Kuwait is grappling with a severe labor shortage that has resulted in significant delays in construction projects, particularly in Mutlaa City. The shortage has led to a sharp 40% increase in wages for the limited number of available workers, exacerbating the crisis.

Challenges in Housing Projects Due to Fear of Inspections

The labor crisis has been aggravated by the fact that many workers are not sponsored by companies, making them reluctant to work on projects due to the fear of inspections and potential deportation. A viral video from Mutlaa City shows workers fleeing on foot during a security checkpoint, highlighting the widespread fear and confusion among expatriate laborers.

Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) and Labor Issues

A source from the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) emphasized that while their role is to oversee inspections of commercial establishments, they must also address the issues faced by these workers and regularize their residency status. This step is critical for ensuring the timely completion of ongoing housing projects.

Calls for New Visas and Organized Labor Management

Business owners and housing project specialists have called for urgent solutions, including issuing new visas to bring in additional workers. Fahad Al-Arbash, Head of the Union of Restaurants and Cafes, pointed out that high labor costs have forced citizens to rely on unorganized labor, leading to project delays and incomplete constructions.

Impact on Mutlaa City and Other Development Projects

Mishaal Al-Hajri, head of the volunteer committee for Mutlaa City, noted that the project is among the most affected by the labor shortage. The demand for skilled workers far exceeds the supply, with available labor unable to meet the needs of both the Mutlaa City project and other state development initiatives. Al-Hajri urged PAM to allow companies to meet their actual labor needs through proper contracts.

Wage Inflation and the Need for Skilled Workers

Saba’a Al-Dousari, head of the Mutlaa City Volunteer Committee, highlighted the significant increase in daily wages due to the shortage of construction craftsmen. He called for a more organized approach to managing expatriate workers, including reopening visa issuance for skilled workers from Arab countries, particularly Egypt.

Legal and Social Challenges

Dr. Mukhlef Al-Enezi, spokesperson for the residents of Mutlaa City, stressed the importance of skilled workers in completing housing projects. He pointed out that many workers, despite receiving advance payments, are unable to continue work due to arrest or issues with their residency status. Dr. Al-Enezi urged the state to find solutions to regularize these workers’ conditions and retain their skills for ongoing projects.

The labor shortage in Kuwait has led to a 40% wage increase and significant delays in housing projects, particularly in Mutlaa City. With calls for issuing new visas and organizing labor management growing louder, there is a pressing need for the government to take action and ensure that these critical projects are completed efficiently.

Health sources have reiterated the Ministry of Health's readiness and preparedness for health emergencies, particularly in response to "monkeypox," following a confirmed case in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The sources noted that the Ministry is closely monitoring the disease's developments and the areas where cases have been reported, working in coordination with the World Health Organization, the Gulf Health Council, and other international health organizations. They also highlighted that the Ministry recently established the Kuwait Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), which collaborates with relevant authorities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Kuwait Airways has announced adjustments to its ticket prices as part of a broader strategy to increase its competitiveness in the aviation market. This move underscores the board of directors' commitment to advancing the national carrier and enhancing passenger services.

Focus on Enhanced Passenger Experience

During an appearance on the Friday Break program on Kuwait Radio, Abdul Mohsen Al Faqan, Chairman of Kuwait Airways, highlighted the airline’s efforts to revamp its services. Al Faqan emphasized that these pricing adjustments are part of a comprehensive plan to offer a better travel experience to passengers, ensuring that Kuwait Airways remains a strong player in the regional and international aviation markets.

Adapting to Market Dynamics

As competition intensifies within the aviation industry, Kuwait Airways is actively revising its pricing structure to attract more customers and meet the demands of a dynamic market. The airline's focus remains on providing quality service while offering competitive fares that appeal to a wider range of travelers.

Cybersecurity experts in Kuwait have raised alarms about a new and dangerous tactic used by cybercriminals. This involves malicious links that, when clicked, take photographs of the users and subsequently use these images for blackmail purposes.

Victims of this scheme receive a link that captures their images once clicked. The scammers then demand money from these individuals, threatening to publish their photos if their demands are not met. This warning follows the proactive measures taken by the Cybercrime Department at the Ministry of Interior, which, alongside the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority (CITRA) and local telecom companies, has blocked 392 fraudulent websites linked to such scams. Among these, 52 websites impersonated Al-Durra Company for the Recruitment of Domestic Workers.

