
Kuwait government mandates repricing of public services by July 2025
KUWAIT CITY, April 30: The Kuwaiti Cabinet convened its weekly meeting on Tuesday morning at Bayan Palace, chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sherida Abdullah Al-Muasherji provided an overview of the session's outcomes.
Diplomatic acknowledgment
At the outset, the Cabinet was informed of a letter from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The letter expressed sincere gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended during President El-Sisi's official visit to Kuwait on April 14-15, 2025. It also highlighted the positive outcomes of the visit, which are expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation and consultation between the two nations.
Eid Al-Adha Public Holidays Announced
The Cabinet declared official public holidays for the upcoming Eid Al-Adha observance. All ministries, government agencies, public bodies, and institutions will be closed from Thursday, June 5, to Sunday, June 8, 2025, in observance of Arafat and Eid Al-Adha. Monday, June 9, will be designated as a day of rest, with official work resuming on Tuesday, June 10. Agencies with special operational needs will determine their holiday schedules in coordination with relevant authorities.
Pension adjustments and bonus suspension
Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Noura Sulaiman Al-Fassam, briefed the Cabinet on measures taken by the General Organization for Social Insurance regarding pension adjustments and the suspension of exceptional bonuses. Following the briefing, the Cabinet approved amendments to pension structures and the suspension of exceptional bonuses, effective May 1, 2025. These decisions are in accordance with Article 80 of the Social Insurance Law and Resolution No. 294 from Cabinet Meeting No. 10-2025.
Review of government service pricing
The Cabinet reviewed recommendations from the Ministerial Committee for Economic Affairs concerning the pricing of government services. It directed all government agencies, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, to assess and adjust their service fees to align with actual costs. Each agency is required to submit its final decision to the Cabinet within two months.
Nationality investigations ratified
The Cabinet approved the minutes of the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality, which included cases of loss and withdrawal of nationality from certain individuals, in accordance with Decree Law No. 15 of 1959 regarding Kuwaiti nationality and its amendments.
Additional agenda items
The Cabinet reviewed and approved several other items on the agenda. Additionally, it referred certain matters to the relevant ministerial committees for further study and reporting to complete the necessary procedures.
The decisions made during this meeting reflect the Cabinet's ongoing efforts to enhance public administration, ensure fiscal responsibility, and strengthen Kuwait's international relations.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab Times
12 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
14 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
20 hours ago
- Arab Times
Turkey to export 48 of its nationally produced fighter jets to Indonesia
ANKARA, Turkey, June 11, (AP): Turkey will export 48 of its nationally-produced KAAN fighter jets to Indonesia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday, marking the first export deal for the advanced aircraft that is still in the development stage. Erdogan said in an X post that the 48 KAAN fighter jets would be manufactured in Turkey and exported to Indonesia, adding that Indonesia's "local capabilities' would be integrated into the production process. The Turkish leader didn't elaborate or disclose the financial details of the agreement. The deal came on the sidelines of the defense industry exposition, Indo Defence 2025, in Jakarta, Turkey's Sabah newspaper reported. "This agreement showcases the progress and achievements of our domestic and national defense industry,' Erdogan said. He also praised Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for his role in securing the agreement. Turkey's first indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet, the KAAN successfully completed its maiden flight in 2024. Its first units are expected to be delivered in 2028. The deal came amid growing economic and defense ties between Turkey and Indonesia. Earlier this year, the two countries agreed on the joint development of a Baykar combat-drone factory in Indonesia. Pakistan and Azerbaijan, which also have strong defense ties with Turkey, are reported to be interested in purchasing KAAN fighters.