The General Traffic Department has issued a reminder that improper use of a vehicle horn is a traffic violation under Kuwaiti law, punishable by a fine of 25 Kuwaiti dinars.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Bu Hassan, Assistant Director of the Traffic Awareness Department, vehicle horns are strictly meant to warn of potential danger, particularly from other vehicles that could cause accidents. He emphasized that drivers often misuse horns for non-emergency purposes, such as greetings or to get attention on the road.

Bu Hassan further noted that violations related to improper horn use will not only incur fines but also result in traffic points being added to the driver’s record.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) is moving forward with the implementation of the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) unified guide for job descriptions and professional designations. This guide is structured around recognized academic qualifications within Kuwait and is part of a broader effort to streamline job title approvals across the GCC.

Sources indicated that educational documents required for job title approvals must align with the GCC’s unified guide, which has been in effect for several years. The guide was formulated after extensive studies and consultations involving various GCC entities, including ministries, professional bodies, and competent authorities.

The sources further clarified that the current suspension of the cooperation agreement pertains only to the Engineers Association. Negotiations with other professional associations are still in progress, and no cancellations have been announced for these agreements.

The Ministry of Education has addressed recent misinformation circulating on social media regarding the suspension of the end-of-service bonus. In a statement released today, Ahmed Al-Wahida, the Ministry's official spokesperson, firmly refuted these claims, describing them as entirely false.

Commitment to Employee Entitlements

Al-Wahida assured the public that the Ministry remains committed to fulfilling all employee entitlements, including the end-of-service bonus, in accordance with existing laws and regulations. He highlighted the Ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance staff conditions and provide necessary support to its employees.

Call for Reliable Information

The spokesperson urged the public to consult official sources for accurate information, emphasizing the importance of relying on verified news rather than social media rumors.

Ministry's Ongoing Initiatives

In addition to addressing the recent misinformation, the Ministry continues to focus on improving work conditions for its staff. These efforts include implementing new policies and support systems designed to benefit employees.

For accurate updates and information, the Ministry of Education encourages everyone to follow official communications and verify details through trusted sources.

The Public Authority of Manpower's Board of Directors has suspended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2018 with the  Kuwait Society of Engineers, effectively stripping the Society of its authority to approve engineering certificates and verify the professional expertise of expatriate engineers.

The decision comes in response to numerous complaints from companies, business owners, and employees regarding the accreditation procedures managed by the Society. As a result, the process of auditing and certifying engineering qualifications is set to undergo major changes.

While the next responsible entity for overseeing this task has yet to be confirmed, there are speculations that the Ministry of Higher  Education may assume this responsibility. This shift would align with the Ministry's existing role in evaluating educational certificates and provide a more streamlined mechanism for the certification of engineering qualifications.

This change is expected to comply with Article 7, paragraph 4 of Private Sector Labor Law No. 10 of 2010, which allows the Minister to set regulations for employing workers, including professional qualification requirements.

The Ministry of Interior has confirmed that all transactions for citizens and residents who fail to complete biometric fingerprinting by the set deadlines will be suspended. Citizens must comply by September 30, 2024, while expatriates have until December 31, 2024. Despite these deadlines, the Ministry assured that this process will not affect travel rights unless restrictions are imposed by the Public Prosecution, the General Department of Investigations, or through ministerial decisions in the public interest.

Biometric Fingerprinting: Importance and Compliance

Since the launch of biometric fingerprinting in May 2023, over 805,000 citizens have completed the process, leaving 171,000 still non-compliant. For expatriates, 1,864,000 have undergone fingerprinting, with 970,000 yet to comply. The Ministry anticipates that approximately 250,000 individuals may miss the deadline, either due to non-compliance or being wanted by authorities.

The biometric fingerprinting project, initiated in 2016, aims to create a comprehensive database for citizens, residents, and short-term visitors. This database helps combat passport forgery, addresses dual nationality issues, and assists in identifying and locating individuals of interest to authorities. The project was modeled after similar successful implementations in GCC and other countries.

Compliance for Illegal Residents

Illegal residents are also required to complete biometric fingerprinting. The General Administration of Information Systems and the Central Agency for Illegal Residents will coordinate this process, particularly when illegal residents travel, renew security cards, or conduct other official transactions.

