Latest news with #Kuwaitization
Arab Times
a day ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Airport Terminal 2 Project Nears Completion
KUWAIT CITY, July 14: The Ministry of Public Works has announced that the Kuwait Airport Terminal 2 (T2) project is nearing completion and will soon be handed over to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) for full operation. The ministry emphasized its commitment to fully governing its projects, highlighting that all supervisory roles within its contracts have been Kuwaitized in collaboration with the Public Authority for Manpower. Assistant Undersecretary for Planning and Development and official spokesperson for the Ministry and the General Authority for Roads and Land Transport, Ahmed Al-Saleh, told Al-Akhbar channel on Kuwait TV that the ministry has several ongoing and planned projects, with Terminal 2 among its flagship developments. Al-Saleh praised Minister Noura Al-Mishaan's leadership, noting her active involvement in monitoring the airport project's progress and resolving any challenges to ensure timely completion. "Overcoming obstacles is the biggest part of implementing any project," he said, adding that the high completion rates reflect the effectiveness of the minister's hands-on approach. The terminal is currently operational, with final handover preparations underway. The ministry has implemented numerous measures to sustain project momentum, including developing a geographic information system (GIS) in partnership with the Public Authority for Civil Information. This system tracks key details across 12 Ministry of Public Works projects and six General Authority for Roads and Land Transport initiatives, such as project supervisors, contracts, and contractors, accessible through a centralized platform. Al-Saleh also highlighted Minister Al-Mishaan's commitment to Kuwaitizing supervisory and engineering positions within the ministry. A Kuwaitization unit was established last year in cooperation with the Public Authority for Manpower, encouraging Kuwaiti engineers to apply for supervisory roles. Currently, all project supervisors appointed by both the ministry and contractors are Kuwaiti nationals. "The ministry has fully Kuwaitized government contracts and their governance," Al-Saleh stated. "This is a major achievement, with governance now firmly embedded within the civil service framework. We are advancing toward complete governance of all our operations."
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Give the Bedouns passports, so they can walk through the world's slopes and partake of His provision
The recent government measures regarding those whose citizenships were revoked, whether obtained legally or fraudulently, are a step in the right direction toward easing their suffering. These actions have brought relief to many individuals and their families, and for that, we thank the ruler. There is no doubt that this can be achieved only by a great man committed to social stability and the restoration of the relationship between these people and their community. This would allow them to move freely and deal with their situations through legitimate means. Not long ago, I urged the government to carefully study the ramifications of its decisions before issuing them, to avoid unintended consequences that could worsen people's lives. Issuing decisions without thorough consideration risks turning well-intended benefits into major disasters. Had these factors been considered before revoking citizenship, those with extensive family and business ties could have better managed the transition. They could have avoided many of the negative consequences caused by the revocation and arranged their affairs more smoothly. It is no secret that the majority of those whose citizenship was revoked, excluding those proven to be forgers, experienced injustice, especially after their transactions were halted. This included being unable to withdraw money from banks, which severely affected their daily lives and their families' ability to meet basic needs. However, with the initiation of the final procedures, even if incomplete, these individuals have begun to feel some relief after a long period of hardship. Their only consolation now lies in the existence of a grievance committee to review their petitions and restore rights to those who can prove they deserve them. We live in a country that acts with humanity and keeps its doors open to all. Officials listen to every complaint, which builds great hope. We live in a country where people freely express their feelings for the nation, and their leaders listen and respond because they fear God in their country. In a related, and perhaps even more important, matter is the issue of the so-called 'Bedoun,' commonly referred to as 'illegal residents.' This group has been stuck in limbo for decades, like a snowball growing larger every day. The number of Bedoun residents continues to rise, while viable solutions remain elusive. At the same time, we face challenges with the Kuwaitization of jobs and the large number of non-Kuwaitis employed in state institutions. This Bedoun group understands the fabric of society and has made significant contributions in many fields, especially the fathers of some members, who defended Kuwait and sacrificed for it. Therefore, they have basic human rights, including the right to work and earn a decent living. They can be employed in various sectors, particularly in state institutions, to fill positions currently held by expatriates. Implementing this proposal would have multiple benefits, such as reducing security burdens and curbing the outflow of remittances abroad. The Bedoun residents would spend their earnings within Kuwait, which they regard as their only homeland. Employing them would not impose additional costs on the state, as the services they use already exist. Although rumors suggest the number of Bedoun residents is around 100,000, this figure does not align with the