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Kuwait Times
a day ago
- General
- Kuwait Times
Embassy of S Africa marks Mandela Day with message of unity
KUWAIT: The South African Embassy in Kuwait commemorated Nelson Mandela International Day with a special visit to the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) women's shelter in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. Led by Acting Head of Mission Busisiwe Mpungose, the embassy team dedicated 67 minutes, reflecting Mandela's 67 years of public service to engaging with the shelter's residents through various sports and recreational activities. These included indoor billiards and outdoor volleyball, designed to promote teamwork, unity, and well-being among the women. During her remarks, Acting head of mission at the South African Embassy to Kuwait, Busisiwe Mpungose paid tribute to Nelson Mandela's legacy, calling on all to take action, inspire change, and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. She added: 'It is truly an honor for us at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa to be here with you today,' the Ambassador began, acknowledging the significance of the day and its alignment with the enduring values championed by the late President Mandela. Quoting Mandela's powerful words—'It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized'—the ambassador underscored the relevance of the message in today's global context. 'This message is more relevant than ever,' she noted, 'reminding us that the responsibility to create more than just a better world lies within each of us.' The ambassador extended sincere gratitude to the Kuwaiti government and its institutions for their steadfast support and humanitarian efforts. She praised their work with local shelters and their commitment to empowering vulnerable individuals during difficult times, calling their dedication 'a true reflection of Madiba's vision.' Speaking directly to those residing in shelters, the ambassador offered words of encouragement: 'Your strength and determination have kept you going. We stand here to encourage you to remain hopeful for the brighter days ahead.' She went on to emphasize that Mandela Day is not merely about remembering a historic figure, but about embodying his values of unity, compassion, and service to others. 'Whether it's supporting a local charity, helping those affected by disaster, or simply showing kindness in our daily lives—every small action contributes to building a better world,' she said. The ambassador conveyed well-wishes for good health and continued success to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, along with hopes for enduring peace and prosperity for the Kuwaiti nation. During the visit, the delegation also received briefings on the shelter's important services such as legal aid, healthcare, and psychological support. To further assist the residents, the embassy generously donated clothing. Mpungose expressed deep admiration for the shelter staff's commitment to protecting and supporting vulnerable women and extended sincere thanks to PAM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their collaboration and hospitality. The visit underscored the Embassy's dedication to Mandela's values of kindness, care, and community empowerment.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait Arrests 44 Workers in Surprise Raid Over Labor and Residency Violations
KUWAIT CITY, July 27: Kuwaiti authorities arrested 44 laborers during a surprise inspection at a major construction site, in a sweeping crackdown on illegal workers amid efforts to regulate the country's labor market. The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), in coordination with the Joint Tripartite Committee, launched the unannounced raid at the Al-Naeem Housing Project under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah. The campaign uncovered a range of labor violations, including workers found employed by companies other than their sponsors, laborers working in professions not listed on their permits, and individuals residing in Kuwait illegally. Among the violations: 12 workers were found under the domestic servant category (Article 20) but were working in construction. 1 worker was found violating the law under the shepherd category. 28 workers were employed by companies that were not licensed to operate on the site. 3 individuals were caught for residency violations. The arrested laborers were reportedly working under the names of Arab Contractors and First Group, without possessing the required permits and engaging in unauthorized job roles. In an official statement, PAM emphasized that the inspection is part of a broader campaign to enforce Kuwait's labor laws and create a safer, more organized work environment for all stakeholders. The authority affirmed that inspections will continue with full force and violators will face strict legal action. 'These measures are being implemented in collaboration with relevant agencies to deter violations and maintain the integrity of Kuwait's labor market,' the statement read.