Transaction Suspension After the Deadline

After the deadlines, any individual—citizen or resident—who has not completed the biometric fingerprinting process will face transaction suspensions in all ministries, government agencies, banks, and listed companies. Further investigations will follow non-compliance.

Special Provisions for Individuals with Special Needs

To accommodate individuals with disabilities or those bedridden, the Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with the General Administration of Information Systems, offers mobile biometric fingerprinting services. So far, 1,300 beneficiaries have utilized this service.

For those with moderate to severe disabilities, the Ministry announced that document submission for biometric fingerprinting can be done through WhatsApp. Once the required documents are received, appointments will be scheduled for mobile fingerprinting services.

Extended Operating Hours for Fingerprinting Centers

With only 21 days left until the deadline for citizens, the Ministry has extended the operating hours for fingerprinting centers to operate daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Individuals are required to book their appointments in advance using the Sahel application before visiting the centers.

The biometric fingerprinting process is a vital initiative for ensuring national security and streamlining identification processes in Kuwait. The Ministry of Interior urges citizens and residents to comply before the deadlines to avoid suspension of transactions in various government and private sectors.

As an expatriate working in Kuwait, facing the closure of your company can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to your visa status. Kuwaiti labor laws provide certain protections to ensure that you have options available if your employer decides to shut down the business.

If you have completed at least one year with your current employer and your visa has been renewed for an additional year, you are eligible to transfer your work visa to another employer. Employers are legally obligated to release their employees in cases of company closure, allowing you to transfer your visa to a new sponsor. Denying this release is a violation of Kuwait’s labor laws.

What to Do if Your Employer Refuses a Release:

In some cases, employers may attempt to cancel your visa or offer a three-month extension instead of granting a release. In such a situation, you have the legal right to file a complaint with the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) through the Labor Office. Authorities will ensure that your right to transfer your visa is protected.

Steps to Transfer Your Visa:

• File a Complaint with PAM: If your employer refuses to release you, visit the nearest Labor Office and file a formal complaint. PAM will handle the case and ensure your rights are protected.
• Prepare Necessary Documents: Ensure you have all relevant documents, including your work contract, salary slips, and residency information, ready to present to the authorities.
• Stay Informed About Labor Laws: It’s essential to understand your rights under Kuwait’s labor laws to protect your residency and employment status during company closure.

Expatriates should know that they have the legal right to transfer their visa to another employer if their current company is closing. The legal system in Kuwait provides protections to ensure you are not left stranded without options during such transitions.

The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has announced that Ministerial Resolution No. (6) of 2024, which allowed domestic workers in Kuwait to transfer to the private sector, has officially expired.

The resolution, enacted earlier this year, provided a temporary framework enabling domestic workers to transition from household employment to private sector jobs under specific conditions. However, as of today, the policy is no longer in effect, with no word on whether a new resolution or extension will be introduced.

Impact of the Policy Expiration

The expiration signals the end of a significant opportunity for domestic workers seeking career shifts within Kuwait. During the resolution's active period, many workers were able to move into private sector roles, a notable change from traditional restrictions.

While PAM has not yet provided details on future policies regarding similar transfers, it remains to be seen whether further legislation will be enacted to support workers looking for employment flexibility.

What's Next?

The Public Authority for Manpower has yet to comment on potential future regulations or alternatives to replace the expired resolution. Stakeholders in both domestic and private sectors are encouraged to stay informed about any upcoming changes or policies.

The Ministry of Interior has rolled out a new electronic service within the "Residence Services" section of the Sahel app, allowing the issuance of temporary residence permits for those under Articles 20 and 22. This innovative service aims to streamline the process for sponsors and their dependents by eliminating the need for physical visits to the Residency Affairs Sector.

Through the newly introduced feature, sponsors will now receive notifications for temporary residence issuance. The digital process negates the need for physical residency stamping, significantly easing the procedure. This service particularly benefits domestic workers under Article 20 and dependents under Article 22.

