Latest news with #Iqama
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tent mishap death: Police arrest manager, supervisor
Kozhikode: Meppadi Police, on Friday, arrested Swachand and Anurag, the manager and supervisor of Tentgram's tourism facility at Thollayiram Kandi in Wayanad. They were held after 24-year-old Nishma, a native of Nilambur, was killed when the hut-like structure, under which tents were put up, collapsed early on Thursday morning Police charged them under BNS Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and the court later remanded them in judicial custody. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Nishma was part of a 16-member group that went on a one-day trip to Wayanad with her friends. Police first registered a case of unnatural death but later added after a preliminary probe found safety violations. Meppadi SHO said the wooden poles of the hut-like structure were old and weak. It is believed that the structure, which had a thatched roof made of dried grass, collapsed under its own weight after the area received heavy rain early on Thursday morning. Meanwhile, Kalpetta MLA T Siddique wrote a letter to tourism minister PA Mohamed Riyas, urging the govt to act against unsafe tourism activities that have caused repeated deaths. Siddique also sought steps to assist Nishma's family as she was their only source of support Her father, who had a regular job in Jeddah, is now in prison after his residence permit (Iqama) expired. Siddique said the incident exposed serious lapses at such facilities. He pointed out that letting tourists stay in tents without checking their age or safety is a major issue. He also said the state govt's 2023 decision to allow such facilities to operate without approval from local bodies needs serious review.
Arab Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Delayed Salaries in Kuwait? Here's How to Fight Back Legally
In Islam, the fair and timely treatment of workers is not just a moral duty—it is a divine command. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: 'Give the worker his wages before his sweat has dried.' (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 2443) And the Qur'an further reminds us: '...Do not withhold from the people the things that are their due...' (Surah Hud, 11:85) Despite this, some expatriate workers—especially those in the private and domestic sectors—face salary delays ranging from weeks to several months. This not only undermines their dignity but also places them in financial and legal jeopardy. Whether due to neglect, abuse of power, or systemic gaps, salary delays are a violation of Kuwait's labor laws and must be addressed through the proper legal channels. This guide offers a step-by-step approach for expatriates to assert their rights, seek redress, and protect themselves from exploitation under both the law and fundamental principles of justice. 1. Know Your Legal Rights Under Kuwaiti Law As a worker in Kuwait, whether in a professional, technical, or domestic role, you are protected by Kuwait's Labor Law No. 6 of 2010, which mandates Salaries must be paid monthly and on time Employers must pay through official bank transfers Repeated salary delays of over 3 months can lead to legal penalties against the employer. Employees have the right to file complaints and seek compensation or termination benefits if delays persist. Note: Domestic workers are covered under a different law (Law No. 68 of 2015), but they are still entitled to regular payment and humane treatment. 2. Collect and Preserve Evidence Before proceeding with a complaint, you must gather and organize evidence to support your claim. This includes: Employment Documents: A signed employment contract (preferably in Arabic and English) Work permit (Iqama) and Civil ID Passport copy Payment Records: Bank statements showing a lack of salary deposits Salary slips (if issued) Screenshots or printouts from any salary app or internal HR system Any text messages, emails, or WhatsApp chats where salary is discussed 3. Raise the Issue Internally First In many cases, a simple internal discussion can resolve the problem, especially if the delay is recent or accidental. How to Approach: Speak to your direct supervisor or the HR department. Politely request a timeline for payment and ask for a written confirmation. If you are part of a larger company, ask if there are any internal grievance procedures. 4. File a Formal Complaint with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour (MOSAL) If the issue is not resolved internally, file a formal complaint with the Labour Relations Department under the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM). Where to Go: Visit the Labour Relations Office in your area (Hawalli, Farwaniya, Ahmadi, etc.). Alternatively, use the PAM Online Portal or Shoun App Documents Required: Civil ID Work permit (Iqama) Employment contract Bank statements or salary proof Copy of your complaint (written in Arabic, if possible) What Happens Next: The ministry will summon the employer for a hearing. A mediation session is held between the employer and employee. If mediation fails, the case is referred to the Labour Court 5. Escalate to the Labour Court if Needed If no solution is reached through mediation, your next step is to take your case to the Labour Court. How the Process Works: File a formal lawsuit against your employer Present your documentation and complaint file A judge will review the case and may order: - Immediate payment of dues - Compensation for damages - Termination of contract with benefits Legal Support: You may hire a private lawyer (if affordable) Some embassies offer free legal services or referrals Local NGOs like the Kuwait Society for Human Rights offer legal aid to expats 6. Report to Your Embassy Your embassy is an important ally if you're facing serious issues such as: Multiple months of unpaid wages Physical or verbal abuse Confiscation of passport Threats from your employer Embassy Support Can Include: Legal advice and support letters Filing official complaints on your behalf Assisting in repatriation or shelter (especially for domestic workers) Always keep a copy of your embassy's contact information and emergency hotline. 7. Contact Labor Rights Organizations and NGOs Several civil society groups in Kuwait provide advocacy and legal support to workers. Key Organization: Kuwait Society for Human Rights (KSHR) Website: Services - Legal aid and labor rights workshops - Translation help for court documents - Mediation between workers and employers These organizations are especially helpful if you're unfamiliar with the Arabic language or legal system. 8. Don't Sign Fake Receipts or Flee Without Filing a Case Many employers ask workers to sign salary receipts for unpaid months. This is illegal and can weaken your case. Don't flee or go absconding without filing an official complaint. It may result in your residency being revoked, and you may be blacklisted or denied future jobs in Kuwait Final Reminders:
