Notice Board

Kuwaiti stores will close if prices rise

 
 
 

In the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Faisal Al-Ansari, Director of the Technical Department for Supervising Goods and Determining Their Prices, confirmed that 160 central markets and commercial stores in Shuwaikh Industrial Area were monitored by the Price Monitoring Team, in which the owners promised not to raise prices to take advantage of citizens' salary increases. According to Al-Ansari, the team focused on stores selling food, tea, coffee, dates, cardamom, and other items that are in demand during the new year.

When the ministry's decisions are violated and prices are raised, the store owners will be referred to the Commercial Prosecution if they violate the rules. He added: “We informed the store owners about the need to coordinate with the ministry in the event of any price increase by the exporting body, so that they do not commit a violation which could lead to the closure of the commercial establishments. In order to survey the markets and monitor prices, I submitted an action plan to the ministry's officials."

Since the ministry is intensifying inspection tours and price monitoring operations, it will not hesitate to impose the maximum penalty on those who abuse the salary increments granted to citizens by raising prices. If consumers are victims of commercial fraud or violations, he advised that they should visit a center affiliated with the Commercial Control and Consumer Protection Sector or call the Hotline. You can contact the ministry by WhatsApp at 55135135 or through the ministry's electronic platform at 135 or via the ministry's electronic platform.

 
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Doctors Mitigate Concerns About Corona's New Variant

 
 
 

Reports Al-Qabas daily say doctors specializing in preventive health are assuring the public that the new Coronavirus variant - 'JN.1' - poses no threat since it causes mild symptoms, a low hospitalization rate and often leads to rapid recovery. These doctors told the daily that the medical teams in the country have vast experience and are efficiently dealing with any health development. They pointed out that the whole world has obtained immunity and the vaccines in Kuwait are good.

They advised those with serious diseases to take precautionary health measures, such as reducing contact if symptoms similar to seasonal influenza and others appear. Preventive health physician and general practitioner at Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (KIPIC) Dr Khaled Al-Hajri affirmed that “the health situation in Kuwait is under control and does not cause concern, according to the latest reports issued by the Ministry of Health.” He reiterated that the virus, despite its mutations, remains under the supervision of specialized medical teams, indicating that preliminary studies have shown the new variant is not as dangerous as some expect. He advised everyone to take the necessary precautions, especially among groups most at risk such as the elderly and people with immune diseases, calling on them in particular to continue wearing masks in gathering places and closed areas as a preventive measure.

While he underscored the importance of getting winter vaccinations, which are the primary line of defense against the virus and its variants; he confirmed the continuous monitoring of the health situation in the country. He said the Health Ministry is working side by side with international bodies to ensure an effective response to any development. Another public health doctor — Ahmad Al-Otaibi — said the new variant is derived from Omicron and has been spreading for some time now. He added the symptoms of most cases are mild and the rate of hospitalization is very low. He told the daily that vaccination works efficiently and the only thing required is to monitor the symptoms if they develop into difficulty breathing. He also emphasized the importance of taking the influenza vaccine as a preventive measure.

He disclosed that the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a statement, indicating that “JN.1’ is the reason behind the increasing number of infections in the United States and that the variant is either more contagious or better at evading the immune systems in our bodies than other variants.” He then pointed out that there is no evidence JN.1 causes more serious symptoms than other variants, asserting there are no symptoms specific to JN.1. He said the initial symptoms are the same as the other newer variants, such as sore or itchy throat, fatigue, headache, and cough.

 

 
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New Rules for Appointing Expatriate Teachers in Kuwait

 
 
 

In a recent update, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has communicated new guidelines to the Ministry of Education regarding the appointment of expatriate teachers, specifically targeting disciplines where local talent is scarce.

As per the revised regulations, expatriate teachers must hold a certification level classified as "very good," coupled with meeting the minimum academic requirements. It is essential that any academic qualifications acquired outside Kuwait be officially documented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kuwait.

 

 
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Kuwait is bracing for a drop in temperature as the 'Shoula' star takes to the skies

 
 
 

The Al-Ujairi Scientific Center has issued a notification regarding an expected nighttime temperature drop in open areas, signaling the onset of intensified cold from January 2nd as the celestial 'Shoula' star makes its appearance in the Kuwaiti sky.

