Mubarakiya Money Exchange Shops Shut Down Under New Law
KUWAIT CITY, April 2: Mubarakiya's money exchange shops have reached a standstill as all exchange shops remain closed following new regulations set by the Ministry of Commerce. Under the new law, which took effect on April 1st, businesses must secure a deposit of two million Kuwaiti Dinars to operate.
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Kuwait Times
an hour ago
- Kuwait Times
Have your say: Kuwait invites feedback on new postal rules
KUWAIT: The way mail and parcels are handled in Kuwait is about to get a regulatory makeover. A new draft ministerial decision would require all postal service providers to be licensed, introducing stricter standards for operations, transparency, and accountability. The draft law, recently published by Kuwait's Ministry of Communications, aims to bring the country's postal services in line with international standards while addressing concerns over service quality and consumer protection. Under the proposed rules, any company or individual involved in delivering letters, documents, or parcels will need to obtain an official license from the Ministry. Public consultation open For the next two weeks, the ministry is collecting input from citizens, business owners, and professionals. Comments can be submitted via the ministry's website or through QR codes shared on its social media platforms. 'This is a real opportunity to unify efforts toward a modern, efficient postal environment,' said Acting Undersecretary Mishaal Al-Zaid. 'Every opinion contributes to issuing legislation that reflects the sector's needs and supports the national economy.' This participatory approach reflects Kuwait's wider efforts to implement smart governance and transparent policymaking, he added. Who needs a license? Under the draft law, no company or individual may carry out postal services—including letter, parcel, or document delivery—without a license from the ministry. Only Kuwaiti or GCC nationals are eligible to apply, while foreign companies may operate in Kuwait under existing strict regulatory conditions and with official approvals. The resolution applies to a broad range of postal services. Regular mail is defined as mail weighing up to two kilograms. Express mail includes items between 500 grams and 30 kilograms. Registered mail refers to trackable items up to two kilograms, while parcels may weigh up to 30 kilograms. The resolution also covers any value-added postal services related to delivery or logistics operations. Key obligations Licensed companies must operate under their own brand identity and are prohibited from presenting themselves as official government postal entities. They are expected to maintain transparent financial and operational records and ensure the confidentiality of mail is respected at all times. All licensees must cooperate with ministry inspections and provide access to records and facilities upon request. License holders are also liable for any loss, damage, or delay in the delivery of postal items, unless the issue arises due to a sender's error or an event classified as force majeure. Mail privacy The resolution places strong emphasis on protecting mail privacy. It is illegal for any licensee or employee to open or inspect mail contents without proper legal authority. Disclosing the contents of mail or giving unauthorized individuals access to postal records and systems is strictly prohibited. Violations are regarded as serious breaches of trust, and companies will be held fully accountable for any misuse of sensitive data. The law also sets clear boundaries on what materials can be handled. It is forbidden to transport hazardous, flammable, or radioactive materials unless they are legally permitted and properly packaged in accordance with international safety standards. Narcotics and toxic substances are also prohibited, except when transported for approved medical or scientific purposes. Additionally, any materials that violate Islamic values, threaten public order, or are banned under local customs or security regulations are not allowed in the postal system. Under the resolution, a licensee's legal responsibility begins at the moment a postal item is received and continues until it is successfully delivered and verified. This means that courier companies and logistics operators must ensure proper handling, secure transit, and timely delivery. If a package is lost or mishandled, the company will be held liable—unless the loss is due to force majeure or the fault of the sender. Safeguarding sovereignty Licenses are valid for a period of one calendar year and may be renewed upon application. However, the Ministry reserves the right to revoke a license under specific circumstances. These include ceasing operations for more than six months, failure to pay regulatory fees, submission of false information during the licensing process, or leasing the license to another party. In the case of minor violations, the Ministry may issue warnings or suspend the license temporarily rather than revoke it outright. The ministry emphasized that holding a license does not confer the legal status of a national postal authority, nor does it entitle a company to international postal privileges. This distinction is intended to safeguard Kuwait's sovereignty over its official postal system while enabling competitive, well-regulated private sector participation.