In addition to blocking fake websites, authorities have also suspended around 662 fraudulent local WhatsApp numbers, with 65% impersonating Al-Durra Company. Mohammad Al-Rashidi, Chairman of the Cybersecurity Committee at the Electronic Media Union, revealed that several Kuwaiti citizens have fallen victim to these deceitful links.

Experts urge the public to avoid clicking on suspicious links and to deny requests for camera access from unknown sources. Al-Rashidi cautions that falling into this trap can lead to complex and difficult situations.

Jamila Al-Otaibi, a business leader in consulting and digital transformation, emphasizes the necessity of raising digital awareness to combat these evolving threats. She advises everyone to:

Avoid Clicking Unknown Links: Be cautious of links shared through social media or emails from unreliable sources.

Activate Two-Step Verification: Enhance account security by enabling two-factor authentication.

Use Strong Passwords: Create unique and complex passwords for each account.

Limit Personal Information Sharing: Share personal details only with trusted individuals or organizations.

Regularly Update Security Software: Ensure that devices are equipped with the latest security applications and antivirus programs.

What to Do If You Fall Victim

If you suspect that you have been targeted by such a scam, immediately report the incident to the relevant authorities and refrain from interacting with the blackmailers. Prompt action is crucial in mitigating the effects of cyber blackmail.

Kuwait’s ongoing housing crisis has placed a heavy financial strain on the state, with over 173 million dinars being spent annually on rent allowances. Real estate experts are now urging the government to collaborate with the private sector as part of new reform initiatives, which they believe could significantly reduce this financial burden.

In a recent interview with Al-Seyassah, Dr. Salah Bursali, Chairman of the Kuwait Contracting Companies Union, highlighted the private sector's potential to address the escalating housing crisis. With over 96,000 pending housing applications in 2024, the state is currently shouldering a substantial financial load, paying out 14.447 million dinars per month in rent allowances.

Dr. Bursali emphasized that the private sector is well-equipped to manage and mitigate the housing shortage, citing its substantial financial resources and capabilities. He called for swift amendments to existing laws that limit private sector involvement, arguing that empowering local companies could expedite the process of providing housing for citizens, which currently can take over 15 years.

The number of pending housing applications has been steadily increasing, from 4,456 in 2017 to a projected 10,000 annually within the next five years. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for housing has continued to rise, exacerbating the crisis and increasing the financial pressure on the state budget.

Dr. Bursali expressed frustration with the current practice of awarding housing projects to foreign companies, arguing that local companies have the capacity to manage these projects if given the chance. He pointed out that Kuwaiti contracting companies, already active in building residential cities in other Gulf countries, are eager to invest in similar projects within Kuwait. By involving local companies, the state could stimulate the real estate market and reduce reliance on foreign contractors.

Qais Al-Ghanim, Chairman of the Real Estate Residents Association, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the local private sector is fully capable of partnering with the government to resolve the housing crisis. He pointed out that the private sector had previously developed areas like South Surra and questioned why it has not been allowed to participate in more recent projects.

Despite the potential benefits of involving the private sector, challenges remain. Al-Ghanim noted that many citizens prefer to own land rather than apartments, which complicates efforts to promote apartment systems as a solution to the housing crisis. However, Khaled Al-Anzi, head of the Mutlaa Residents Committee, suggested a potential solution: the state could provide land to citizens and then entrust the private sector with the construction. This approach could significantly alleviate the financial burden on the state while speeding up the provision of housing.

As Kuwait continues to grapple with a housing crisis that has persisted for decades, there is growing consensus among experts that immediate reforms are necessary. Empowering the private sector could be a key step in reducing the state’s rent expenditures and providing much-needed housing for its citizens. With the government now under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah, there is renewed optimism that these long-standing issues will finally be addressed.

The Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy (MEW) has unveiled plans to purchase solar energy generated by Kuwaiti citizens as part of its annual development plan for 2024-2025. This initiative, reported by Al-Seyassah Daily, is a significant step towards promoting renewable energy production at the grassroots level.

Encouraging Citizen Participation in Renewable Energy

The project encourages citizens to install solar panels on their rooftops, producing electricity that MEW will purchase at competitive rates. This strategy is expected to yield multiple benefits, including reducing the state's water and electricity costs and lowering carbon emissions from traditional power plants.

