines and instructions regarding the national celebrations; which include preserving the flag of the State of Kuwait during and after the occasion, maintaining public morals and public order, and refraining from hurling waste, water balloons or foam at others as such acts are considered crimes punishable by law. It also underscored the importance of respecting the laws and instructions of security personnel, paying attention while driving, refraining from speeding and constantly monitoring children to guarantee the safety of everyone. It added that the emergency number 112 receives security, traffic, and other related reports around the clock.

Installing flag post on the body of the vehicle is considered as a violation of the traffic law, Ministry of Interior said.

Ministry, in a post on X Wednesday, warned that police will take action in case such violations are detected during the national day celebrations.

A satellite is falling back on Earth today! Authorities across the globe have been tracking the descent of the satellite that is set to fall back on Earth today.

Although this is not uncommon, as multiple satellites fall back to Earth every month, this is a considerably large satellite weighing nearly 2,300kg, with a length and width of 12 metres.

However, it must be noted that the satellite will disintegrate while passing through the Earth's atmosphere and only 20 to 40 per cent of the initial mass will reach the planet. The mass of the largest remnant landing back on Earth is expected to be 52kg.

The satellite's fall has been predicted to be at three different locations and at three different times. However, as the satellite, which is run by the European Space Agency, inches closer, authorities will be able to determine an accurate time and date.

The satellite is set to pass over Saudi Arabia during its fall.

About the satellite

The largest European satellite, called ERS-2, was launched on April 21, 1995. It had been launched for remote sensing purposes.

It was operational until July 4, 2011, after which the European Space Agency used the remaining fuel in the satellite to lower its orbit. This was done in order to prevent it from colliding with other satellites.

This satellite could have remained in space for at least another century had the orbit not been changed.

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.