Latest news with #Kuwaitization
Arab Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Arab Times
215 Cooperatives, 97 Kuwaitis, And 118 Expats Referred For Prosecution
KUWAIT CITY, Jun 4: Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, has announced a sweeping crackdown on mismanagement and corruption within Kuwait's cooperative sector, underscoring the ministry's commitment to financial integrity and the protection of public funds. Dr. Al-Huwailah revealed that, since taking office, the ministry has dissolved the boards of 15 cooperative societies due to documented violations cited in official oversight reports. "This phase marks a critical step in correcting systemic flaws and ensuring that all violators are held fully accountable," she said. "There will be no exceptions when it comes to safeguarding public interest." As part of the ministry's anti-corruption initiative, 97 Kuwaiti nationals—including board members and staff of cooperative societies have been referred to the Public Prosecution, along with 118 expat employees. Dr. Al-Huwailah emphasized that these actions are rooted in a firm policy of zero tolerance toward financial and administrative misconduct. Additionally, 19 financial and administrative auditors overseeing cooperatives that are currently facing dissolution are under investigation. Two have already been penalized, with inquiries ongoing into the others. The ministry is also undertaking a comprehensive review of its auditing processes and performance evaluation systems. A National Priority Dr. Al-Huwailah stressed that enhancing transparency and improving regulatory oversight is now a national imperative. Recent amendments to Kuwait's financial disclosure laws, part of the "Integrity" framework, aim to bolster institutional accountability, not only in cooperatives but also in charitable and other public-facing sectors. 'Cooperative societies are vital to our national economy and social stability,' she said. 'We are determined to ensure these institutions continue to provide high-quality goods and services at fair prices while maintaining rigorous governance standards.' She made it clear that the ministry will not hesitate to refer anyone to legal authorities if found guilty of misusing public funds or committing administrative or financial violations. Legislative and Structural Reforms Underway The minister outlined a multi-pronged strategy to revamp the cooperative sector, which includes: Updating Legislation: Overhauling laws to reflect current needs and best practices.n Implementing Kuwaitization: E nforcing policies to prioritize hiring Kuwaiti nationals in supervisory roles within cooperatives.n Supporting National Products: Requiring cooperatives to purchase locally grown produce directly from farmers, eliminating intermediaries.n Regulating Cooperative Operations: Strengthening oversight to detect and prevent violations.n Promoting Sustainable Development: Encouraging cooperatives to play a more active role in community service and economic growth.n Protecting Shareholders' Funds: Enforcing stricter financial controls with no room for compromise.n Dr. Al-Huwailah also highlighted the ministry's collaboration with cooperative societies to uphold legal compliance, urging full cooperation with inspectors and auditing teams. She emphasized the importance of budget discipline and urged strict adherence to the financial limits approved by the General Assembly and the Ministry. Empowering National Talent and Entrepreneurs The minister reiterated the importance of national talent in revitalizing the cooperative sector and called on cooperatives to support Kuwait's workforce development initiatives. As part of the Kuwaitization policy, cooperatives have been instructed to promptly report vacancies in supervisory positions to the Ministry. In support of local entrepreneurship, Dr. Al-Huwailah reaffirmed the ministry's backing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), calling them a cornerstone of economic resilience. "Strengthening ties between cooperatives and SMEs will not only support national economic goals but also boost food and consumer security," she noted. Moreover, the minister emphasized the importance of upholding hygiene and health regulations in cooperative operations, ensuring legal labor practices, and curbing marginal labor. Reforming the Cooperative Work Environment Dr. Al-Huwailah concluded by reaffirming the ministry's unwavering resolve to clean up the cooperative sector. 'We will continue to enforce strict regulations and legislative reforms to preserve the societal and economic value of these institutions,' she stated. 'Our ultimate goal is to build a transparent, sustainable, and community-driven cooperative system.'