Targeting 2,500 Megawatts of Renewable Energy

MEW's ambitious plan aims to acquire up to 2,500 megawatts of renewable energy produced by citizens. This is anticipated to bring about substantial economic, environmental, and developmental advantages. The ministry is currently assessing the economic impact of the project, the logistics involved in the installation of solar panels, and the benefits to customers—whether individuals or institutions.

In addition to the financial and environmental benefits, MEW is also prioritizing safety. The ministry is evaluating the necessary safety procedures to ensure the secure installation and operation of rooftop solar panels. The project is still in its planning phase, with a focus on developing a sustainable model that benefits both the state and its citizens.

In a significant move to combat the ongoing issue of forged certificates, Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower has initiated steps to establish a shared data linkage system with the Ministry of Education. This system aims to streamline the verification process for high school and lower-level certificates issued outside of Kuwait, covering both Kuwaiti nationals and expatriates. By ensuring the authenticity of these academic credentials, the system is expected to enhance the labor market by ensuring that only qualified individuals are employed in the private sector.

Urgent Collaboration Between Ministries

The need for this collaboration was highlighted in a recent meeting between the Public Authority for Manpower and representatives from the Ministry of Education. The meeting focused on activating the data linkage and ensuring that the Authority could automatically access relevant information through an inquiry system. This system would allow the retrieval of critical data points such as the name of the certificate holder, academic year, school, educational district, grade, and current status, including whether the individual is a graduate, dropout, or still registered.

System Features and Benefits

The proposed data linkage system will provide the Authority with comprehensive details, including the final status of certificate holders, the last year attended, and the date of dropout if applicable. Additionally, the system will track registration dates for the academic year, allowing the Authority to access up-to-date information about the certificate holders. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the prevalence of forged certificates and improve the overall competence and quality of workers in Kuwait’s labor market.

The Ministry of Education has agreed to notify the Public Authority for Manpower whenever new registration data is activated or when previously registered data is equated. This ongoing collaboration marks a crucial step towards safeguarding the integrity of Kuwait’s education system and ensuring that all academic qualifications are legitimate and verifiable.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced the reopening of its automated systems, allowing expatriates with Article 18 residency to become partners or managing partners in companies and institutions. This decision marks a significant shift, enabling these expatriates to register in the commercial register once again.

Background of the Ban

Previously, the Ministry of Commerce had imposed a ban last month that restricted expatriates from owning companies unless they held Article 19 residency. This restriction continues to apply to individuals with residency under Articles 20, 22, and 24. Specifically, domestic workers under these residencies are required to either divest their ownership in companies or transfer their residency to Article 19.

Resumption of Services

Sources indicate that the Ministry’s systems are expected to resume processing requests and procedures for the exempted group of expatriates this week. Once reactivated, existing commercial entities with shareholders holding Articles 18 and 19 residencies will be permitted to establish and renew their status, as well as make amendments to all companies and institutions, following the protocols in place prior to the ban.

Additionally, the lifting of restrictions will allow new company applications that include residents with Article 18 residency, adhering to previous regulations governing non-Kuwaiti ownership.

Temporary Suspension of Partner Incompatibility Clause

In line with the new directive, the clause concerning the incompatibility of partners with existing and new licenses will be temporarily suspended, particularly for partners or managers under Article 18. This suspension will remain until further notice, specifically until new regulatory controls are issued.

Review of Regulations

Coordination is ongoing with the Public Authority for Manpower to assess the regulations governing non-Kuwaiti ownership of companies. Joint committees are being formed to develop final guidelines for reinstating conditions for non-Kuwaiti ownership. These guidelines are anticipated to include a legally binding deadline for disposing of properties that do not comply with upcoming instructions.

Regulatory Measures Under Review

According to the Public Authority for Manpower, approximately 10,000 expatriate workers in the private sector, primarily holding Article 18 work permits, have secured status as partners or managing partners in around 45,000 licenses for existing companies. This underscores the necessity for regulatory measures to ensure the rights of all parties involved, including current shareholders who obtained commercial licenses under existing regulations.

The government, particularly the Ministry of Commerce and the Public Authority for Manpower, remains committed to organizing commercial licenses with updated controls. They plan to enforce various laws related to labor and foreign investment, establishing new partner controls for expatriate workers holding residency under Article 18 with appropriate mechanisms.

The latest demographic statistics from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) reveal that Kuwait's population reached 4,918,570 by the end of June 2024. This marks an increase of 5,299 individuals from 4,913,271 at the beginning of the year.