According to the center, the Shoula Star will be visible for approximately 13 days, commencing on January 2nd. On the first day of Shoula, sunrise is slated for 6:43 am, with sunset at 5:10 pm. Nighttime is expected to surpass daylight hours, with an average duration of around 13 hours and 42 minutes.

 

 
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In 2023, Earth had its hottest year in 125,000 years

 
 
 

 

Earth has officially experienced its hottest year since record-keeping began, perhaps the hottest in 125,000 years. Scientists have anticipated this moment for months. As per Gavin Schmidt, a scientist at NASA, December data is yet to be official, but the results were deemed “locked in” by mid-December, considering six consecutive months of exceptionally high temperatures.

December cannot bring about a significant cold shift significant enough to affect the final results due to the warmth experienced throughout the year. The warming trend has raised concerns among experts, with Berkeley Earth's Robert Rohde noting in mid-December that 2023 cannot be anything but the hottest year on record.

Various renowned organizations, including NASA, Copernicus Climate Change Services, and NOAA, are expected to confirm the record as the "warmest year on record" soon.

In recent decades, climate experts have been concerned about unprecedented temperatures, reaching back millions of years. According to meteorologist Michael Mann, there is still time to prevent devastating climate consequences, but the window is closing.

Since 2014, NASA and NOAA consistently report that global average temperatures have been higher than during the previous century. Following a record-breaking year in 2016, which was influenced by El Nio, 2020 matched its record warmth.

Maritime heat waves and a developing El Nio in 2023 led scientists to predict significant temperature increases compared to the last century. In November, NOAA reported a global surface temperature 2.07 degrees Fahrenheit above the 1901-2000 average, surpassing the 2016 average.

The remaining question is how much warmer 2023 will be, as global agencies are due to conclude their final analyses in two weeks.

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and global institutions emphasize the need to limit the long-term global average temperature increase. Temperatures should not exceed 1.5 - 2.0 degrees Celsius in order to avoid severe outcomes.

A number of strategies are used to measure global average temperature, including weather stations, ocean temperature readings, and satellite data. In the absence of substantial efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the alarming trend of rising temperatures will persist.

It is expected that 2024 will be another record-breaking year, with a strong El Nio contributing to elevated global temperatures. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the five-year period from 2023 to 2027 was the warmest on record.

Each month in 2023 broke temperature records, with Earth experiencing 547 consecutive months when temperatures exceeded the 20th-century average. Heat waves influenced by climate change affected various regions globally, including the southern coast of the U.S., in May.

Besides soaring air temperatures, ocean temperatures have reached new records, causing coral bleaching in the Florida Keys. Over the course of decades, the oceans have become warmer due to the absorption of excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions.

The year 2023 also saw the return of El Niño, contributing to heightened ocean heat. In January 2022, the Hunga Tonga - Hunga Ha'apai volcano eruption released a large amount of water vapor, which scientists are investigating for the potential effects on Earth's warming.

 
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Message from Indian Ambassador on New Year

 
 
 

On the occasion of the New Year 2024, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the leadership and people of Kuwait, especially the large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait. I believe with the advent of 2024, Kuwait will enter a new era of development and prosperity under the visionary leadership of the Amir His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the prospective new Government.

I am also confident the bilateral relations between India and Kuwait will achieve new heights during this year. As we start a new year with a new hope, I wish good health, success and happiness to all.

 
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In Kuwait, egg prices are rising

 
 
 

Kuwait Society for Consumer Protection President Khaled Al-Subaie pointed out that egg prices have risen recently on local markets. According to Al-Anba daily, the surge is caused by some merchants opting to sell only minimal quantities of eggs in cooperative societies, while substantial quantities of eggs are diverted to parallel markets.

According to Al-Subaie, the Ministry of Trade and Industry has set the price for a tray of eggs in cooperative societies at one dinar and 210 fils, with close monitoring of prices within cooperatives. On the other hand, he noted that the price of a tray of eggs in alternative outlets like parallel markets varies between one dinar and 400 fils, one and a half dinars, and more.

Angry, Al-Subaie urged cooperatives to file complaints with the relevant authorities against companies that hinder or reduce the availability of their egg products.

Additionally, Al-Subaie expressed surprise over previous decisions by authorities prohibiting egg exports during specific periods, except for licensed national farms and chicken and egg producers. He found such decisions contradictory, as they both prohibited and allowed export simultaneously. Additionally, he suggested that export subsidies for eggs should be deducted from exporting companies during times of abundant production and low demand.

