Latest news with #LegalAdviceandLegislationDepartment
Arab Times
19-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwaiti apartment owners to get alternative housing
KUWAIT CITY, July 19: The Legal Advice and Legislation Department has approved an in-kind compensation plan for Kuwaitis who own apartments in Sabah Al-Salem Residential Complex. Under this plan, eligible owners will be granted alternative housing units in Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City, under the provisions of Law No. 33/1964 concerning expropriation and temporary seizure for public benefit and its amendments. The final decision is now pending approval by the Council of Ministers. A reliable source confirmed that during its session on March 26, the Cabinet reviewed the request of the Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW) regarding the expropriation of Sabah Al-Salem Residential Complex for public use. As part of this move, the authority proposed compensating the eligible owners with residential units located in PAHW-owned housing buildings in Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City. The PAHW will oversee the implementation of this project in coordination with the relevant government agencies. Temporary residents of the complex, who meet eligibility criteria, will be allowed to rent alternative housing units at subsidized rates, as determined by the authority. The rent will vary based on the size and type of the housing unit and the associated service charges. The Cabinet has also instructed the PAHW to coordinate with the Legal Advice and Legislation Department, the Ministry of Finance, the Expropriation for Public Benefit Department, and other concerned entities to study the legal aspects of the expropriation request and present recommendations accordingly. In a letter sent to the acting director general of PAHW, the Expropriation for Public Benefit Department outlined its vision for the execution of the project and the necessary legal procedures. It highlighted the major challenges and recommended steps in compliance with Law No. 33/1964 and Decree No. 131/1986. One of the important recommendations is the issuance of a Cabinet resolution to formalize the expropriation process for Sabah Al-Salem apartments. This resolution must be requested by the Minister of State for Housing Affairs and must specify the implementation mechanisms for resettling the current residents. The initiative is part of a government effort to address the housing needs of vulnerable groups, particularly divorced and widowed Kuwaiti women living in the complex. The Women's Housing Affairs Team has recommended relocating residents to PAHW housing projects to ensure their safety and improve their living standards. The proposed plan includes the following: 401 tenants will be relocated to alternative apartments in Sabah Al-Ahmad Residential City 123 owners, who hold official ownership documents, can choose between cash compensation or allocation of alternative housing in Sabah Al-Ahmad or other PAHW-designated locations, provided the compensation amount is waived and all outstanding financial obligations are settled. In the case of 16 owners currently in the process of obtaining ownership documents, they will be treated under the same terms as full owners if the documents are issued before the Cabinet decision is finalized; otherwise, they will be compensated accordingly. To move forward, the Expropriation for Public Benefit Administration emphasized the need for a Cabinet decision to form the Valuation Committee and Objections Committee, which will be responsible for assessing property values and handling appeals from affected parties.
Arab Times
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait-Bangladesh relations deepen, contributions lauded
KUWAIT CITY, April 17: Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait reaffirmed the deep-rooted and longstanding relations between Kuwait and the Republic of Bangladesh, indicating this is a partnership that has spanned five decades. Speaking on the sidelines of a reception hosted by the Embassy of Bangladesh to celebrate the 54th Independence and National Day of the country; Al-Sumait praised the contributions of the Bangladeshi community in Kuwait which, he pointed out, is the third-largest expatriate group in the country, numbering more than 300,000. 'Their heroic role during the brutal Iraqi invasion remains etched in our memory,' Al-Sumait said; recalling the efforts of Bangladeshi nationals in clearing landmines and their sacrifices, including those who lost their lives. 'Kuwait will never forget this favor. Our hands, both the government and people, are always extended to them.' Commenting on reforms within the judicial system of Kuwait, Al-Sumait referred to the recent steps taken by the Ministry of Justice in line with the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. 'Inspired by His Highness' Ramadan speech during his visit to the Supreme Judicial Council, we translated his vision into the new Judicial Organization Law. This comprehensive legislation consists of several vital reforms and is currently in its final drafting stage at the Legal Advice and Legislation Department. We expect completion within a few months,' he disclosed. He also affirmed the ministry's emphasis on gender inclusion in the judiciary, adding that more than 20 women now serve as judges in Kuwait. 'For the first time, we have four female directors of public prosecution out of the 14 total. They have proven their capability and receive our full support. New female prosecutors are appointed annually,' he said. Responding to questions regarding citizenship revocations under Article Eight of the Nationality Law; Al-Sumait clarified that while he is not part of the Nationality Committee, the ministry supports implementation efforts. 'His Highness the Amir has issued clear instructions that women whose citizenship was revoked under Article Eight should be treated as Kuwaiti citizens, but this should be done within certain regulatory frameworks. As a result, 25 female lawyers previously stripped of citizenship have been reinstated and have resumed their professional duties. Their home ownership rights also remain intact,' he stressed Meanwhile, Bangladeshi Ambassador to Kuwait, Major General Syed Tariq Hossain affirmed Kuwait's early recognition of Bangladesh following its 1971 independence. He praised the long-standing diplomatic ties established in 1974 and expressed optimism about continued bilateral cooperation, under the wise leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and visionary leadership of His Excellency the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh and Nobel Laureate Dr. Mohammad Yunus. 'Our collaboration covers politics, trade, labor, education, and defense. Recent achievements in social and economic development have positioned Bangladesh as a growing regional force,' he disclosed. He cited the July-August 2024 youth-led uprising in Bangladesh, crediting it with advancing democratic values and accountability. He also talked about the success of the recent investment summit in Dhaka, held on April 7-10, 2025; which witnessed the participation of 415 delegates from 50 countries. He extended an invitation to Kuwait and other nations to invest in the special economic zones in is country and promoted its tourism potential. 'Bangladesh is a land of natural beauty and hospitality. I encourage everyone to experience it firsthand,' he stated.