Demographic Breakdown

The number of Kuwaiti nationals rose to 1,559,925 by the end of June, up from 1,545,781 on January 1, representing an increase of 14,144 individuals over six months. Kuwaitis now constitute 31.7% of the total population.

Conversely, the expatriate population decreased to 3,358,645 from 3,367,490 on January 1, reflecting a reduction of 8,845 individuals. As a result, expatriates now account for 68.3% of Kuwait's demographic makeup.

Population Composition by Nationality

The statistics further break down the population by nationality:

Kuwaitis: 32%

Indians: 21%

Egyptians: 13%

Bangladeshis: 6%

Filipinos: 5%

Nepalese, Saudis, Sri Lankans, and Syrians: 3% each

Other nationalities: 11%

Workforce Distribution

PACI's data also sheds light on the workforce distribution across Kuwait. The total number of employed individuals in both the public and private sectors stands at 2,178,008. Of these, 516,397 are employed in the public sector, making up 24% of the total workforce, while 1,661,611 individuals, or 76%, work in the private sector.

Workforce by Nationality:

Indians: 24.2%

Kuwaitis: 21.9%

Egyptians: 21.7%

Bangladeshis: 8.5%

Nepalese: 3.9%

Pakistanis: 3.2%

Syrians: 3%

Filipinos: 2.9%

Jordanians: 1.4%

Saudis: 1.2%

Other nationalities: 8.2%

Sector-Specific Employment

In the public sector, Kuwaitis constitute the majority at 78.31%. Other nationalities in the government sector include:

Egyptians: 7.21%

Indians: 4.36%

Saudis: 2.09%

Bangladeshis: 1.58%

Pakistanis: 1.08%

Syrians: 1%

Jordanians: 0.71%

Other nationalities: 3.1%

In the private sector, Indians lead with a contribution rate of 30.4%, followed by:

Egyptians: 26.6%

Bangladeshis: 10.6%

Nepalese: 5.1%

Kuwaitis: 4.3%

Pakistanis: 3.8%

Syrians and Filipinos: 3.6% each

Jordanians: 1.6%

Saudis: 0.9%

Other nationalities: 9.9%

Household Workers

Among household workers, Indians again make up the largest percentage at 43.8%, followed by:

Filipinos: 21.1%

Sri Lankans: 15.4%

Bangladeshis: 11.1%

Nepalese: 4.5%

Ethiopians: 1.2%

Beninese: 0.9%

Malians: 0.5%

Indonesians and Malagasy: 0.2%

Conclusion

The PACI data highlights the significant presence of expatriates in Kuwait, who make up nearly 70% of the population. The demographic and workforce composition underscores the diverse and multicultural nature of Kuwait, with expatriates playing a critical role in the country's economy.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is set to host a two-day Buyer-Seller Meet featuring Indian companies specializing in the Food and Agricultural sectors. This event will take place on September 9th and 10th, 2024, at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry building.

Event Details

• Date and Time: September 9th and 10th, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM each day
• Venue: Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building

Participating Companies

Over 30 Indian companies will be represented, showcasing a wide range of products. Attendees can explore offerings in various sectors including:

• Food Products: Rice, cereals, grains, vegetables, meat, chicken, edible oils, millets, spices, coconut, biscuits, jaggery
• Packaging and Tableware: Areca palm leaf plates, wooden cutlery, birchwood cutlery, paper boxes, carrier bags
• Additional Products: Packaging products and more

Purpose of the Meet

This Buyer-Seller Meet aims to connect Kuwaiti buyers with Indian suppliers, fostering business relationships and exploring trade opportunities in the food and agricultural sectors.

Contact Information

For further details about the Buyer-Seller Meet, please contact the Embassy of India at:

• Email: com1.kuwait@mea.gov.in or trade.kuwait@mea.gov.in

In response to the persistent traffic congestion that intensifies with each new school year, a recent coordination meeting among Kuwait's government agencies has resulted in the implementation of 10 strategic measures aimed at alleviating traffic jams across the country.

1. Autonomous Traffic Control Systems

The introduction of autonomous traffic control systems will enable the automatic management of traffic lights, enhancing the efficiency of traffic flow. Additionally, the number of traffic violation cameras will be increased to ensure better compliance with traffic regulations.

2. Enhancing Public Transportation

Efforts are being made to promote public transportation, especially for students and private sector employees. Parents are particularly encouraged to use these services for their children, reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads.