 
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Expats in Kuwait can work part-time in the private sector

 
 
 

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has issued a ministerial decision on allowing private sector employees to work part-time for a third party (another employer) on the condition that they obtain approval from the original employer.

The decision aligns with the provisions of the Council of Ministers’ resolution on addressing the demographic imbalance issue. It stipulates that employees in the private sector can now engage in part-time work with another employer for a maximum of four hours per day, provided they obtain a part-time work permit from the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM). It exempts the contracting sector from the maximum hour’s condition due to the market’s manpower needs. This decision aims to take advantage of the skills and experience of the workforce inside Kuwait as an alternative to guaranteeing rights over recruitment, which contributes to addressing the demographic imbalance issue and meeting the labor market needs in the current period. The decision shall take effect at the beginning of January 2024, so employers can develop their businesses.

This step contributes to investing in the strength of existing workers in a bid to meet the manpower needs of the labor market. In addition, PAM continues to take the necessary steps to regulate the labor market and cover its manpower needs. Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled has also instructed PAM to allow employers to permit a group of their employees to work remotely; that is if the employees can complete their tasks without the need to be present at the workplace by the regulations laid down by the authority for employers and employees in the private sector.

These decisions and directives aim to support employers and develop work mechanisms in the private sector in line with technological developments and to improve the business environment, as well as enable employers to grow their businesses and meet the needs of the Kuwaiti market.

 
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JN.1 Mutant Discovered in Kuwait

 
 
 

In Kuwait, the emergence of the "JN.1" sub-mutant of the Corona virus has been reported, though health officials emphasize that there is no cause for concern, as the appearance of such variants is anticipated.

To address the evolving situation, the Ministry of Health is distributing an updated version of the Covid vaccine across 42 health centers. This vaccine is designed to cover the dominant strains of the virus. Health authorities are specifically urging individuals aged 60 and above, those with chronic diseases, and individuals with adult immunodeficiency diseases to take the vaccine.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed that the "JN.1" variant is responsible for approximately 20 percent of new Covid-19 infections. The CDC notes that this particular strain is the fastest spreading variant of the virus and is already widespread in the northeast region of the United States.

The "JN.1" variant is a descendant of "BA.2.86," also known as "Pirola." This submutant garnered global attention during the summer due to significant changes in its spinal proteins.

 
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Kuwait has launched an online platform for renewing car and motorcycle insurance

 
 
 

The Kuwait Insurance Regulatory Unit made a significant announcement on Wednesday regarding the launch of a dedicated website for the issuance and renewal of mandatory third-party motor insurance certificates for private cars and motorcycles, effective January 1, 2024.

The website, accessible at beema.iru.gov.kw, provides a user-friendly platform for car and motorcycle owners to effortlessly obtain new insurance certificates or renew existing ones, as highlighted by Mohammad Al-Otaibi, the Head of the IRU, in a recent press statement.

This initiative aligns with the state's comprehensive strategy for the digital transformation of government services, emphasizing the commitment to modernize and streamline essential processes.

During the initial pilot phase of the website, owners of cars and motorcycles will have the flexibility to choose between renewing their insurance documents online via the website or opting for in-person renewal at the offices of authorized insurance firms throughout the country.

 
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After a woman died on board, an Indian airline makes an emergency landing

 
 
 

A SpiceJet flight traveling from Darbhanga to Mumbai had to make an emergency landing in Varanasi after an 85-year-old woman died on board. In addition to Kalawati Devi, her grandson was also on SpiceJet flight SG 116 when she died. The distressing event unfolded after the flight departed from Darbhanga airport at 5:40 p.m. as the aircraft covered some distance, Kalawati Devi's health began to deteriorate.

Upon approaching the airspace of Uttar Pradesh, the pilot immediately contacted Varanasi's Air Traffic Control (ATC) to request permission to land. The aircraft safely landed at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi at 6 p.m. Medical assistance was provided immediately, and the elderly woman was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts, doctors at the hospital declared her dead.

Due to the emergency, SpiceJet's flight from Varanasi eventually resumed its journey to Mumbai at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. The incident illustrates the challenges of managing in-flight emergencies for passenger safety and well-being.