Arab Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Is Replacing Expats With Kuwaitis — Here's What You Need To Know
KUWAIT CITY, July 22: Acting Director of the Public Relations and Media Department at the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) Mohammad Al- Muzaini confirmed that the authority continues to Kuwaitize jobs under government contracts. In a press statement, Al-Muzaini disclosed that PAM is currently coordinating with the ministries to Kuwaitize contracts in public entities such as the ministries of Electricity, Water Public Works and Health. He affirmed the completion of the first phase with the Ministry of Health, while awareness programs and interviews have started with the Ministry of Public Works. He stated that applications are being sorted and the authority is working in line with the national strategy to achieve balance in the labor market. He explained that the government contract Kuwaitization program aims to encourage Kuwaiti youths to work in the private sector, away from total reliance on government employment. He said the authority applies national labor quotas to companies and holds job fairs in partnership with the Union of Banks, banks and telecommunication companies. He added the authority has also started Kuwaitizing the health and hotel sectors to provide more job opportunities for Kuwaitis. He said some companies have exceeded the specified quotas and employed up to 40 percent of Kuwaitis without being obligated to do so. 'This is due to the success of the qualification and training programs of the authority, which contribute to the efforts to enKuwait Is Replacing Expats With Kuwaitis — Here's What You Need To Knowcourage qualified nationals to work in the private sector,' he elaborated.
Arab Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Delayed and Unpaid Salaries? Kuwait's Authorities Now Watching in Real-Time
KUWAIT CITY, July 21: In a major step towards labour transparency and digital reform, Kuwait's Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has rolled out the second phase of its smart oversight system, a move aimed at stamping out salary delays for thousands of government contract workers. The new system, part of the 'Ashal Platform', now allows real-time electronic monitoring of wage disbursements for workers employed on government and oil sector contracts. According to well-informed sources, the platform enables contracting agencies to track salary payments, verify workers' legal status, and maintain detailed records of contracts and labour data. This comes amid rising concern over late or unpaid wages among outsourced workers, a problem the government is under increasing pressure to address. The upgraded platform, officials say, is in line with Cabinet directives calling for tighter scrutiny of private firms contracted by the government. Real-Time Oversight and Transparency Described by insiders as a "game-changer," the portal offers an interactive dashboard providing up-to-the-minute reports. Government bodies can now flag violations, monitor contractor compliance with Kuwait's Labour Law, and respond swiftly to any irregularities. The move is seen as part of Kuwait's broader push toward digital transformation and institutional integration, particularly within the labour sector. Officials hope the new system will boost accountability and ensure workers receive their wages on time — a recurring issue on many state-run projects. Supporting National Projects The platform will also support the hiring and management of skilled labour for ongoing infrastructure and oil sector projects, helping agencies better align hiring practices with contract timelines. Officials added that the system's impact will be especially significant in sectors requiring specialist expertise, allowing smoother operations and timely project completion. The Portal Offers Seven Key Services: Registration of government contracts Subcontract registration Contract extensions Contract cancellations Data editing and updates Record tracking and monitoring 'Notify Me' alerts for compliance updates and violations The platform's smart design ensures that agencies are not only alerted to breaches of employment law but are also empowered to act before issues spiral into crises. Kuwait's PAM says the system is designed to serve the public interest, provide oversight tools for government institutions, and promote fairness and transparency in the labour market.
Arab Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
No Salary Transfers? No New Hires—Kuwait Suspends Private Sector Files
KUWAIT CITY, July 16: Official sources stated that the recent suspension of some private sector company files was due to violations of Kuwait's private sector labor law and its amended regulations. These regulations mandate that employers with five or more workers must transfer employee salaries through banks. The sources clarified that the first phase of the suspension targeted non-compliant employers as a precautionary measure, aimed at urging them to comply with salary transfer requirements. The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) will continue monitoring employers to ensure full adherence to the law. They further noted that enforcement actions are being carried out under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, in line with Cabinet decisions to ensure timely wage payments. The sources emphasized Kuwait's commitment to protecting its international reputation, particularly concerning human rights and the treatment of expatriate workers. Importantly, they assured that suspending an employer's file does not impact the ability to renew permits for existing employees or transfer them to compliant employers. This ensures that workers are not penalized or rendered in violation of residency laws. In conclusion, the sources explained that suspension of an employer's file halts the hiring of new workers and the workforce needs assessment process until the employer rectifies their legal status. This includes transferring salaries and entering the necessary legal justifications for any non-transfer into PAM's Ashal system.