3. Staggering School Shifts

To distribute traffic more evenly, school schedules will be adjusted, creating breaks between the start times of elementary, kindergarten, middle, and secondary school levels.

4. Infrastructure Improvements

Bridges will be constructed at heavily congested entrances and exits, facilitating smoother traffic flow and reducing bottlenecks in critical areas.

5. Road Maintenance and New Outlets

Internal roads will undergo maintenance, and new exits will be created to allow vehicles to move more easily from residential areas to expressways.

6. Redeveloping Major Roads

The redevelopment of the Fourth Ring Road will be accelerated, and improvements will be made to sections of the Sixth and Seventh Ring Roads, including the addition of bridges to enhance traffic movement.

7. Towing Illegally Parked Vehicles

Vehicles parked illegally in front of schools, particularly those in second rows or prohibited areas, will be towed to prevent obstructions and ensure smoother traffic flow.

8. Relocating Private Schools

Private schools currently situated in residential areas will be relocated to reduce congestion, especially during peak hours.

9. Restricting New School Licenses

To prevent further congestion, a ban on issuing licenses for new schools or universities within residential neighborhoods will be enforced.

10. Flexible and Expanded Road Lanes

Flexible lanes will be introduced, and the number of lanes on key roads will be increased to better accommodate traffic, especially during peak hours.

Kuwait's labor market is experiencing significant shifts as over 30,000 domestic workers have applied for transfers to the private sector under a new decision by the Public Authority for Manpower. Experts predict this number could reach 40,000 before the September 12 deadline, highlighting deep-rooted issues within the country's labor market.

According to Bassam Al-Shammari, an expert in domestic labor affairs, the surge in transfer requests underscores persistent imbalances in the labor market. These imbalances stem from a regulatory framework that has restricted worker recruitment, leading to disruptions across economic sectors and a shortage of workforce availability.

The decision, issued by Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, allows domestic workers to transfer to the private sector under certain conditions. While the transfer decision provides some relief to the severe labor shortages in the private sector, it also exposes flaws in the Public Authority for Manpower's procedures.

Al-Shammari acknowledged several positives of the transfer decision, such as addressing the acute labor shortage and reducing disputes among domestic workers, which has alleviated pressure on expatriate workers’ shelters. However, he also warned of the potential risks, including worsening shortages in the domestic sector, which could have far-reaching implications for households relying on domestic help.

Al-Shammari has advocated for extending the transfer period beyond September 12 or even making the option permanent to better align with the labor market's needs. This approach, he argued, would support Kuwait’s vision of becoming a global financial and commercial hub by ensuring a more stable and efficient labor market.

To prevent a labor crisis in the domestic sector, Al-Shammari urged government agencies to expedite agreements with labor-exporting countries. Such agreements would help mitigate the potential negative impacts of the large-scale transfer of domestic workers to the private sector, ensuring a steady supply of labor to meet Kuwait's growing needs.

As scams become more sophisticated, the methods used by fraudsters are evolving, targeting unsuspecting individuals through various schemes, including real estate deception. A recent incident in Kuwait highlights how tech-savvy scammers exploit social media and fake identities to trick potential renters.

The Rise of Real Estate Scams

Real estate scams have become increasingly common, with fraudsters using platforms like TikTok to pose as legitimate agents. These scammers often create fake profiles, gain followers, and post videos of attractive properties to lure in potential victims.

A Pakistani family in Kuwait recently fell victim to such a scam, losing 100 dinars in the process. The young man, identified as M.G., recounted how he found an apartment through a TikTok video uploaded by a so-called real estate agent. The agent, who appeared legitimate with a significant following, offered the family an apartment in Ishbilya at an attractive rate of 180 dinars per month.

The family visited the apartment and found it to their liking. Trusting the agent, who had even shared a copy of his Civil ID and the apartment's PACI number, they paid a 100-dinar down payment through a provided link. However, when they attempted to finalize the deal and meet the landlord, the agent made excuses, insisting the remainder of the payment be made via the link.

Suspicious of the agent's demands, the family decided to meet the landlord in person. Upon arrival, they were shocked to learn that the landlord had no knowledge of the agent and had not authorized anyone to handle the property. Realizing they had been scammed, the family reported the incident to the police.

MG's case turned out to be part of a larger operation targeting vacant apartments across Kuwait. Scammers took videos and photos of PACI numbers and used them to create fake listings. The police informed MG that three other families had reported similar scams involving the same fake agent.