 
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The Ministry of Interior will open an airport police station on Thursday

 
 
 

The Ministry of Interior will open its first police station at Kuwait international Airport Terminal (T1) on Thursday, December 28th.

The airport police station will be working around the clock, to provide comprehensive security services to citizens and residents.

The Ministry of Interior also informed that based on the instruction from the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, there is a comprehensive plan to develop police stations in various regions across the country in order to improve the security services.

 
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The Gulf Train is scheduled to begin operations in 2028

 
 
 

The Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport has progressed significantly in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries’ railway project. The committee responsible for evaluating consulting office tender bids has concluded its assessment, recommending the selected global office that won the tender. This marks a crucial step as the authority moves forward to prepare the necessary tender documents and initiate the project’s implementation shortly.

Khaled Dhawi, Acting Director General of the Roads and Land Transport Authority announced the completion of the evaluation of technical offers for the Gulf Railway Project’s advisory study tender. The authority has recommended a global office based on technical criteria and the lowest price. The advisory study is set for 12 months, followed by a 30-month project implementation tender. The proposed timeline indicates the completion of Kuwait’s segment by the end of 2028. Ten international consulting offices competed, with the study committee endorsing the technically proficient and cost-effective bidder. The Authority had earlier finalized conditions for the detailed study and design project, launching the consultative tender for design on January 15th.

He mentioned that the Gulf railway route spans approximately 2,117 kilometers, commencing from Kuwait in the north, traversing all Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and concluding in Muscat, Oman, to the south. The initial stage, related to Kuwait, stretches 111 kilometers from the Nuwaiseeb center on the southern Kuwait-Saudi Arabia border to the main passenger terminal in Al-Shaddadiya, located behind Kuwait International Airport.

The train’s operational speed is set at 200 kilometers per hour, with diesel as the designated fuel as per the GCC agreement. The single-track railway accommodates both passenger and cargo transportation, featuring a right-of-way spanning 200 meters.

The project’s inception dates back to 2009, initiated by the decision of the Cooperation Council Heads of State Summit, endorsing the proposal to establish the railway. Emphasizing its significance, the project acts as a crucial link connecting GCC countries, streamlining the transportation of goods and passengers among them.

  1. Facilitating trade and economic collaboration in land transport for passengers and goods among GCC nations.
  2. Fostering the growth of local and Gulf economies while creating investment opportunities.
  3. Cultivating social bonds between the GCC country’s citizens.
  4. Cutting the expenses associated with transporting goods and passengers.
  5. Minimizing road maintenance costs and promoting sustainability by reducing vehicular traffic.
  6. Mitigating carbon emissions by decreasing the reliance on trucks for transporting goods.
  7. Lowering the occurrence of traffic accidents through a reduction in passenger and goods trips on roads.
  8. Opening up labor markets and enhancing transportation services across GCC countries.
  9. Aligning with the objectives of Kuwait Vision 2035.
  10. Initiating the redevelopment of areas adjoining the railway track.
  11. Generating new employment opportunities for citizens.

Originally, the General Authority for Public-Private Partnership Projects undertook the study and execution of the project, conducting a feasibility study in 2016.

The envisioned implementation approach involved a partnership with the private sector, utilizing the Design-Build method. However, a significant development occurred with Cabinet Resolution 1249/2021, which reassigned the project, along with all its components and stages, to the “Roads” Authority.

 
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Caution: Do not feed stray dogs

 
 
 

The Director of the Department of Animal Health at the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) Abdullah Al-Badhal denied the rumors that claim a girl died of a stray dog attack, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

In a press statement, Al-Badhal clarified that the victim received the necessary medical treatment and left the clinic on the same day. This fact has been confirmed by both the clinic and the police station of the area. He revealed that the girl was not bitten by a stray dog but by a pitbull. Al-Badhal explained that the Department of Animal Health at PAAAFR works hard with full capacity to deal with stray dogs. About five trucks have been allocated for collecting the stray dogs.

Almost 1,600 to 1,700 stray dogs have been collected in the last five months and they have been kept in a shelter located in Fahaheel. A specific plan is laid down to put an end to the phenomenon of the growing number of stray dogs. He called upon citizens and residents to put an end to the attitude of helping stray dogs to multiply, such as by feeding them and allocating specific places to offer food to them. Meanwhile, PAAAFR received over 5,000 complaints about stray dogs in the last five years.

