Latest news with #non-Kuwaitis
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Kuwait Just Changed Driving License Rules, Here is what you need to know
KUWAIT CITY, July 27: The Official Gazette Kuwait Alyom has published Ministry of Interior Resolution No. 1257 of 2025, introducing amendments to Clause 1 of Article 85 of Ministerial Resolution No. 81/76, which outlines the Executive Regulations of the Traffic Law and its amendments. According to the revised clause, a "Private License" is now defined as a license issued to operate private vehicles carrying no more than seven passengers, transport vehicles with a load capacity not exceeding two tons, taxis, and ambulances. The updated regulation sets new validity periods based on the holder's residency status: 15 years for Kuwaiti citizens and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, 5 years for expatriates (non-Kuwaitis), Valid according to card review for stateless (Bedouns) The resolution also authorizes the acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior to enforce the decision, which takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette.
Arab Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
The children of Kuwaiti women need more compassion
WE submit the complaints of the Kuwaiti mothers of non-Kuwaiti children to His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef; because Kuwait is a humanitarian country. Kuwait has proven this over the decades. Even the purification of national identity has not left those whose citizenship was revoked without solutions. We submit the complaints to Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, because he is acting according to directives of the political leadership to ensure that no one is wronged. Your Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister, we hear a lot about unverified injustices against the children of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis. They allegedly suffer from lack of opportunities, as they are being prevented from practicing any activity or profession, because they are stateless despite being born in Kuwait to Kuwaiti mothers. They lived and worked in its schools. In some cases where the father died or was forced to leave Kuwait for any reason, or because the mother got divorced; the children who live with their Kuwaiti mothers have no identity, and perhaps, without benefits or jobs. Your Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister, the children born under these circumstances should not be blamed. It is true that the law prohibits the naturalization of the children of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis, while most countries around the world grant this right to women, as it leads to social stability and stimulates fair competition. It is important for these young people to find jobs that provide them with an income to help them support themselves and their families; and also help them contribute to the only country they know. Mothers want to provide opportunities for their children. A large portion of this group is highly qualified, and some are skilled in professions considered important in Kuwait. The State is keen on attracting foreigners to fill positions where the members of this group are skilled in, not to mention their knowledge of society. These people are an added value to the economy, as they spend all their income in Kuwait. Recently, the privileges they enjoyed in the past were revoked due to the withdrawal of their citizenship. This move has had many repercussions that worsened their living conditions; especially those who have families to support, financial obligations, loans and children studying abroad. The government's decision to restore the benefits of those whose citizenship was revoked and allow them to travel using their Kuwaiti passport was a correct move that deserves praise. The children of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis should be treated in the same manner, even if it is only through granting them limited-term passports, so that they can modify their status; particularly their nationalities. They must be allowed to sell their properties, liquidate their businesses or transfer their assets to their Kuwaiti mothers. Your Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, when the leader of the new era issued a directive to guarantee justice; His Highness proceeded based on the real Kuwaiti social culture --helping those in need. Those born on this land and from Kuwaiti mothers are more deserving of relief and assistance. The children of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis support their mothers in their old age while they themselves live in crisis. Kuwait is known worldwide for being a compassionate and humane country at every level. Despite the fact that all the people of Kuwait firmly supported the revocation of the citizenship of those who have attempted to cause damage to the national identity by obtaining citizenship illegally, the latter are treated well on humanitarian grounds. This means that the children of Kuwaiti women married to non-Kuwaitis have also the right to find solutions to their problems. Without a doubt, such solutions are available. In Kuwait, we are accustomed to the complaint of the oppressed finding a receptive ear. We know that the State is working with all its might to correct mistakes to eliminate injustice. The political leadership, headed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah -- may Allah protect him -- has instructed the government to intensify efforts to guarantee justice. Your Excellency Sheikh Fahad Al- Yousuf, whatever the Kuwaiti mothers married to non-Kuwaitis are facing in this regard requires compassion. With admiration, the whole world is watching Kuwaiti initiatives to provide assistance to all those in need, especially the female citizens who worked hard to raise their children to be loyal to Kuwait, even if they are not citizens. Patriotism is about belonging and loyalty, not anything else.