Arab Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Can Your Salary Be Reduced In Kuwait? A Guide For Private Sector Workers
In Kuwait's private sector, salary adjustments—whether increases or decreases—are governed by clear labor laws designed to protect employee rights. While employers are free to offer raises based on performance or company policy, they cannot reduce an employee's salary without the worker's explicit written consent. For expatriates working under valid contracts, understanding these rules is essential to ensure fair treatment and avoid unexpected pay cuts. This article breaks down the key legal provisions related to salary changes, helping expat employees and employers stay informed and compliant. Salary Increase – Employee's Right Salary increments are not mandatory by law. Employers may increase salaries at their discretion, based on: Performance evaluations Company policy Market standards Collective labor agreements, if any (usually for larger companies or unions), may contain terms about periodic raises. Salary Decrease – Strictly Regulated An employer cannot reduce an employee's salary without consent. Article 28 of the labor law states: 'It is not permitted to reduce the wage agreed upon in the employment contract unless with the written consent of the employee.' Any unilateral salary cut without the employee's approval is considered illegal. Employers may not force or coerce workers into accepting salary reductions. Doing so can be challenged legally. Important Notes: If your salary is stated in a written contract, it cannot be reduced, even if you verbally agree later, unless a new contract is signed. End-of-service benefits and indemnities are calculated based on your last full salary, not the reduced one (if unlawfully reduced). The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) handles such complaints and labor disputes in Kuwait. What You Can Do If Your Salary Is Cut Illegally: - File a complaint at the Labor Relations Department in your governorate. - You can also submit a case to the Labor Court if the issue is not resolved through mediation. Hiring Policy – Key Points Employment Contract: Must be written in Arabic (can include another language, but Arabic prevails). Should specify: Job title and responsibilities Salary and benefits Working hours (max 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week) Duration of contract (limited or unlimited) Residency & Work Permit For expats, employers must sponsor the employee and provide: Iqama (residency visa) Work permit The employee cannot legally work for another company without a transfer of sponsorship. Firing / Termination Policy – Explained Termination by Employer Employers can terminate an employee, but must follow these rules: 1. With Just Cause (Article 41): - No notice or indemnity is required to pay if the employee: Commits a serious violation (e.g. theft, assault, repeated absenteeism without valid reason, breach of trust, Conflict of interest, Disclosure risk [trade secrets, customer data etc]) - Fails to meet contractual obligations despite warnings - Is found guilty of gross misconduct 2. Without Cause Notice period must be given: 3 months for monthly-paid workers 1 month for others Termination indemnity (end-of-service) must be paid All accumulated leave, benefits, and pending salaries must be settled Unlawful Termination If termination is proven unjustified, the employee can: - File a labor complaint - Seek compensation for arbitrary dismissal Termination by Employee Employees can resign with: Same notice period (3 months) End-of-service benefit eligibility depends on years of service: - Less than 3 years: 50% indemnity - 3–5 years: 75% - Over 5 years: 100% Probation Period Up to 100 days
Gulf Insider
08-04-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Allows Iqama Renewal For Residents Even If Family Members Are Abroad
Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports has announced a new policy allowing residents to renew their 'Iqama' (residency permit) even if one of their dependents or companions is currently outside the Kingdom, provided the head of the household remains in the country. The new decision aims to help expatriates facing difficulties renewing their residency permits due to a family member being abroad. The new rule ensures that the presence of the head of the household within Saudi Arabia is sufficient to proceed with the renewal process. The policy has significant humanitarian and administrative implications, addressing common situations faced by resident families, such as children traveling for education, one parent accompanying a sick family member for medical treatment, or family emergencies abroad. Previously, the requirement that all family members be in Saudi Arabia had led to delays and potential legal risks if the Iqama expired. Under the updated guidelines, families can maintain their legal status and continue receiving essential services, even if one member is abroad, as long as the head of the household is in the Kingdom and manages the renewal process. Additionally, the Directorate clarified that the extension of exit and re-entry visas for family members outside the Kingdom is now fully electronic. This can be done through the 'SADAD' system and the 'Absher' platform, removing the need for in-person visits to passport offices. Source Gulf News
Express Tribune
08-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Saudi Arabia announces new policy for 'Iqama' renewal
Listen to article Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Passports has introduced a new policy that allows residents to renew their 'Iqama' (residency permit) even if some dependents or companions are currently outside the country, as long as the head of the household remains within the Kingdom. The move is expected to ease administrative challenges for expatriates who previously faced obstacles renewing their residency due to a family member's absence from Saudi Arabia. 'The presence of the head of the household inside the Kingdom is now sufficient for Iqama renewal,' the Directorate confirmed in a statement. The policy addresses various real-life situations commonly faced by expatriate families — such as children studying abroad, a parent travelling for medical reasons, or family emergencies requiring travel. Previously, such cases risked delays or legal complications if the Iqama expired while a family member was outside the Kingdom. Under the revised rules, families can maintain their legal residency status and continue accessing government and private sector services, even if one or more dependents are overseas. In addition, the Directorate announced that the extension of exit and re-entry visas for family members currently abroad can now be handled entirely online. The service is available through the 'Absher' platform and the government's 'SADAD' payment system, eliminating the need for in-person visits to passport offices. The update is seen as both a humanitarian and administrative step forward, simplifying procedures for thousands of resident families across Saudi Arabia.
