1,119 cases of citizenship withdrawal in Public Authority for the Disabled
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 27: The total number of cases involving the withdrawal and loss of citizenship related to the Public Authority for the Disabled has risen to 1,119, reflecting an increase of 303 cases from the previous week. These cases are distributed as follows: 322 for people with special needs, 514 for those responsible for their care, 264 for caregivers, and 19 for employees.
Sources indicate that the number of citizenship withdrawals has increased by 80 for individuals with disabilities, 145 for their caregivers, and 74 for those responsible for the disabled. The increase in cases for employees was relatively small, with only 4 additional cases. The number of individuals whose citizenships are withdrawn is expected to continue to grow in the coming days, as the Supreme Committee continues to issue decisions and decrees on the matter.
The Authority receives periodic updates on those whose citizenships have been withdrawn, and cross-references this information with its own records to take appropriate legal action. This process follows the loss of citizenship, which previously allowed individuals to receive financial and in-kind benefits as outlined in Law No. 8/2010 regarding the rights of persons with disabilities.
The Authority is preparing a list of stateless retired individuals to be submitted to the General Organization for Social Insurance. Sources confirmed that all sectors of the Authority are carefully reviewing the names on these lists, sorting through those that are relevant to their departments, and taking appropriate action based on their new status. The review is being conducted in accordance with applicable legal frameworks and the Council of Ministers' instructions to ensure that no one is unfairly treated.
Despite the citizenship withdrawal, financial and in-kind benefits will continue for disabled individuals, provided they present proof of their original nationality and other required documents. However, caregivers whose nationality has been revoked will no longer be eligible for retirement benefits, which are reserved for citizens. The Authority also emphasized that if any individual is found to have forged nationality documents, all financial benefits will be immediately stopped.
Additionally, the Authority is compiling a list of retired employees affected by the citizenship withdrawal decisions, which will be submitted to the General Organization for Social Insurance. The number of affected employees may exceed 40. For those employees whose citizenship has been revoked, the Civil Service Bureau will be contacted to assess their current status. If they are still treated as citizens, their financial benefits will continue. Otherwise, they will be employed under assistance contracts.
In other news, the Public Authority for the Disabled has launched Tender No. 7 - 2024/2025 for the establishment and design of a medical sector automation system. The specifications for the tender are outlined in the conditions booklet and documents, which can be obtained from the Authority's headquarters in Hawalli at the Tenders Department. Specialized companies and institutions are invited to submit their bids in sealed envelopes, including a certificate of fulfillment of the national labor percentage, which must be valid for one year. Bids will not be accepted after the deadline of February 9, and any bid that does not include the original and a copy of the receipt for the conditions booklet will be excluded.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
17 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Cabinet directs repeal of law 2/2015 over unequal housing opportunities
KUWAIT CITY, June 12: The Council of Ministers on Wednesday directed the Minister of State for Housing Affairs, Abdulatif Al-Meshari, to take the necessary steps to repeal Law No. 2 of 2015 concerning housing welfare, citing disparities in eligibility that undermine the principles of justice and equal opportunity. The decision was made during the Cabinet's weekly meeting held at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The move followed a presentation by Minister Al-Meshari, who also serves as Minister of Municipal Affairs, in which he outlined the adverse consequences of the 2015 legislation that amended Law No. 47 of 1993 on housing welfare. Al-Meshari explained that the law granted preferential treatment to a specific segment of citizens—those who had obtained loans from the Kuwait Credit Bank to build or purchase homes, and subsequently sold their properties and repaid the full loan amount between 1992 and 2015. These citizens became entitled to new housing opportunities on a usufruct or rental basis. However, the law excluded individuals who sold their homes after 2015 or who sold government-allocated housing units during the same timeframe. This exclusion, the minister said, resulted in unequal access to housing welfare, contradicting the state's social objectives and its commitment to fairness among all citizens. At the start of the meeting, the Cabinet reviewed messages sent to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from leaders of several brotherly and friendly nations, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in various fields. Marking the conclusion of the 1446 AH Hajj season, the Cabinet extended its congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, as well as the Saudi government, for the successful management of this year's pilgrimage. The Council praised the Kingdom's exceptional organizational efforts, security measures, and healthcare services provided to pilgrims. The