Arab Times
14 hours ago
- Arab Times
Expat Workers Can Appeal Against Unjust Travel Denials by Employers
KUWAIT CITY, June 11: In a move aimed at enhancing the labor environment, tightening oversight of expatriate workforce movements, and safeguarding the rights of both employers and employees, the Kuwaiti government will now require private sector expatriate workers to obtain an official exit permit before leaving the country. The new policy, which mirrors existing regulations for public sector employees, will take effect in early July. According to a statement from the Public Authority for Manpower, the directive was issued through a ministerial circular by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef. Once implemented, expatriate workers will be obligated to submit a formal exit permit application detailing their personal information and intended travel date. The application must be completed using an official form approved by the authority and submitted electronically through a designated platform to ensure efficient processing. 'This measure is intended to streamline the departure process for expatriate workers, ensure compliance with legal requirements, protect the rights of all parties, and minimize unauthorized departures,' a spokesperson for the authority explained. A senior official stated that the regulation applies to all private sector employees holding residency under Article 18. Applications for the exit permit can be submitted via the 'Sahel' app for individuals or the 'Ash'al Manpower Portal' website. Employers are responsible for approving the 'Sahel Business' platform or via the Ash'al portal for private companies. In cases of emergency or where workers do not have access to the Sahel app (such as unskilled laborers) employers may apply on their behalf. The process is available 24/7, and once approved by the employer, the permit is issued instantly with no additional formalities. To address concerns of potential misuse by employers, the official noted that any worker who is unjustly denied travel permission may file a complaint with the Public Authority for Manpower. Appropriate measures will then be taken to resolve the dispute. The source stressed that the new regulation is also intended to help curb visa trading and irregularities in the labor market. By creating a transparent, verifiable database of employer-employee relationships, the authority aims to strengthen labor market governance and ensure accountability across all levels.
Arab Times
15 hours ago
- Arab Times
‘Kuwait Crown Prince's visit to Japan will open new horizons in relations'
His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, successfully concluded his first official visit to Japan from May 28 to 31, 2025. The visit had special meanings for both countries. Firstly, this was the first high level visit to Japan by the Kuwaiti leadership in 9 years, since the visit by Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak, late Prime Minister in 2016. Secondly, during the visit, both countries agreed on upgrading the bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and five memoranda on bilateral cooperation were signed. Thus, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khaled has taken Japan-Kuwait relations to another level with this visit. Third, His Highness Sheikh Sabah met with His Majesty the Emperor Naruhito and His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino, respectively, and deepened the longstanding friendship between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Kuwaiti Ruling Family. As Ambassador, I attended the summit meeting, followed by working lunch, between Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru and His Highness Sheikh Sabah accompanied by high-ranking officials including His Excellency Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was very fruitful, in a friendly atmosphere, discussing bilateral cooperation in various fields, particularly in the fields of clean energy and decarbonization, in addition to electricity and desalination, as well as cooperation in regional and international affairs. Signing of Five Memoranda During the visit, the following five memoranda were signed: Memorandum of Cooperation on Training of Diplomats between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, aiming to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation through diplomatic training, and it will further strengthen the bond between the two ministries. Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy of the State of Kuwait, promoting comprehensive cooperation in the field of electricity, water, and renewable energy. Memorandum of Cooperation on Direct Investment between the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), facilitating the further expansion of investment by Japanese companies in Kuwait. Memorandum of Cooperation on International Cooperation between Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Kuwait Arab Fund for Economic Development (KFAED), strengthening cooperation in aid activities for developing countries. Memorandum of Understanding between the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) and the Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Kuwait Diplomatic Institute on Training of Diplomats, reinforcing cooperation in the field of training. Visit to Expo 2025 Osaka His Highness the Crown Prince visited Expo 2025 Osaka, touring pavilions including those of host country Japan, Kuwait, and the GCC countries. His Highness was received with an enthusiastic welcome from Japanese and Kuwaiti people, and tourists who happened to be there. I had known that the Kuwait Pavilion was very popular, but I was impressed to see so many people standing in line, waiting for their turn to enter the pavilion. His Highness's visit seemed to further increase the popularity of the Kuwait Pavilion. Towards Future-Oriented Cooperation Japan-Kuwait relations, rooted in oil cooperation since 1958, recognition of Kuwait's independence in 1961, Japan's support during the 1990 Gulf War, and Kuwait's warm assistance following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, have always been supported by trust and friendship. Going forward, both countries will continue to advance multifaceted and sustainable cooperation in various sectors including politics, economics, and culture, founded on shared values and mutual interests. I am firmly convinced that this visit by His Highness the Crown Prince will serve as a new horizon for our two countries, leading to further development of Japan-Kuwait relations.