Announced on the Ministry of Interior's official account on "X" (formerly Twitter), the initiative is part of a broader push toward digital transformation. The ministry’s Security Media Department emphasized that the General Department of Residency Affairs and the General Department of Information Systems are committed to simplifying procedures for both citizens and residents in Kuwait.

This new digital service aligns with ongoing efforts to optimize residency procedures in Kuwait. By offering more services online, the Ministry of Interior continues its commitment to reducing bureaucracy and enhancing convenience for residents.

As Kuwait continues to experience sweltering temperatures approaching 50°C, electricity consumption has reached critical levels, with the load index hitting the red zone at 16,406 megawatts. The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy has taken measures to preserve the stability of the national power grid by conducting rolling power cuts in several non-residential areas.

This emergency intervention is a direct response to both the increased demand for electricity and the need for urgent maintenance of two electricity generation units at the Subiya and South Zour stations, which together produce 590 megawatts. Affected areas include Abdullah Al-Mubarak, Farwaniya, Sabah Al-Ahmad, Jahra, Jabriya, Sulaibikhat, and more.

The Ministry has stressed the importance of energy conservation to mitigate the ongoing crisis. Air conditioners, which account for 70% of energy consumption, are a major focus of these efforts. Residents are advised to set their air conditioners to 23°C rather than 18°C, as even a small adjustment can make a significant impact on overall power usage.

Additionally, the Ministry highlighted the need for government agencies to apply rationalization policies by reducing electricity use in unoccupied areas or where consumption is unnecessarily high during peak hours from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The sources also pointed to structural issues within the electricity grid, such as bureaucratic delays in the tendering and completion of energy projects. These delays have exacerbated the situation, forcing the Ministry to rely on temporary solutions like importing electricity from the Gulf network. The Ministry called for an expedited process to address these challenges and ensure the completion of long-term energy projects.

More than 30 private schools in Kuwait are currently grappling with an unprecedented licensing and rental crisis, causing significant disruptions in their operations. According to Al-Rai daily, Private Schools Union President Noura Al-Ghanim highlighted the serious issues these schools face, particularly their inability to renew licenses and rental contracts. This situation has also hindered schools from renewing residency permits for their employees, leading to uncertainty among teachers and staff.

The crisis has severely impacted the renewal of residency permits for employees, as schools are unable to secure long-term licenses. Al-Ghanim explained that renewing a school's license for only one year is insufficient for obtaining residency permits that are valid for two or three years. This is particularly problematic for foreign schools, which typically hire teachers under contracts lasting at least two years. The short-term license renewal creates reluctance among foreign teachers to accept positions in Kuwait, as they are not willing to relocate for such a limited period.

Al-Ghanim criticized the Ministry of Education for its slow decision-making process, which has worsened the situation for private schools. She noted that the ministry’s neglect and failure to act promptly could lead to the loss of qualified academic staff, who may seek employment in neighboring countries. Al-Ghanim attributed much of the problem to the previous administration’s mismanagement, which left the Private Education Department in the hands of officials unfamiliar with the complexities of private school operations.

Al-Ghanim expressed hope that Dr. Nader Al-Jalal, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and acting Minister of Education, will address the crisis. She urged him to take immediate action to restore order and ensure the smooth functioning of private educational institutions in Kuwait.

The Ministry of Interior has announced an extension of operating hours for biometric fingerprint centers across Kuwait's six governorates. These centers, located within identity investigation departments and commercial complexes, will now be open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day of the week.

The new working hours are designed to improve service efficiency and offer greater convenience to both citizens and residents. By operating for longer hours, the Ministry aims to streamline the fingerprinting process, making it easier for individuals to complete their procedures without disrupting their daily routines.

Biometric fingerprint centers are situated in various identity investigation departments and major commercial complexes across the governorates. This strategic placement is intended to ensure that residents from all areas have access to the services they need.

The decision to extend operating hours addresses previous concerns about limited availability and long wait times. With the new schedule, individuals can visit the centers at more flexible times, reducing the need for time-off work or lengthy waits.

The Ministry of Interior's move to extend the hours of biometric fingerprint centers reflects a commitment to enhancing public service efficiency and accessibility. This adjustment is expected to facilitate a smoother process for obtaining necessary biometric data.