official count reported by the Central Agency for the Remedy of the Situations of Illegal Residents. The Ministry of Interior is aware of this. Employing this population would ease many burdens on the country. We must not forget that many Bedoun residents were born, raised, and educated in Kuwaiti schools. Some have excelled in various fields but were denied full human dignity. Many Bedoun residents immigrated to countries that granted them citizenship, where they found work and completed their education, only to return to Kuwait because they consider it their true home. Also, many Bedoun women are mothers to Kuwaiti children and share a deep attachment to Kuwait as their homeland. So why aren't Bedoun residents granted passports, like those whose citizenship has been revoked? Granting them full-term passports would allow them to travel freely to any country in search of work and livelihood. It is quite possible that many would regain their fathers' or grandfathers' citizenship once granted this freedom of movement, instead of continuing to live in poverty and with restricted mobility. It is well known that people are naturally friendly and do not like harm, but harsh circumstances can push them to commit a crime when they struggle to provide for their families. If restrictions tighten further, some may abandon their values and resort to illegal means to survive. First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah is deeply concerned about this issue. We thank him for his concern and pray for God's guidance and support in his efforts. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the repercussions and channel the energy of the Bedoun community for the benefit of society, rather than neglecting the issue and allowing crime to escalate. There is a fine line between harsh enforcement and maintaining security through the rule of law. Judges consistently uphold the spirit of the law, balancing justice with compassion and the public interest, especially here in Kuwait, a country known for its humanity. We therefore bring this matter to the attention of senior officials and urge them to devise a fair and just solution for this group of people, whose numbers have grown after the revocation of citizenship. Facilitating travel for the Bedoun residents could enable many to reconnect with their family roots in other countries.
Arab Times
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Islamic Affairs ministry moves to replace expats in Islamic Studies
KUWAIT CITY, June 14: As part of the national replacement process and in implementation of the Kuwaitization plan at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs based on the directives of Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr. Mohammad Al- Wasmi; the ministry notified some expatriate teachers in the Islamic Studies Sector about the termination of their services within three months, reports Al-Rai daily quoting an official source. The source pointed out that this move aims to give citizens an opportunity to join the teaching staff of the ministry after determining its manpower needs at the beginning of the next academic year. The source confirmed that 83 expatriate teachers in various departments at the Islamic Studies and Quranic Sciences Sector have been notified about the termination of their employment contracts effective Sept. 30. He explained, 'The ministry is keen on appointing nationals to the available teaching positions, particularly in Islamic Studies and Arabic language.' The source said the first batch of terminations includes 83 teachers in the aforementioned sector -- 18 in Ahmadi and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorates, 34 in Farwaniya and Jahra Governorates, and 31 in the Capital and Hawally Governorates. He revealed 'the ministry intends to reduce the number of expatriate teachers to control educational quality, rationalize spending, and provide opportunities for citizens wishing to work as teachers under it.' He added that the appointments will not be made until the surplus teaching staff is eliminated and a study on the manpower needs of the sector is completed. He stressed that as per the instruction of Al-Wasmi; the ministry is working hard to rationalize spending and implement the replacement plan, while halting the appointment of expatriates. He added the concerned authorities have been asked to specify their manpower needs and implement the Kuwaitization policy without disrupting the workflow.
Arab Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
215 Cooperatives, 97 Kuwaitis, And 118 Expats Referred For Prosecution
KUWAIT CITY, Jun 4: Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, has announced a sweeping crackdown on mismanagement and corruption within Kuwait's cooperative sector, underscoring the ministry's commitment to financial integrity and the protection of public funds. Dr. Al-Huwailah revealed that, since taking office, the ministry has dissolved the boards of 15 cooperative societies due to documented violations cited in official oversight reports. "This phase marks a critical step in correcting systemic flaws and ensuring that all violators are held fully accountable," she said. "There will be no exceptions when it comes to safeguarding public interest." As part of the ministry's anti-corruption initiative, 97 Kuwaiti nationals—including board members and staff of cooperative societies have been referred to the Public Prosecution, along with 118 expat employees. Dr. Al-Huwailah emphasized that these actions are rooted in a firm policy of zero tolerance toward financial and administrative misconduct. Additionally, 19 financial and administrative auditors overseeing cooperatives that are currently facing dissolution are under investigation. Two have already been penalized, with inquiries ongoing into the others. The ministry is also undertaking a comprehensive review of its auditing processes and performance evaluation systems. A National Priority Dr. Al-Huwailah stressed that enhancing transparency and improving regulatory oversight is now a national imperative. Recent amendments to Kuwait's financial disclosure laws, part of the "Integrity" framework, aim to bolster institutional accountability, not only in cooperatives but also in charitable and other public-facing sectors. 