Kuwait Times
15-07-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
CAN warns of summer sun risks
CAN warns of summer sun risks Cancer Awareness Nation launches skin cancer awareness campaign By Abdellatif Sharaa and Agencies KUWAIT: Kuwait's Cancer Awareness Nation (CAN) has issued a warning against prolonged and direct sun exposure during the summer months, highlighting its significant role in increasing the risk of skin cancer. The advisory came as part of the launch of CAN's latest awareness initiative, 'Safe Under the Sun,' aimed at promoting sun safety and encouraging early detection practices. Speaking at the campaign's launch, CAN Chairman and oncologist Dr Khaled Al-Saleh stressed that skin cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. 'Despite its prevalence, many cases can be prevented or detected early, greatly improving treatment outcomes and survival rates,' he said. Dr Khaled Al-Saleh Citing official statistics, Dr Al-Saleh noted that in 2020, Kuwait recorded 24 cases of skin cancer—representing 7.3 percent of all diagnosed cancers that year—with eight cases among Kuwaitis and 16 among non-Kuwaitis. He outlined key early warning signs such as the appearance of new moles or spots, noticeable changes in existing moles, non-healing sores, or the presence of scaly patches. 'Public awareness of these symptoms is critical, and we urge regular self-examinations as well as clinical screenings,' he added. Dr Al-Saleh emphasized the importance of preventative measures, including the use of sunscreen, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, wearing protective clothing, and maintaining routine skin checks. Treatment options, he explained, vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer and may include surgical removal, cryotherapy, laser treatments, immunotherapy, and other advanced medications. As part of the campaign, CAN will distribute educational materials and host awareness events in shopping malls and other public venues. — KUNA
Arab Times
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Give the Bedouns passports, so they can walk through the world's slopes and partake of His provision
The recent government measures regarding those whose citizenships were revoked, whether obtained legally or fraudulently, are a step in the right direction toward easing their suffering. These actions have brought relief to many individuals and their families, and for that, we thank the ruler. There is no doubt that this can be achieved only by a great man committed to social stability and the restoration of the relationship between these people and their community. This would allow them to move freely and deal with their situations through legitimate means. Not long ago, I urged the government to carefully study the ramifications of its decisions before issuing them, to avoid unintended consequences that could worsen people's lives. Issuing decisions without thorough consideration risks turning well-intended benefits into major disasters. Had these factors been considered before revoking citizenship, those with extensive family and business ties could have better managed the transition. They could have avoided many of the negative consequences caused by the revocation and arranged their affairs more smoothly. It is no secret that the majority of those whose citizenship was revoked, excluding those proven to be forgers, experienced injustice, especially after their transactions were halted. This included being unable to withdraw money from banks, which severely affected their daily lives and their families' ability to meet basic needs. However, with the initiation of the final procedures, even if incomplete, these individuals have begun to feel some relief after a long period of hardship. Their only consolation now lies in the existence of a grievance committee to review their petitions and restore rights to those who can prove they deserve them. We live in a country that acts with humanity and keeps its doors open to all. Officials listen to every complaint, which builds great hope. We live in a country where people freely express their feelings for the nation, and their leaders listen and respond because they fear God in their country. In a related, and perhaps even more important, matter is the issue of the so-called 'Bedoun,' commonly referred to as 'illegal residents.' This group has been stuck in limbo for decades, like a snowball growing larger every day. The number of Bedoun residents continues to rise, while viable solutions remain elusive. At the same time, we face challenges with the Kuwaitization of jobs and the large number of non-Kuwaitis employed in state institutions. This Bedoun group understands the fabric of society and has made significant contributions in many fields, especially the fathers of some members, who defended Kuwait and sacrificed for it. Therefore, they have basic human rights, including the right to work and earn a decent living. They can be employed in various sectors, particularly in state institutions, to fill positions currently held by expatriates. Implementing this proposal would have multiple benefits, such as reducing security burdens and curbing the outflow of remittances abroad. The Bedoun residents would spend their earnings within Kuwait, which they regard as their