215 Cooperatives, 97 Kuwaitis, And 118 Expats Referred For Prosecution
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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
9 hours ago
- Arab Times
‘Cambodia-Kuwait ties progress despite hurdles'
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 12: Ambassador of the Kingdom of Cambodia to Kuwait Sman Manan disclosed that bilateral relations between the two countries started with the visit of former Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad to Cambodia, during which a number of memoranda of understanding were signed. In a press conference held at the embassy recently, Manan added that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet visited Kuwait in 2009 and signed additional memoranda of understanding, bringing the total to 11. These agreements cover various fields like labor, investment, agriculture, civil aviation and trade, among others. The ambassador explained that despite the signing of these memoranda, they have not been fully implemented or utilized. He pointed out that political and economic factors have hindered the ability of investors to engage as needed, despite the efforts of senior Cambodian officials to promote the initiative. These efforts included a visit to Kuwait by Minister of State for the Development Council of Cambodia, Asman Hassan who invited Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in Cambodia. Regarding visa procedures, Manan clarified that Kuwaitis require a visa to enter Cambodia, which can be obtained through three methods: applying directly at the embassy, with processing completed within one to two days; applying online; or obtaining a visa upon arrival, provided the tourist is affiliated with a travel agency. Business travelers also need an agency or sponsor. He added that the number of Kuwaiti visitors remains small, with most traveling for tourism or humanitarian purposes. He affirmed that Kuwait ranks first in supporting humanitarian projects in Cambodia; including building schools for Muslim communities, constructing mosques, and providing homes for the poor and orphanages. He praised Kuwait's reputation in Cambodia, stating that the country's name is closely associated with its globally recognized humanitarian efforts. He also confirmed the presence of 635 mosques in Cambodia's 25 provinces, as well as the availability of halal food and high-end hotel services. On labor, Manan said an agreement has been signed between the two countries to recruit workers, but it has not yet been fully implemented. He attributed the delay to cultural and environmental differences, as well as salary expectations, which are comparable to those in countries like Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and South Korea, where salaries start at $2,000 or more. He stated 'this makes it challenging to convince Cambodian workers to come to Kuwait. Nevertheless, the Cambodian Ministry of Labor is coordinating with its Kuwaiti counterpart to activate the agreement, particularly for the recruitment of domestic workers.' He mentioned that the current number of Cambodians working in Kuwait is small and primarily limited to the hospitality sector, including hotels and resorts. About his diplomatic career, he revealed that he served two terms as Cambodian Ambassador to Kuwait—the first in 2015 and the second in 2023. He has completed two out of the five total terms Cambodian ambassadors have served in Kuwait. He emphasized that his primary objective is to strengthen joint government efforts and enhance bilateral relations, particularly by boosting trade and investment and promoting tourism cooperation. The ambassador stated that he is actively engaging with travel agencies in both countries to promote tourism exchange, although progress has been limited so far. He added 'I will again request the relevant authorities in my country to come to Kuwait to discuss and activate this cooperation.' He revealed that he met with Cambodia's new Minister of Tourism in 2024 and again in 2025 to strengthen tourism and investment ties between the two nations. Regarding education, the ambassador disclosed that there are currently 38 Cambodian students studying in Kuwait; most of whom are enrolled in Arabic language programs and are supported by religious institutions. He stressed that Cambodia has potential in key sectors such as real estate, hospitality, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure and construction. In conclusion, he highlighted a major strategic project for Cambodia -- the opening of a new international airport on Sept 9. He said this development will expand air connectivity and pave the way for direct fl ights between Cambodia and Kuwait.
Arab Times
9 hours ago
- Arab Times
Salary Suspension for Women with Revoked Kuwaiti Nationality
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 12: In implementation of the decisions of the Council of Ministers and Civil Service Commission to amend the status of women whose citizenships were previously revoked under Article 8 of the Nationality Law, female employees in this category have received official notifications that their salaries will be suspended starting this month. According to informed sources, this step was taken in coordination with the relevant authorities, and notifications were sent through official channels. It is part of updating job records and verifying employees' legal status under applicable regulations. The relevant authorities informed the employees that salary payments will resume only after they complete the procedures to amend their legal status following the revocation of citizenship, with a deadline set for the end of this month. The new employment contracts will be signed following their updated classification. Those who complete the procedures will be reinstated on the payroll, while payments will remain suspended for those who do not. The sources noted that the new contracts will enable employees to continue receiving all financial and job benefits similar to their Kuwaiti colleagues, including vacations, allowances, bonuses, and rewards. Meanwhile, Kuwait Airways has denied the rumors circulating on social media and electronic newspapers about a decline in the company's performance due to citizenship revocations. The airline affirmed its commitment to developing its services and advancing the national carrier, stressing it reserves the right to take legal action regarding the false information. It urged the public to verify news through official sources. Al-Seyassah /Arab Times Exclusive
Arab Times
9 hours ago
- Arab Times
We are open platform to portray true image, promote rapprochement: Al-Jarallah
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 12: The Editor-in-Chief of Al-Seyassah and Arab Times newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah on Tuesday met with Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Kuwait Ayubkhan Yunusov, who was accompanied by Counselor at the Uzbek Embassy Bakhrom Turdialiev. They discussed ways to enhance media cooperation between the two sides. During the meeting, Yunusov expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Al- Seyassah and Arab Times newspapers for their continuous cooperation and support. He also praised the newspaper's recent interview with him, which addressed various aspects of bilateral relations between Kuwait and Uzbekistan. He said: 'We appreciate the positive role played by the Kuwaiti press in building bridges of communication between peoples. We are pleased with the media partnership that brings us together with Al-Seyassah and Arab Times newspapers.' On the other hand, Al-Jarallah warmly welcomed the Uzbek Ambassador, affirming the commitment of the two newspapers to continue media cooperation with the Uzbek Embassy and cover events and activities that contribute to strengthening ties between the two countries. He added, 'The media is a bridge of communication between people. We are committed to being an open platform for conveying the true image and promoting understanding and rapprochement.' He praised the friendly relations between Kuwait and Uzbekistan, stressing that the media plays an important role in enhancing mutual understanding and bringing cultures together. Also present at the meeting were Managing Editor of the Arab Times Marlon Aquino Malinao, Director of Legal Affairs Counselor Hamada Al-Amir and colleague Mohammad Al-Farhan.