Statement
It had earlier issued a statement to stress that stray dogs in Kuwait come from remote and isolated areas where there are a large number of them. It revealed that it has a strategy to minimize the number of stray dogs by providing adequate shelters where both the male and female dogs are neutered and spayed, given vaccinations against rabies, and rehabilitated in preparation to be handed over to the concerned societies and volunteers for adoption. PAAAFR highlighted the coordination with the concerned animal care associations.

In the Letter No. 4554 sent on March 14, 2021, PAAAFR addressed the Municipal Council to allocate plots in Wafra and Abdali areas to be used as shelters for stray dogs . PAAAFR said it met with the relevant committee of the Municipal Council in September during which the request was approved. Procedures are ongoing to impose more requirements to importing dogs and encourage the adoption of rehabilitated dogs from the shelters run by PAAAFR. PAAAFR indicated that it is preparing a plan currently to minimize the number of stray dogs, especially in residential areas but this plan is not a sustainable one. It clarified that coordination is ongoing with the Financial Affairs Department to lay down a sustainable strategy for this purpose. PAAAFR explained that exporting stray dogs is part of the solution but such an action is not part of the responsibility of official institutions.

 
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Kuwait is gripped by a nurse shortage, and a member of parliament has called for immediate action

 
 
 

MP Osama Al-Shaheen has forwarded queries to Minister of Social Affairs and State Minister for Family, Women and Children Affairs Sheikh Feras Al-Sabah about Article 42bis of Disabled Law No. 73/2020; which stipulates granting full indemnity to employees with medium and severe disabilities, as well as those taking care of them.

Al-Shaheen wants to know the number of individuals covered by this Article (the disabled and those appointed to take care of them) who have retired since the ratification of Law No. 8/2010 and its amendment — Law No. 73/2020.

He also asked Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research Adel Al- Manea why the heads of departments in adult and illiteracy schools are excluded from the special salaries allocated for teachers and heads of departments in regular schools even if they carry out the same tasks like teaching, preparing exam questions and lesson plans.

MP Jarrah Al-Fawzan asked Minister of Commerce and Industry and State Minister for Youth Affairs Muhammad Al-Aiban about the rationale behind allowing the representatives of companies to check the quality and descriptions of products at the Public Authority for Industry (PAI); legal basis of this step; list of such companies including the services they provide; and if PAI’s laboratories are capable of checking commodities like food, oil, toys and others. If yes, he wants to know when PAI started checking local and imported commodities and fees collected for this process. He also inquired if the Ministry of Commerce and Industry collects fees from the companies for allowing their representatives to check the quality and descriptions of products at the headquarters of PAI.

MP Meteb Ayed Al-Anzi asked Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research Adel Al-Manea about the budget allocated for the charity fund that shoulders the expenses of Bedoun and needy students in the last three years; number of beneficiaries; number of rejected applicants; criteria for approving applications; institutions supporting the charity fund; amount of their donations; list of donor institutions and schools receiving a certain percentage of the budget of the fund.

MP Hamad Al-Matar asked Minister of Health Ahmed Al-Awadhi about the factors that led to the shortage of nurses in public hospitals, plan of the ministry to address such shortage, if the ministry asked its Higher Education and Scientific Research counterpart to allocate more seats for students who want to take nursing and copies of related correspondences if the answer is ‘yes’.

MP Mehalhal Al-Mudhaf asked Minister of Commerce and Industry and State Minister for Youth Affairs Mohammad Al-Aiban to provide him with the list of companies authorized to export petroleum derivatives and diesel, and copies of the licenses that PAI granted to them. He also inquired about the number of vacant senior positions at Kuwait General Administration for Customs (KGAC) since Al-Aiban assumed office compared to the total number of leadership positions.

 
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Four Companies Suspended In Kuwait For Money Laundering

 
 
 

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Department conducted approximately 936 inspections of real estate, exchange, and jewelry companies in the first nine months of 2023, averaging four inspections per day. A total of 372 field visits were made to real estate companies, 92 rounds were made to exchange companies, and 472 rounds were made to jewelry companies during this period. The Ministry of Commerce reports that within nine months, the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Department suspended the activities of four companies, including a real estate firm, two exchange firms, and a jewelry firm.