This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of online real estate transactions. Despite the allure of convenient digital deals, it is crucial to remain vigilant. Always verify the authenticity of agents and landlords through official channels and be wary of making payments through unverified links.

Kuwait's industrial sector has seen a drastic decline in financing, with local banks reporting a decrease of KD 40.7 million, or 53.5%, in June 2024. This decline has brought the total financing for the sector down to KD 35.3 million, a sharp drop from KD 76 million in May.

Monthly and Annual Financing Trends

On an annual basis, industrial financing has also decreased by KD 8.8 million, or 19.9%, from KD 44.1 million in June 2023. Despite these significant declines, the total financing for the industrial sector during the first half of 2024 reached KD 333 million. However, the accumulated balance of industrial financing from local banks fell by 0.9%, or KD 26 million, bringing the total down to KD 2.657 billion compared to KD 2.683 billion in May.

Overall Decline in Industrial Financing

In comparison to last year, the sector has faced a 5.1% annual decrease, equivalent to KD 143 million, dropping from KD 2.8 billion in June 2023. Data from the Central Bank of Kuwait highlights that overall monthly financing for the industrial sector in 2023 decreased by 31%, or KD 466 million, from KD 1.499 billion at the end of 2022 to KD 1.033 billion.

Challenges Facing the Industrial Sector

The industrial sector has been grappling with numerous challenges, particularly over the past three years. These challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have included disruptions in supply chains, production halts, and reduced demand. The sector also continues to face issues such as:

Lack of Developed Industrial Plots: Insufficient infrastructure hampers growth and expansion opportunities.

Bureaucratic Hurdles: Complicated regulations slow down project approvals and financing.

Limited Reliance on National Products: This reduces competitiveness and increases dependency on imports.

Absence of Export Facilities: Without adequate facilities, exporting Kuwaiti goods becomes challenging.

These factors contribute to increased factory rents and a reduction in financing available for industrial projects.

Credit Facilities Overview

Despite the decline in industrial financing, monthly credit facilities across all sectors increased by 3%, or KD 359.5 million, in the first half of 2024, rising from KD 11.708 billion in 2023 to KD 12.067 billion. However, credit facilities dropped annually by 11%, equivalent to KD 239.4 million, from KD 2.171 billion in June 2023 to KD 2.099 billion in June 2024.

Credit Facility Balances and Deposits

Cash credit facilities with banks increased by 4.2%, from KD 53.557 billion at the end of December 2023 to KD 55.8 billion in June 2024. Monthly balances rose by 0.9%, or KD 510.7 million, from KD 55.297 billion in May, and grew by 5.3% annually, compared to KD 52.983 billion in June 2023.

Central Bank data also revealed a 1.16% increase in deposits at local banks, rising by KD 569.2 million, from KD 48.727 billion in December 2023 to KD 49.29 billion in June 2024. Annual deposits increased by 3%, or KD 1.457 billion, from KD 47.839 billion in June 2023. Private sector deposits grew by 3.1%, or KD 1.15 billion, while public institution deposits fell by 13.4%, or KD 909.9 million.

As Kuwait's industrial sector navigates these challenging waters, understanding the factors contributing to the decline in financing is crucial for stakeholders. A focus on overcoming bureaucratic hurdles, enhancing infrastructure, and fostering a more competitive environment may pave the way for future growth.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance Kuwait's supply system and support subsidy reform initiatives, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is implementing tighter controls over subsidy distribution. These measures aim to reduce wastage and ensure that only those who truly qualify benefit from government subsidies. The new recommendations include a comprehensive review of supply records and closer collaboration with other government entities.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been instructed to work closely with the Ministry of Interior to link domestic worker sponsorships with the ration card system automatically. This integration will help keep the ration system up-to-date by excluding individuals who are no longer eligible for subsidies, such as those who have left the country or are no longer under valid sponsorship.

Recent discussions have highlighted concerns over the eligibility of domestic workers to receive full food rations. It has been noted that some rations may be distributed to individuals who do not deserve them, particularly in cases where domestic workers are registered under sponsors but may be working elsewhere, have fled, or have left the country without canceling their residencies.

A public opinion survey has led to several recommendations aimed at further improving the subsidy system. Among the suggestions is the need for rapid coordination with the Kuwait Municipality and other relevant authorities to allocate land for constructing multi-story buildings that will serve as points of sale and distribution for food supplies.