Cabinet also expressed its gratitude to the head and members of the Kuwaiti Hajj Mission for their efforts in ensuring comprehensive services for Kuwaiti pilgrims. During the session, His Highness the Prime Minister reassured the Cabinet of the health condition of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah following recent medical examinations, wishing him continued health and strength in serving the nation. In another development, the Cabinet tasked the Civil Service Commission (CSC) with formulating a mechanism to improve job discipline and curb unauthorized employee absences, particularly around official holidays. The proposed measures will be reflected in performance evaluations, promotions, and rewards systems, with the CSC expected to report back within two weeks. The Cabinet also reviewed recommendations from the Ministerial Committee for Public Services concerning initiatives and donations by individuals, companies, and cooperative societies aimed at beautifying key roads and public spaces across Kuwait. The Cabinet approved the acceptance of these contributions. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved two major donations: one from Mr. Abdullah Saleh Al-Shalfan for the renovation of the Emergency Department at Al-Amiri Hospital, and another from Kuwait Finance House for the rehabilitation of the tenth wing of the Addiction Center. The Council expressed deep appreciation to all donors for their generous contributions, which reflect a spirit of giving and support for the state's ongoing efforts to enhance services for citizens and residents. The session concluded with the Cabinet reviewing various agenda items, approving several, and referring others to relevant ministerial committees for further study and implementation.
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Raises Age Limit for Daughters in State Custody to 30
KUWAIT CITY, June 8: In a significant move aimed at strengthening the legal framework surrounding family custody, Kuwait has issued Decree-Law No. 74 of 2025, amending key provisions of Law No. 80 of 2015. The legislative update is intended to enhance the quality and effectiveness of care provided to individuals under state custody and to improve coordination among responsible authorities. Expanded Committee Representation One of the primary amendments is the reconstitution of the Family Custody Committee. The updated Article 6 mandates the inclusion of two new representatives—from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs—alongside existing members from ministries including Social Affairs, Education, Interior, Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Health. This expanded composition is expected to facilitate more comprehensive oversight and decision-making, especially in addressing evolving challenges in family custody matters. New Custody Term Limits Introduced Under the revised Article 12, the law now stipulates that family custody for daughters shall end upon reaching the age of 30 and obtaining permanent employment. Care for both male and female beneficiaries will cease once they attain a degree of independence, including marriage or moving out of institutional housing. This provision also applies when a daughter no longer complies with the residence rules. Temporary Foster Care and Legal Oversight The amendment to Article 13 transfers authority for regulating the temporary fostering of children, specifically those of unknown fathers and non-Kuwaiti mothers, from the minister to the Family Custody Committee. This measure aims to streamline decision-making and ensure that foster care arrangements are legally sound and efficiently managed. Focus on Education and Social Integration Institutions under the competent administration are now required, under Article 14, to actively enroll children in compulsory education and implement programs to support their rehabilitation and societal integration. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering, with Article 15 allowing the Family Custody Committee to encourage fostering through measures such as promoting kinship care via breastfeeding, under regulated conditions. Support for Transition to Independence Recognizing the need for a smooth transition to adulthood, the revised Article 16 tasks the Ministry (with support from the public and private sectors) with securing private housing for individuals over 21 who have exited the custody system. These homes will be available at affordable rents paid by the individuals themselves. Additionally, Article 17 mandates the Ministry to coordinate with relevant authorities to find suitable employment opportunities for former wards, based on their skills and qualifications, to foster financial and social independence. Expanded Legal Definitions and Implementation A new clause, Article 1(7), has been introduced to clearly define 'son/daughter/children' as individuals covered under the care provisions of the law. This inclusion provides clarity in the legal interpretation and enforcement of the law. Finally, Article 3 of the decree-law calls for full implementation of these amendments from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette, with relevant ministers tasked with executing its provisions. The memorandum accompanying the decree emphasizes that these amendments are the result of practical experience gathered since the law's initial enforcement in 2015. The revised framework is designed to close administrative gaps, improve care quality, and promote better integration of wards into society. It reflects the government's commitment to human dignity, legal clarity, and institutional accountability in the care and protection of vulnerable individuals.