In addition, eight companies' licenses were lifted simultaneously, including two real estate companies, an exchange company, and five jewelry shops. The department blocked 27 websites during the same period, and around 1.87 thousand transactions relating to money laundering were recorded. It includes 1,28 thousand real estate transactions, 41 transactions for exchange companies, and 550 transactions for jewelry companies.

A total of 284 transactions were conducted by the Anti-Money Laundering Department within nine months, including 1.65 thousand real estate transactions, 136 exchange transactions, and 1.05 thousand jewelry transactions. In June, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry initiated a campaign using electronic platforms, particularly the Sahl application and e-mail, to raise awareness among local companies and commercial institutions about financial crimes.

Businesses were sent awareness messages about the dangers of money laundering and terrorist financing, emphasizing the need to secure financial transactions and protect institutions from these threats. During the nine months, inspections were conducted to ensure compliance with the provisions of Law No. 106 of 2013 on money laundering and terrorist financing, Ministerial Resolution No. 37 of 2013, and Ministerial Resolution No. 431 of 2016. Data and procedures were inspected, documents examined, customer information updated, and documents examined. To strengthen the Ministry's supervisory role in dealing with electronic risks related to combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and consumer protection, the Ministry of Commerce and the Communications and Information Technology Commission signed a memorandum of understanding in late November. A detailed description of the services provided by the Communications Authority related to the blocking and unblocking of social media accounts, websites, and electronic applications is contained in this agreement, as well as the responsibilities of all parties involved.

 
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Reduced Ultra Gasoline Prices

 
 
 

In accordance with international prices, the committee charged with reviewing various subsidies decided to reduce the price of Ultra gasoline by 14 percent, or 35 fils, for three months starting in January, reports Al-Anba daily.

There is no change in the price of other fuels: The committee decided to retain the prices of other types of fuel: the price of a liter of premium gasoline is 85 fils, special gasoline is 105 fils, diesel is 115 fils and kerosene is 115 fils. according to sources.

 
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For New Year's Eve security, a large security presence is planned in Kuwait

 
 
 

The Ministry of Interior has prepared a comprehensive plan to maintain security and discipline, and deter any attempt to violate the laws, as per the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled.

Assistant Undersecretary for Public Security, Traffic, Operations, Correctional Institutions and Judgments Execution Major General Abdullah Al-Rajaib announced that the abovementioned security plan is for the New Year holiday, during which there will be heavy security presence in all locations to take the necessary precautionary measures in order to maintain public order and protect lives and properties. He said: “During the New Year holiday, there will be an emphasis on all elements of the delegated security forces participating in the security plan. They have been instructed to be at their designated stations and carry out their tasks efficiently to ensure the safety of everyone.” He added the total number of security patrols assigned in various governorates reached 310 with around 1,950 security personnel assigned in different parts of the country.

He stressed that like in previous years, the Public Security Affairs Sector assigned security patrols in front of churches and mobile patrols in and near these places. “We have eight churches – two in the Capital Governorate, four in Hawally and two in Ahmadi. These are the focus areas in addition to the chalets, desert, coastal strip, Abdally farms, famous commercial complexes, markets, parks, public gardens and others. We have coordinated with other entities to ensure the safety of everyone. There will be heavy presence of public security, traffic, rescue and investigation patrols in crowded places; in addition to the participation of other agencies, such as medical emergency and Kuwait Municipality that will work according to their capabilities,” he explained.

On instructions for communities and churchgoers, Al-Rajaib explained that the ministry always warns and advises citizens and expatiates to respect the laws and directives of the ministry and other concerned authorities. He said: “Everyone must adhere to public values and morals. They should not deviate from public order and avoid engaging in acts punishable by law in order not to be subjected to various penalties like deportation and imprisonment.”

He added security officers will be stationed in different areas like the chalets, beaches, Subiya, end of Jaber Bridge and desert to prevent the violation of public morals. He said Sabah Al-Ahmad Marine Police Station and Wafra Police Station will also carry out their duties in maintaining security and public order; stressing all the participating security services will conduct inspections to monitor violations or manifestations of violation of public morals. He warned that all those proven to have committed violations will be dealt with as per the law.

About the reckless activities along highways such as Wafra and Salmi, he asserted there will be a strict mechanism to prevent such activities as all the concerned patrols have been instructed to prevent the gatherings of vehicles and individuals who engage in reckless acts that endanger their lives and that of other people. “If any of these reckless people are caught, they will be referred to the concerned authorities, along with their vehicles,” he stressed.