Arab Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Row erupts over reinstatement of many expat judicial officials
KUWAIT CITY, May 3: Former Director of the Legal Research and Grievances Department at the Ministry of Education and incumbent Human Resources Supervisor Saud Al-Jassar has submitted a formal complaint to Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairman Dr. Essam Al-Rubaian on the alleged contravention of governmental mandates on the nationalization of legal jobs. This complaint arises from the decision of the ministry to reinstate several expatriate legal researchers one year after their dismissal as per the Kuwaitization policy. Al-Jassar pointed out that the initial terminations were under the directives of the Council of Ministers and the CSC to prioritize citizens, particularly in legal positions. He said these terminations achieved legal inviolability after the expiration of the specified appeal period. He alleged the CSC violated these mandates by authorizing the reassignment of Kuwaiti legal professionals to general administrative roles, concurrently sanctioning the reinstatement of expatriates into legal positions. He argued 'this action is deemed a reversal of the established replacement policy, undermining the government's intention to Kuwaitize legal positions.' According to Al-Jassar, this measure not only challenges high-level State directives, but also constitutes a clear breach of CSC Resolution No. 11/2017 and contradicts the statements published by CSC in local media on Feb 3, 2025. He said 'these prior statements affirmed the termination of numerous expatriate contracts and indicated that contracts for expatriates in non-essential government roles would not be extended beyond March 31.' He also affirmed the availability of more than 370 Kuwaiti legal researchers in educational districts and additional qualified Kuwaiti applicants seeking legal sector employment; hence, questioning the rationale behind the expatriate reinstatements. He also criticized the involuntary transfer of Kuwaiti legal professionals to administrative roles, which is inconsistent with their academic qualifications and experience. He wondered why national expertise is marginalized while expatriate personnel are re-engaged in legal capacities. He said the official correspondence of the CSC typically precludes reinstatement of Kuwaiti personnel following termination and the lapse of the legal appeal period. 'However, the long-expired termination of expatriates is being reversed, raising questions on equality and legal consistency. CSC Circular No. 15/2000 prohibits the revocation of valid termination decisions after the legal appeal period. The CSC chairman must take legal measures to rectify such a violation of legal and national directives,' he asserted.
Arab Times
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
The judiciary is under scrutiny
ON March 16, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah visited the Supreme Judicial Council – a visit that gained 'special and exceptional significance,' as evident to anyone with insight and discernment. While His Highness the Amir affirmed his belief that the judiciary is the cornerstone of achieving justice, and expressed his pride in the impartial Kuwaiti judiciary, distinguished by its professionalism and competence in preserving rights and upholding justice; his speech during the meeting did not lack what he described as 'some matters and issues that affect justice and raise doubt and confusion regarding the system of some rulings.' His Highness clearly referred to 'the issuance of conflicting and contradictory rulings. One judge issues a ruling, and another overturns it; even though the cases are all similar in facts and circumstances, without any addition or omission. This raises doubt and suspicion about the rulings.' He stressed that 'the rush to issue judicial rulings to uphold falsehood, settle scores and achieve personal interests at the expense of supporting the oppressed perpetuates tribalism and pre-Islamic fanaticism, and threatens the interests of the country and its people.' Out of His Highness' commitment to maintain the integrity of the judiciary, he considered the last resort and refuge for all to protect rights and freedoms. He instructed members of the judiciary to 'order, hope and consider.' He explained that the order is 'the rapid Kuwaitization of the judiciary and supporting positions. The hope is to quickly adjudicate and resolve disputes, as well as the avoidance of adjournment of sessions for the most trivial reasons. As for consideration, it is placing the interests of Kuwait, supporting the oppressed, achieving justice, and avoiding conflicting rulings with similar facts and circumstances above all other considerations.' His Highness clearly ordered the enactment of legislation to develop judicial work and regulations to facilitate its procedures, to expedite the adjudication of cases and prevent their accumulation and delay. Although nearly a month has passed since the meeting and the royal speech, and even despite the Supreme Judicial Council's prompt convening of a special session – less than 48 hours after the meeting, after which it announced its commitment to implement all orders and directives contained in the royal speech, 'nothing has happened'. Matters remain at a standstill, not beyond the framework of 'promises and pledges.' According to reliable sources, circles within the Ministry of Justice are disturbed by what they described as 'the Supreme Judicial Council's delay in responding to the ministry's letters regarding amending and updating laws to serve Kuwait globally.' They said 'the Supreme Judicial Council has its status and importance, and it is undoubtedly appreciated and respected by everyone. However, the slow response to proposals is hampering the legal and legislative reform process, up to the point where it is feared that it will cause significant harm to Kuwait. If the delay continues longer, Kuwait will be under the scrutiny of numerous international institutions regarding a number of laws related to combating terrorism and money laundering, human rights, and some civil and criminal procedures; especially since some of these institutions are seeking to settle scores with Kuwait over its Arab and regional stances.' According to the same sources, judicial reform is being closely monitored and pursued by the highest authorities in the country. The Minister of Justice is exerting tremendous efforts in this regard; as the next phase requires the issuance of a package of laws and similar legislative amendments before June, which will witness reviews in several international forums to close loopholes through which criminals can escape and to address internationally criticized aspects of the implementation of Kuwaiti laws. These sources also confirmed that the minister's actions and his legal revolution are the scrutiny of higher authorities who are keen on expediting the requirements of this new era. They stressed the need for 'a real shakeup of legislation, some of which is based on the private interests of influential individuals or members of previous parliaments, or has been mislabeled and has tarnished Kuwait's image globally.' They