Latest news with #CivilServiceCouncil
Arab Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Automates Indemnity Payments for Expats
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 14: The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is finalizing procedures to automatically process and settle indemnity for expatriates working in government agencies connected to its integrated systems. Clarifying its June 18 website notice, the CSC stated that when an expatriate is permanently leaving Kuwait, an official power of attorney approved by the relevant authorities will be required to ensure the procedures are completed smoothly. According to official information from CSC, it continues to offer automated services for various transactions, including experience calculation, amendments to employment status, appointment procedures, external transfers for certain exempt categories as per the Civil Service Council's decision, and job title changes. These services are also available through the 'Sahel' application.
Arab Times
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Women with Revoked Kuwaiti Nationality to Receive Full Job Benefits
KUWAIT CITY, July 14: The Civil Service Bureau has issued an official circular confirming the completion of employment procedures for women whose Kuwaiti nationality was revoked under Article 8. The circular states that these women are entitled to the same job and financial benefits as Kuwaiti female employees working in government institutions, under the applicable laws and regulations. This policy applies specifically to: Women whose nationalities were withdrawn under Article 8 Those registered in the central employment system Female candidates who were previously unable to complete their employment procedures due to the revocation of their nationality The circular is based on decisions made during the Civil Service Council's meetings: No. 1 (held on January 19, 2025) No. 4 (held on February 20, 2025) No. 6 (held on March 16, 2025) The directive has been distributed to ministries, government departments, public agencies, and state-owned oil companies. Additionally, during its meeting No. 13 (held on July 3, 2025), the Civil Service Council approved a significant amendment: The contract period for affected women will now be set at two years, starting from the day after the nationality revocation, instead of the previous one-year term. Furthermore, the employing entity may renew the contract directly without needing prior approval from the Civil Service Bureau.
Arab Times
13-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Salary reform sparks uproar, experts demand transparency
KUWAIT CITY, July 13: There has been widespread uproar and intense interaction on social media over the ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding the 'strategic alternative.' Many are questioning its scope of application, whether it will ease or worsen citizens' financial burdens, and to what extent it will achieve fairness in salaries. The daily raised these concerns with experts, legal professionals, and former MPs, who unanimously stressed the need for clarity and transparency on the plan's details and implications before any formal approval. In this regard, former MP and minister Ahmad Al-Mulaifi affirmed that while the 'strategic alternative' is important for salary imbalances, there are simpler and more direct ways to adjust salaries, particularly given that the project has been under discussion by successive governments since 2013. Al-Mulaifi indicated that the government has significantly delayed salary adjustments due to rising inflation, increasing prices, higher fees, allowance changes, and new taxes, all of which negatively impact low-income earners. He emphasized the need for a simple system for allowances, benefits, and salary increases in a way that motivates productivity, enhances healthy competition, and ensures fairness among employees. Al-Mulaifi noted that while unifying the salary structure is good, differences in certain professions such as lawyers, engineers, and accountants, should be recognized and should be based on experience and competencies. Meanwhile, Dr. Abdullah Fahad Al- Abduljader, administrative consultant and member of the advisory committee formed by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for the strategic alternative project, explained that the Civil Service Council approved the implementation of the strategic alternative in 2015. This approval was based on a study conducted by a committee selected by the council in 2013, which included CSC employees, retirees, and experts in administrative development and human resources. The committee proposed a unified salary schedule for all government agencies to address the issue of unfair salaries, along with the implementation of job descriptions and a performance assessment plan. The project's results were presented to the Civil Service Council, which approved it and referred it to the Council of Ministers, and subsequently to the National Assembly, where it remains pending to this day. Al-Abduljader stressed the need to update the strategic alternative, as when it was first proposed, it was based on outdated data, particularly concerning the salary market, organizational and functional structures, and job descriptions. Dr. Al-Abduljader pointed out another fairness issue in the current salary schedule, which is that Kuwaitis with the same specialization may receive different salaries depending on their workplace. For example, one employee at a ministry earns KD 850, while another at a government agency with an independent budget receives KD 1,100 per month, along with additional benefits such as an annual bonus and health insurance. Designing the salary schedule in line with the strategic alternative should address these disparities and ensure fairness in salaries, benefits, and allowances. This includes implementing a modern annual performance evaluation system that differentiates employee productivity and performance levels and standardizes salaries based on job titles rather than solely on educational qualifications. He noted that, according to the strategic alternative presented in 2015, the government projected savings of between KD 10 billion and KD 19 billion over 10 years upon its implementation. Al-Abduljader went on to explain that the strategic alternative system will not freeze salaries for all employees. The freeze will apply only to those whose salaries have reached the maximum limit in the unified salary schedule; however, an annual salary increase will still be granted based on the employee's performance evaluation. The strategic alternative does not affect the private sector or retirees. Under the strategic alternative, job-related allowances, known as the 'nature of work allowance', will be consolidated. There are allowances related to work conditions such as housing, car rental, and shift work, which will remain separate. Also, the annual bonus will be divided into three parts, awarded based on employee performance evaluations. In addition, Lawyer Ali Al-Attar called on the Ministry of Finance to present the strategic alternative' for public discussion before approving it. He noted that most of what is currently being circulated consists of personal opinions rather than official details, and stressed that ordinary citizens have the right to know all aspects of the project, as it directly affects their livelihood and their families' well-being. Lawyer Al-Attar affirmed the importance of allowing sufficient time to clearly explain the pros and cons of the strategic alternative to avoid surprising citizens upon its implementation. He indicated that citizens are expecting a positive salary adjustment, especially in light of the continued rise in living costs, adding that the strategic alternative must ensure fairness and serve as a motivation for citizens to enhance their productivity.