 
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The Indian Embassy Is Having A Christmas Vacation

 
 
 

The Embassy of India in Kuwait will remain closed on Monday, December 25th, for Christmas, the Embassy informed us in a notice. However, the emergency consular service will be available, it added.

Meanwhile, all the three BLS Consular application centers will continue to work as usual.

 
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Investigating Investment Opportunities in India for Non-Resident Indians

 
 
 

CA Surin Gandhi is a Senior Investment Analyst employed with Astrolabe Holding Company. He serves as a Committee member of The Kuwait Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (KCICAI).

Arab Times: What are the stipulated limits for the amount of money and gold an NRI can carry when visiting India?

Gandhi: For Cash, an NRI can carry up to USD 10,000 or its equivalent in foreign currency without customs declaration.

For Gold, a male passenger is allowed to carry a maximum of 20 gms, which doesn’t cost more than Rs. 50,000 and a female passenger can carry a maximum of 40 gms which should not cost more than Rs. 1 lakh as a duty-free allowance.   

Arab Times: Is the salary transferred to an NRI account taxable if you are working from home in India?

Gandhi: If an NRI is working from home in India, the tax implications would depend on various factors, including the duration of stay in India and the residential status. If the person is working remotely for a foreign employer, his/her salary earned outside India is generally not taxable in India. However, if he/she is physically present in India for more than 182 days in a financial year while working remotely, full salary is taxable in India.

Arab Times: What must NRIs do after returning to India for good? (Bank notification)

Gandhi: Upon returning to India for good, an NRI must notify his/her bank within 30 days about the change in residential status. They need to convert their NRI accounts to resident accounts or open new resident accounts. Provide necessary documents to the bank as per RBI guidelines.

Arab Times: What is the process for NRIs to file tax returns, and are there specific guidelines or requirements that need clarification in this regard?

Gandhi: NRIs with taxable income in India if such income exceeds the basic exemption limit, need to file income tax returns before July 31st of the following year. The process involves obtaining a Permanent Account Number (PAN), filing the return online on the portal, and fulfilling other compliance requirements as necessary.

Arab Times: What emerging investment opportunities are available for NRIs beyond traditional choices like real estate and gold?

Gandhi: India’s financial landscape is evolving, and there are diverse investment options beyond traditional choices. For NRIs looking to invest outside real estate and gold, they can consider:

  • Equity markets and Mutual Funds
  • Startups and SMEs: Invest in high-growth Indian businesses through angel investing or venture capital funds.
  • Infrastructure Bonds: Offer attractive returns with government backing and contribute to India’s development.
  • Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs): Provide access to diverse assets like private equity, debt, and real estate with higher potential returns.

Arab Times: What are the challenges and issues that NRIs can face while investing in real estate in India?

Gandhi: NRIs may face challenges such as legal complexities, delays in property transactions, lack of physical presence to manage property, currency fluctuations, and lack of transparency in real estate transactions. It is crucial to conduct thorough due diligence and seek legal advice before investing.

Arab Times: What recommendations are advised for NRIs facing a limited timeframe stay in India due to delays in government processes?

  • Appoint a trustworthy power of attorney to manage your affairs in your absence.
  • Plan investments carefully, and consider short-term liquid investment options such as mutual funds or bonds that are easy to encash. Be aware of the regulatory and procedural delays.
  • Consider renting instead of buying property unless you have a long-term commitment.
  • Seek professional advice from registered wealth advisors

Arab Times: How can NRIs avoid double taxation, and where exactly do Indians end up paying taxes twice?

Gandhi: NRIs can avoid double taxation by utilizing Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA), claiming foreign tax credits, and understanding the residential status. It is advisable to seek advice from a tax consultant to ensure compliance with applicable tax treaties and take advantage of available DTAA exemptions.

Arab Times: What are the restrictions for NRIs in India in terms of investments in India?

Gandhi: While NRIs have various investment options, there may be restrictions on certain sectors as regulated by FEMA guidelines. Some of these include:

  • NRIs cannot invest in agricultural land or purchase agricultural properties directly.
  • Certain restrictions apply to investments in sensitive sectors like defense and atomic energy.
 
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IFL  - Kuwait 2024