emphasized that the higher directive to expedite legislative reform are currently the Minister of Justice's primary concern.' Yes, Kuwait has suffered from a morbid condition in recent years, and even decades, which worsened when some constitutional institutions, which are currently inactive, encroached on the government's powers. In the eyes of the world, this has rendered it incapable of moving toward development. Therefore, higher authorities have ordered rapid reform, regardless of the cost, because time waits for nothing while the country stagnates. In this context, money laundering laws, human rights laws, and everything that could tarnish the State's image have been put under intense scrutiny; with the goal of 'being consistent with the demands of the times on one hand, and on the other hand, to restore the State's global image, especially with some money thieves fleeing abroad and the lack of faithful implementation of international agreements.' Thus, the sources revealed that 'strict oversight in this area is necessary and it should not allow any flaws.' On the other hand, they believe that 'some consultations were misplaced or incomplete, and although they were not binding, they were implemented; creating new obstacles to updating the laws, especially since some people do not understand the structure of Kuwaiti society and its social culture that played a major role in this.' In context, sources said 'the Kuwaitization of the judiciary was a successful step, because the political leadership seeks to localize the country's important facilities, and the judiciary is the backbone, indeed, the brain of any development.' They added 'the failure to localize judicial institutions was a source of great discontent in the decision-making process. The opinions expressed were not in compliance with basic international standards on one hand; and on the other hand, they contained loopholes that could undermine any court rulings, as His Highness the Amir pointed out in his speech before the Supreme Judicial Council, particularly regarding conflicting rulings and similarity of grounds. They cited the statements of His Highness the Amir during his visits to State institutions and sectors last Ramadan, 'so that the workshop could begin with full seriousness, without any justification or hesitation.' They pointed out that Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait wanted to 'break away from the norm, and not keep up with the seven ministers who served in the ministry in recent years and left things as they were. They neither initiated the necessary reforms nor exert any effort either out of fear of parliamentary accountability or out of self-interest, which kept the situation as it was.' They affirmed that the minister is leading a massive legislative reform project, which requires, at the very least, a helping hand to assist him in implementing the royal directives. Sources said those who deal with the Minister of Justice noticed his despair over the legacy he has before him, and the time remaining until June, especially since many questions have been directed to Kuwait from international circles. They added 'it is true that the legislative amendment project is both large and complex, and some of it requires speed but without haste; this does not prevent the amendment of many criminal laws to combat corruption and plundering of public funds, as well as major crimes, particularly the extradition of criminals.'
Arab Times
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Teachers sacked months ago to get back their jobs
KUWAIT CITY, April 12: Several months after the termination of the services of 56 expatriate public school teachers for slow learners, those with learning difficulties and Down syndrome the Ministry of Education reversed its decision and asked for the approval of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to reinstate these teachers. According to an official letter from the ministry, the Coordination and Follow-up Department attached the list of these teachers, along with a request for replacements, to make the appropriate decision. The acting undersecretary of the ministry had earlier approved the decision to terminate these teachers under Article Four (bis). Withdrawal The CSC agreed on the withdrawal of the termination decision as per the request of the ministry, confirming it is possible to take such a step. It clarified that the teachers covered by the decision are not entitled to receive a salary for the period they were absent due to the decision. It added that a copy of decisions related to these teachers has been forwarded to the concerned entities for completion of reinstatement procedures. Article Four (bis), which the ministry used as the basis for approving the termination of these teachers due to its unwillingness to continue its contract with them, is part of the general policy of the State on the Kuwaitization of jobs in government agencies through the termination of expatriate staff. This is following Article Three of Civil Service Council Resolution No. 11/2017, which stipulates the rules and regulations for Kuwaitizing government jobs. It mandates the CSC to conduct an annual study to identify the job groups covered by Kuwaitization and the percentage of the Kuwaiti workforce. Target The target number of Kuwaiti employees out of the total workforce is determined in each government entity separately, and then the number of non-Kuwaiti employees whose services must be terminated is determined to reach the specified percentage
Gulf Insider
28-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Curbs Expat Employment In Public Sector
Kuwait is forging ahead with implementing a vigorous replacement policy in all government agencies whereby the contract of any foreign worker (expat) doing a non-rare job will not be renewed after the end of the current month. Kuwaiti newspaper Al Anbar, citing unidentified sources, reported that the numbers of such expatriates are limited and retained pending grooming Kuwaitis as part of a plan to boost national human resources in different fields. According to the replacement policy adopted as part of an employment policy known as 'Kuwaitization', specific rates are set for each job category, designed to ensure work balance on the one hand and enhance the Kuwaitis' engagement in the labour market on the other. The sources disclosed that the replacement policy entails job groups that are set for complete 'Kuwaitisation' and others where the replacement rates range between 70% and 98% of the overall manpower. The former category includes jobs of information technology, maritime field, arts, media and public relations, administrative development, follow-up, support and statistics, a breakdown provided by the sources has shown. The latter includes jobs linked to forensic evidence, rescue, social, educational, and sports services, engineering, sciences, finance, economics, commerce, law, politics, Islamic affairs and crafts. Foreigners currently constitute around 3.3 million of Kuwait's 4.9 million population, according to official figures. In recent years, Kuwait has intensified efforts to create jobs for its citizens, replace foreign employees, and address the demographic imbalance in the country.
