Latest news with #Ash'al
Arab Times
03-08-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Work Visa Disputes And Shelter Intakes Surge In Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 3: Shocking new figures released by Kuwait's Public Authority for Manpower reveal the scale of the country's ongoing labor crisis, with more than 20,898 work permit complaints and over 21,000 absenteeism and termination notices filed in just the first half of 2025. The authority's mid-year report paints a troubling picture: absenteeism reports alone totaled 21,350, although 7,827 were later dropped. Officials also rejected 843 reports after it was found that the listed employers were either shut down or nonexistent — raising concerns about phantom companies and potential labor exploitation. The most common complaints focused on work permit issues, including family reunification, employer transfers, and final travel cancellations, amounting to 9,430 cases. Individual labor disputes followed closely with 8,646 complaints, and 3,341 cases were sent to inspection teams for further action. Adding to the crisis, 1,362 workers sought refuge in state-run shelters, including 1,252 women housed at the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Women's Shelter and 110 men at the Hawalli Male Shelter. Disturbingly, 15 children were also taken in — a rare admission in public reporting. Beyond the complaints, the Authority handled over 1.1 million electronic transactions via its 'Ash'al' portal, with 41.2% completed directly by employees and the rest processed automatically. Additionally, the "Sahel Business" app processed 16,100 requests, the Labor Services Portal handled 154,608, and 81,272 were processed through the Inspection app. In a nod to future reforms, 3,252 training opportunities were offered to students. Meanwhile, the "Fakhruna" platform, aimed at empowering Kuwaiti nationals, recorded 27,144 approved transactions, and 65,412 citizens were officially employed under government-supported programs in cashier roles through Gate 3 and Gate 5. The numbers underscore mounting pressure on Kuwait's labor infrastructure as the country grapples with regulatory enforcement, expat labor rights, and a shifting job market — all while attempting to digitize its public services and improve oversight.
Arab Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- 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.