There is also a strong emphasis on maintaining and upgrading supply branch buildings. This includes improving the cleanliness of these facilities and enhancing storage and distribution capacities to meet growing demands. Additionally, there are calls to introduce online ordering and delivery services for food supplies, with a possibility of implementing car-based ordering and delivery options at supply branches.

Kuwait's push for tighter control over its subsidy system reflects a commitment to reducing wastage and ensuring that only eligible individuals benefit from government support. By implementing these measures and considering public recommendations, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is working towards a more efficient and equitable subsidy distribution system.

When a case of monkeypox is suspected, the treating physician must promptly notify the nearest preventive center by phone and submit a written report. The report, labeled "Rash For Investigation," should indicate whether the case is suspected, probable, or confirmed. This report must then be sent to the nearest preventive health center for further action.

The preventive health physician at the hospital or preventive center must immediately inform the head of public health services in the region. The infectious disease notification form, along with the case details, is then forwarded to the contact officer in the Infectious Disease Control Department via phone or WhatsApp. This ensures that all relevant departments are aware and can take necessary actions.

For suspected monkeypox cases requiring hospitalization, the following steps must be taken:

The preventive physician completes the investigation form.

The patient is isolated in a designated room with strict infection prevention measures in place.

The physician monitors the final laboratory results.

If confirmed, the case is managed according to the established protocols.

Non-Hospitalized Cases

If hospitalization is deemed unnecessary:

The investigation form is still completed by the preventive physician.

The patient receives health education to ensure home isolation and adherence to infection prevention measures.

The physician continues to monitor laboratory results.

Upon confirmation, the case is managed as per the standard protocols.

Managing Contacts of Confirmed Cases

The guidelines emphasize the importance of managing contacts of confirmed monkeypox cases. The preventive physician at the center associated with the contact’s residence is responsible for identifying and monitoring all contacts. This includes daily follow-ups for 21 days, either in person or via phone, to check for symptoms such as fever.

Contacts are provided with health education, focusing on recognizing symptoms, understanding transmission methods, and maintaining hygiene. If any contact develops symptoms, they are referred to the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment. Should the contact be confirmed as infected, the standard procedures are followed.

The Ministry of Health's guidelines ensure a robust response to monkeypox, focusing on prompt reporting, thorough case management, and vigilant monitoring of contacts. These measures are crucial for containing the spread of the virus and protecting public health in Kuwait.

With the appearance of the Suhail star on the southern horizon of the Arabian Peninsula by Saturday, August 24, Kuwait's unusually hot weather is set to improve. The Suhail star, often referred to as the "noble star" or "bright star" in the region, signifies the end of summer.

As Suhail makes its appearance, Kuwait will experience a gradual moderation in weather conditions. The intense summer heat will give way to cooler temperatures, and the duration of daylight will shorten while nights will become longer.

The emergence of Suhail also marks the beginning of the farming season in Kuwait. This period is traditionally associated with the start of the rain season and the harvest of dates, which are crucial for the local agriculture.

As the region transitions into a milder climate, residents can expect more moderate temperatures and reduced daytime heat. This change is welcome news for both the farming community and the general population, offering relief from the intense summer conditions.

In exciting news for travelers, the Sri Lankan government has introduced visa-free entry for citizens from 35 countries, including India, the UK, and the US, starting October 1, 2024. This move aims to boost tourism and facilitate easier access to the stunning island nation.

Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando confirmed the new policy, stating, "This visa-free entry will be available for a period of six months," as reported by news agency PTI. This decision follows an interim order by the Supreme Court on August 2, which led to the suspension of the e-visa portal managed by IVS-GBS and VFS Global.

Previously, Indian travelers enjoyed a free visa extension that ended on May 31, 2024. Post this period, they had to apply for an e-visa or opt for a visa on arrival. With the e-visa service currently suspended, Indian travelers can still opt for the visa-on-arrival option until the new visa-free regime begins on October 1. The current visa fee stands at $50 (approximately Rs 4,197).

The new visa-free access will apply to travelers from a broad range of countries. The full list includes:

• Europe: UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden
• Asia: India, China, US, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Nepal, Bahrain, Oman, Iran
• Others: Australia, Poland, Kazakhstan, Russia, Thailand, Canada, Czech Republic, Israel, Belarus, New Zealand

This initiative is expected to simplify travel arrangements and encourage more tourists to explore Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

For the latest updates and details about travel policies, travelers are encouraged to check official sources or consult with travel agencies.