Arab Times
19-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
7 Categories of Paid Leave Announced for Employees
KUWAIT CITY, April 19: Under the provisions of the Civil Service Law and its accompanying decisions, government employees in Kuwait are entitled to seven distinct types of fully paid leave. These leave categories are designed to support public sector employees during significant life events and special circumstances, ranging from medical and maternity needs to religious obligations and personal emergencies. 1. Medical Companion Leave Abroad: After exhausting regular leave, an employee may be granted special leave with full pay to accompany a patient approved by the Ministry of Public Health for treatment abroad, including the designated companion. This leave covers the treatment period for up to six months and is paid at the beginning of each month. It may be extended once for an additional period of up to six months, but without pay. 2. Hajj Leave: Employees may be granted one month of paid leave once in their career to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. 3. Leave for Special Projects: With ministerial approval, employees may receive full-time paid leave to engage in specific artistic, literary, scientific, or athletic projects upon recommendation from the relevant authority. The Civil Service Council, based on a proposal by the Civil Service Bureau, determines the rules for granting such leave. 4. Maternity Leave: Female employees are entitled to two months of paid maternity leave, which is not deducted from other leave balances, provided that childbirth occurs during this period. 5. Bereavement Leave: In the event of the death of a spouse or a first- or second-degree relative, employees may take up to four days of paid leave. 6. Iddah Leave: A Muslim female employee whose husband passes away is entitled, with ministerial approval, to four months and ten days of paid leave from the date of death. 7. Sick Leave: Employees are eligible for up to 180 days of sick leave annually. From primary healthcare centers, up to 60 non-consecutive days are permitted (a maximum of 7 days per instance), distributed as follows: 15 days with full pay, 15 with half pay, 15 with quarter pay, and 15 unpaid. From accredited hospitals, up to 120 days may be granted: 30 with full pay, 30 with half pay, 30 with quarter pay, and 30 unpaid. In response to inquiries about the maximum leave duration for employees hospitalized for treatment, work-related injuries, treatment abroad, or incurable diseases where full pay is expected, sources clarified that specialized medical committees evaluate such cases when additional leave beyond standard allowances is required.
Arab Times
12-04-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Employees Can Now Access Medical Leave Without Affecting Salary
KUWAIT CITY, April 12: There is no connection between employees' leave permits for periodic medical check-ups at government hospitals and their four monthly leave days, sources clarified. Each type of leave is governed by separate provisions outlined in a decision approved by the Civil Service Council. According to the sources, if the Medical Authority at the Ministry of Health determines that an employee requires regular medical appointments—whether daily, every other day, or weekly—the employee's supervising authority must grant leave for these visits. Government employees are permitted to leave work for periodic medical check-ups at government hospitals. This medical leave applies to treatments such as physiotherapy, obstetrics and gynecology follow-ups, dental care, and other necessary medical visits. To request the leave, employees must submit official documentation from the Ministry of Health verifying the need for these appointments, in line with legal requirements, and must adhere to the approved timeframes. Monitoring the use of this leave falls under the responsibility of the employee's direct supervisor, with disciplinary measures taken in cases of violations. Importantly, this medical leave does not affect the employee's salary. As for regular leave, employees are allowed up to 4 days or 12 hours per month. This leave can be taken at the beginning, during, or at the end of the workday. If an employee is unable to sign in or out due to leave, they are exempt from signing in, as long as they sign in or out at another appropriate time. The sources also praised the "Sahel" app, which enables employees to take up to three days of medical leave per month without needing to visit a clinic.