India’s trade with Kuwait has experienced significant growth, with Indian exports to the Gulf nation reaching an impressive USD 2.10 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24. This marks a 34.78% increase compared to the USD 1.56 billion recorded in the previous fiscal year, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Several sectors have contributed to this robust growth. Leading the charge are exports of aircraft and spacecraft parts, which have seen significant demand in Kuwait. Other sectors that have shown strong performance include cereals and precious and semi-precious stones.

Additionally, India has seen a rise in exports of imitation jewelry, coins, vehicles (excluding railway or tramway rolling stock), and pharmaceutical products, which have played a vital role in boosting the total export value to Kuwait.

This growth underscores the strong and growing trade relations between India and Kuwait. Both nations have historically enjoyed a mutually beneficial trade relationship, with Kuwait serving as an important trading partner for India, especially due to its petroleum-based economy.

According to the latest OPEC data, Kuwait holds 101.5 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, which is about 6% of the world's total reserves. Furthermore, Kuwait has proven natural gas reserves amounting to 1,784 billion cubic meters (or approximately 63 trillion cubic feet), making it a key player in the global energy sector.

India’s strong export growth reflects the increasing economic integration between the two countries and is expected to open more opportunities for bilateral trade expansion in the future.

India’s trade with Kuwait continues to show a positive trend, driven by strong export sectors and robust economic cooperation. As both nations continue to strengthen their trade relations, more opportunities are likely to emerge, further enhancing the economic partnership between India and Kuwait.

Seven months after a Kuwaiti boat was seized upon reaching Mumbai undetected, the vessel has been handed over to its owner following the completion of legal formalities. The boat was apprehended on February 6, 2024, when three men from Tamil Nadu sailed from Kuwait to Mumbai, raising serious concerns about maritime security.

The three individuals, employed in Kuwait, embarked on a 10-day journey from the Gulf state to Mumbai, navigating with a GPS device. Upon their arrival, the boat was spotted near Sassoon Dock in South Mumbai, prompting immediate action by local police. The trio was arrested for illegal entry into India, and the boat was confiscated as part of the investigation.

The incident triggered alarms among Indian security agencies, recalling concerns from the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which had also involved seaborne intrusions.

On Thursday, after months of legal processes, the boat was officially returned to its owner, Abdullah Sharahit, who traveled to Mumbai with two lawyers to finalize the handover at Colaba Police Station.

The boat's release marks the end of a complex investigation that had prompted widespread concerns over India's maritime security measures.

The Ministry of Health has announced the availability of seasonal vaccines at 43 preventive health centers and 14 hospitals across Kuwait to make it easier for all community members to access winter vaccinations.

Vaccination Locations by Health District:

Capital Health District

Vaccines will be available at 14 preventive health centers and the preventive health center at Amiri Hospital. Centers include:

Hamad Al-Saqr (Adailiya)

Abdullah Abdul-Mughni (Al-Faiha)

Mirza Al-Ihqaqi (Al-Daiya)

Ali Thunayan Al-Ghanim (Sulaibikhat, Al-Qairawan)

Al-Zalzala (Dasma)

Abdullah Abdul-Hadi (Yarmouk)

Jaber Al-Ahmad Block 3

And others in Al-Rawda, Surra, Kaifan, and Doha.

Hawalli Health District

Five health centers and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital will offer vaccinations. Centers include:

Rumaithiya

Nasser Saud Al-Sabah

West Salmiya

West Hawalli

Salwa Specialist

Farwaniya Health District

Nine health centers and Farwaniya Hospital will provide vaccines, including:

Manahi Al-Asimi

Northern Ardiya

Southern Jleeb

West Abdullah Al-Mubarak

Southern Paradise

And others in Rabia, Nahda, and West Farwaniya.

