
Kuwait strengthens economic ties with UK and Airbus leader
KUWAIT CITY, March 13: Kuwaiti Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noora Al-Fassam discussed Wednesday economic cooperation with UK Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Lewis and President of Airbus in Africa and Middle East Gabriel Semelas. During the meeting, they also tackled a set of economic issues that contribute to achieving Kuwait's development goals during the coming period, the Ministry of Finance said in a press release. (KUNA)
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Arab Times
3 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
4 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.


Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Gold price drops to USD 3,310 per ounce
KUWAIT CITY, June 10: Gold prices declined to USD 3,310 per ounce last week affected by strong American labor market data, specialized economic report showed. A report by Kuwaiti Dar Al-Sabaek mentioned that the week started with a high of USD 3,403 an ounce, but gradually decreased due to lack of incentives profit making. American jobs report for the month of May included the addition of 139,00 job, surpassing expectations of 125,000, with unemployment rates remaining at 4.2 percent, supporting strength of the dollar and increasing bond yields. The report stated that trade talks between the United States and China played a role in limiting gold's gains after the two presidents held a phone call that helped calm tensions, followed by the announcement of an upcoming trade meeting in the British capital, London. It indicated that geopolitical tensions in other regions, such as the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and escalating events in the Middle East remain supportive factors for gold prices, in addition to the continuous intensified purchases the precious metal by central banks around the world, in a strategic shift away from dollar-denominated assets. The report noted that global markets are awaiting the release of US inflation data this week, starting with the Consumer Price Index on Wednesday, followed by the Producer Price Index on Thursday, followed by the University of Michigan's Consumer Confidence Survey on Friday. It indicated that this kind of data is pivotal in determining the path of monetary policy by the US Federal Reserve ahead of its meeting scheduled for the 17th and 18th of this month. Locally, the price of 24-karat gold reached KD 32.750 per gram (approx. USD 107), while the price of the 22-karat gram reached KD 30 (approx. USD 98) and the silver kilogram KD 407 (approx. USD 1,329). (KUNA)