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait's New Law Sets Deadline, Penalties for Unpaid Service Fees
KUWAIT CITY, June 8: In a move aimed at tightening fiscal discipline and ensuring the effective recovery of dues, the Kuwaiti government has issued Decree-Law No. 75 of 2025 concerning the collection of fees and financial costs for the use of public facilities and services. The law introduces a framework to govern the financial relationship between ministries, public institutions, and beneficiaries of state-provided services, reinforcing the principle that public utilities—ranging from electricity and water to telecommunications and transport—are not free but must be paid for under regulatory and administrative mandates. Core Provisions and Mechanisms Automatic Service Suspension and Installment Flexibility Under Article 1, if a debtor (whether an individual or a private legal entity) fails to pay dues within 30 days of notification, the concerned ministry or public body may temporarily suspend services. This suspension is lifted automatically through the government's digital systems once the outstanding amounts are paid. The law allows for installment-based repayments for those financially unable to settle the dues in one go, pending approval from the creditor. However, failure to adhere to the installment plan leads to its cancellation and the immediate initiation of debt recovery procedures. Mandatory Grievance Process Before Legal Action To prevent unnecessary litigation, Article 2 mandates that any individual disputing the suspension of services or the calculation of dues must first file a written grievance with the concerned authority. A response must be issued within 30 days. If no response is given, it is considered a rejection. Only after this process can a lawsuit be filed—within 30 days of either the rejection notice or the lapse of the response period, whichever comes first. Priority Lien on Debtor's Assets In a bold move to secure state revenues, Article 3 grants government creditors a statutory lien over all assets—movable and immovable—owned by the debtor. This gives the state legal priority in recovering its dues ahead of other creditors. Immediate Enforcement of Debt Recovery Article 4 elevates any official debt document or collection decision issued by a government entity to the status of an 'executive instrument.' This means the state can enforce collection directly without the need to go through lengthy court proceedings, following the procedures of Kuwait's Civil and Commercial Procedures Law. Ten-Year Statute of Limitations with Interruptions Article 5 introduces a 10-year statute of limitations for fee collection, starting from the due date or the end of the relevant fiscal year for annual fees. Crucially, this limitation can be interrupted by any official notice from the creditor that includes the outstanding amount and a request for payment, effectively restarting the clock on the limitation period. Judicial Fees Exempted Article 6 clearly states that the new law does not apply to judicial fees, which remain governed by Kuwait's Judicial Fees Law No. 17 of 1973. Rationale Behind the Legislation The explanatory note accompanying the law clarifies that the government's decision stems from widespread abuse of the existing system. Many beneficiaries of public services—including water, electricity, communications, and municipal services—have delayed or avoided payments, thereby burdening the state financially. This law is not meant to serve merely as a budgetary resource measure, but as a strategic tool for ensuring the efficient management of public utilities and discouraging negligence by debtors. It aims to restore the financial discipline required for a sustainable public service framework. Moreover, the government recognizes that some debts have accumulated to levels beyond immediate payment. By permitting structured payment plans, the law seeks to offer a balanced approach—enforcing payment obligations while recognizing genuine financial hardship. Implementation Timeline Article 7 mandates that ministers shall enforce the law within their jurisdictions, and it will come into effect three months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Decree-Law No. 75 of 2025 marks a pivotal shift in Kuwait's approach to public service fee collection. By combining legal enforcement with digital automation, flexible repayment options, and judicial safeguards, the law positions the state to better protect public funds while promoting accountability among service users. It's a clear message that the era of unchecked fee evasion is coming to an end.