Ahmadi Health District

Seven centers and Al-Adan Hospital will offer vaccinations, including:

Fahaheel Specialist

Aqila

Fahd Al-Ahmad

East Ahmadi

Sabah Al-Ahmad A

Jahra Health District

Vaccines will be available at five centers and Jahra Hospital. Centers include:

Jahra Health

Al-Oyoun

Saad Al-Abdullah Block 10

Al-Naeem

Al-Sulaibiya

Mubarak Al-Kabeer Health District

Three centers and Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital will administer vaccines. Centers include:

Al-Adan Specialized

Al-Zahra

Abdulrahman Al-Zaid (West of Mishref)

Sabah Health District

Vaccinations will be offered at several hospitals, including:

Al-Sabah

Ibn Sina

Maternity

Psychiatry

Chest

Hussein Makki Jumaa

Addiction Treatment Center

Sabah Al-Ahmad Kidney Hospital

These facilities will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for vaccinations.

Vaccines Offered:

The ministry’s campaign includes:

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Prevents the flu and its complications.

Vaccine Against Bacterial Pneumonia

Reduces the risk of severe respiratory infections.

The Ministry of Health encourages everyone to participate in this seasonal vaccination campaign to protect against illness during the winter season.

On Thursday morning at 7:00 am, Kuwait executed six individuals by hanging at the Central Prison. This marks a significant legal event as all of the convicted had their cases pass through various stages of litigation, ensuring their sentences were fully ratified. Authorities confirmed that all necessary legal procedures had been thoroughly followed.

The individuals executed included three Kuwaiti citizens, two Iranians, and one Pakistani national. The death sentences were carried out after all legal avenues were exhausted, demonstrating the strictness of Kuwait's judicial system.

In a dramatic turn of events, a seventh convict was spared execution at the last moment. The family of the victim chose to accept blood money, leading to the convict’s release. Under Kuwaiti law, families of murder victims have the right to pardon the offender in exchange for financial compensation.

The executions have sparked discussions about Kuwait’s capital punishment laws,

In an effort to promote healthier eating habits and reduce the rising rates of childhood obesity, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition has issued new regulations for school cafeterias. These rules, which affect both public and private schools in Kuwait, are outlined in Ministerial Resolution No. 5 of 2021.

A Focus on Nutrition and Health

Dr. Shaima Al-Asfour, Deputy Director General of the Community Nutrition Affairs Sector, emphasized that the regulations are designed to improve the overall food environment for children and adolescents in schools. The initiative supports the healthy nutrition requirements for students, ensuring that they have access to nutritious food options that contribute to their physical and mental well-being.

Permitted and Banned Foods

The new guidelines focus on permitted food groups that meet school nutrition standards, such as:

Foods fortified with essential vitamins and minerals

Items low in sugar and salt

These measures aim to ensure that students receive balanced meals that support their growth and development, while minimizing the intake of unhealthy foods that can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.

Reducing Obesity and Improving Health Outcomes

This move is part of Kuwait’s larger strategy to combat childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles from an early age. The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition continues to work towards creating a safe, nutritious food environment in schools, hoping to foster lifelong healthy eating habits among students.

Brigadier Nayef Al-Mutairi, Director of the Personality Investigation and Automated Search Department at the General Department of Criminal Evidence, has issued an urgent warning to both Kuwaiti citizens and expatriates who have yet to complete their biometric fingerprinting.

To date, approximately 800,000 Kuwaiti citizens have successfully completed the biometric process, leaving around 175,000 still pending. For expatriates, about 1,860,000 have undergone fingerprinting, with nearly 800,000 remaining to be processed.

Special Provisions for Those with Special Needs

To address the needs of people with special needs, bedridden individuals, and hospital patients who face difficulties in reaching the biometric centers, the department has acquired 11 specialized devices. These devices are designed to facilitate the biometric process for these vulnerable groups, with nearly 1,000 such cases already handled.

Important Deadlines and Consequences

Kuwaiti citizens are reminded that the final deadline for completing biometric fingerprinting is September 30, 2024. Expatriates have until December 31, 2024, to complete the process. Brigadier Al-Mutairi emphasized that any transactions for individuals who fail to complete the fingerprinting process by these deadlines will be suspended.

With the deadlines fast approaching, both Kuwaiti citizens and expatriates are urged to complete their biometric fingerprinting to avoid any disruptions in their official transactions. The General Department of Criminal Evidence continues to offer support to ensure that everyone, including those with special needs, can fulfill this requirement without facing unnecessary obstacles.