'Cooperative societies are vital to our national economy and social stability,' she said. 'We are determined to ensure these institutions continue to provide high-quality goods and services at fair prices while maintaining rigorous governance standards.' She made it clear that the ministry will not hesitate to refer anyone to legal authorities if found guilty of misusing public funds or committing administrative or financial violations. Legislative and Structural Reforms Underway The minister outlined a multi-pronged strategy to revamp the cooperative sector, which includes: Updating Legislation: Overhauling laws to reflect current needs and best practices.n Implementing Kuwaitization: E nforcing policies to prioritize hiring Kuwaiti nationals in supervisory roles within cooperatives.n Supporting National Products: Requiring cooperatives to purchase locally grown produce directly from farmers, eliminating intermediaries.n Regulating Cooperative Operations: Strengthening oversight to detect and prevent violations.n Promoting Sustainable Development: Encouraging cooperatives to play a more active role in community service and economic growth.n Protecting Shareholders' Funds: Enforcing stricter financial controls with no room for compromise.n Dr. Al-Huwailah also highlighted the ministry's collaboration with cooperative societies to uphold legal compliance, urging full cooperation with inspectors and auditing teams. She emphasized the importance of budget discipline and urged strict adherence to the financial limits approved by the General Assembly and the Ministry. Empowering National Talent and Entrepreneurs The minister reiterated the importance of national talent in revitalizing the cooperative sector and called on cooperatives to support Kuwait's workforce development initiatives. As part of the Kuwaitization policy, cooperatives have been instructed to promptly report vacancies in supervisory positions to the Ministry. In support of local entrepreneurship, Dr. Al-Huwailah reaffirmed the ministry's backing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), calling them a cornerstone of economic resilience. "Strengthening ties between cooperatives and SMEs will not only support national economic goals but also boost food and consumer security," she noted. Moreover, the minister emphasized the importance of upholding hygiene and health regulations in cooperative operations, ensuring legal labor practices, and curbing marginal labor. Reforming the Cooperative Work Environment Dr. Al-Huwailah concluded by reaffirming the ministry's unwavering resolve to clean up the cooperative sector. 'We will continue to enforce strict regulations and legislative reforms to preserve the societal and economic value of these institutions,' she stated. 'Our ultimate goal is to build a transparent, sustainable, and community-driven cooperative system.'
Arab Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Row erupts over reinstatement of many expat judicial officials
KUWAIT CITY, May 3: Former Director of the Legal Research and Grievances Department at the Ministry of Education and incumbent Human Resources Supervisor Saud Al-Jassar has submitted a formal complaint to Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairman Dr. Essam Al-Rubaian on the alleged contravention of governmental mandates on the nationalization of legal jobs. This complaint arises from the decision of the ministry to reinstate several expatriate legal researchers one year after their dismissal as per the Kuwaitization policy. Al-Jassar pointed out that the initial terminations were under the directives of the Council of Ministers and the CSC to prioritize citizens, particularly in legal positions. He said these terminations achieved legal inviolability after the expiration of the specified appeal period. He alleged the CSC violated these mandates by authorizing the reassignment of Kuwaiti legal professionals to general administrative roles, concurrently sanctioning the reinstatement of expatriates into legal positions. He argued 'this action is deemed a reversal of the established replacement policy, undermining the government's intention to Kuwaitize legal positions.' According to Al-Jassar, this measure not only challenges high-level State directives, but also constitutes a clear breach of CSC Resolution No. 11/2017 and contradicts the statements published by CSC in local media on Feb 3, 2025. He said 'these prior statements affirmed the termination of numerous expatriate contracts and indicated that contracts for expatriates in non-essential government roles would not be extended beyond March 31.' He also affirmed the availability of more than 370 Kuwaiti legal researchers in educational districts and additional qualified Kuwaiti applicants seeking legal sector employment; hence, questioning the rationale behind the expatriate reinstatements. He also criticized the involuntary transfer of Kuwaiti legal professionals to administrative roles, which is inconsistent with their academic qualifications and experience. He wondered why national expertise is marginalized while expatriate personnel are re-engaged in legal capacities. He said the official correspondence of the CSC typically precludes reinstatement of Kuwaiti personnel following termination and the lapse of the legal appeal period. 'However, the long-expired termination of expatriates is being reversed, raising questions on equality and legal consistency. CSC Circular No. 15/2000 prohibits the revocation of valid termination decisions after the legal appeal period. The CSC chairman must take legal measures to rectify such a violation of legal and national directives,' he asserted.