only homeland. Employing them would not impose additional costs on the state, as the services they use already exist. Although rumors suggest the number of Bedoun residents is around 100,000, this figure does not align with the official count reported by the Central Agency for the Remedy of the Situations of Illegal Residents. The Ministry of Interior is aware of this. Employing this population would ease many burdens on the country. We must not forget that many Bedoun residents were born, raised, and educated in Kuwaiti schools. Some have excelled in various fields but were denied full human dignity. Many Bedoun residents immigrated to countries that granted them citizenship, where they found work and completed their education, only to return to Kuwait because they consider it their true home. Also, many Bedoun women are mothers to Kuwaiti children and share a deep attachment to Kuwait as their homeland. So why aren't Bedoun residents granted passports, like those whose citizenship has been revoked? Granting them full-term passports would allow them to travel freely to any country in search of work and livelihood. It is quite possible that many would regain their fathers' or grandfathers' citizenship once granted this freedom of movement, instead of continuing to live in poverty and with restricted mobility. It is well known that people are naturally friendly and do not like harm, but harsh circumstances can push them to commit a crime when they struggle to provide for their families. If restrictions tighten further, some may abandon their values and resort to illegal means to survive. First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah is deeply concerned about this issue. We thank him for his concern and pray for God's guidance and support in his efforts. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the repercussions and channel the energy of the Bedoun community for the benefit of society, rather than neglecting the issue and allowing crime to escalate. There is a fine line between harsh enforcement and maintaining security through the rule of law. Judges consistently uphold the spirit of the law, balancing justice with compassion and the public interest, especially here in Kuwait, a country known for its humanity. We therefore bring this matter to the attention of senior officials and urge them to devise a fair and just solution for this group of people, whose numbers have grown after the revocation of citizenship. Facilitating travel for the Bedoun residents could enable many to reconnect with their family roots in other countries.
Arab Times
22-06-2025
- Science
- Arab Times
New Recruitment Rules for Expat Teachers Issued by Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, June 22: Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, Mansour Al-Dhafiri has approved the receipt of applications for several vacant teaching positions for the 2025/2026 academic year. These positions are open to non-Kuwaitis with university degrees to work in public schools in various disciplines, subject to specific terms and conditions. The required specializations are the following: Male Teachers: Applicants applying for Arabic and music education positions must be children of Kuwaiti women. For French, English, mathematics, science, chemistry, physics, biology, and geology, applicants are not required to be children of Kuwaiti women. Female Teachers: Applicants applying for English, mathematics, computer science, and music education must be children of Kuwaiti women. For Arabic, French, English, mathematics, science, chemistry, physics, biology, and geology, there is no such requirement. The ministry clarified that applications are open to both genders, provided that applicants meet the following conditions: - A minimum overall GPA of 'Good' in the university degree. - Age not exceeding 45 years. - Compliance with the experience requirement - three years for non-teaching qualifications and two years for graduates of teaching qualifications, with certification from official authorities. Exemptions from the experience requirement apply to PhD holders with a grade of 'Very Good' or higher, master's degree holders with a grade of 'Excellent,' as well as graduates of the College of Education at Kuwait University and the College of Basic Education at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET). The Ministry of Education confirmed that science- related positions for non-Kuwaiti men are limited to graduates of the College of Basic Education within Kuwait only. All recent graduates, without exception, must pass a personal interview. The ministry explained that any application failing to meet the requirements or lacking the necessary documents will not be accepted. Applications from individuals holding entry visas or those with work permits not designated for the position of 'Teacher' will also be rejected. Applicants must attach the following documents to their application - a valid passport and civil ID, a personal photo, academic certificates, a transcript certified by the relevant authorities and Kuwaiti cultural offices, and a certificate of good conduct. After passing the interview, applications must be submitted electronically via the Ministry of Education's official website - Upon acceptance, applicants will be contacted to visit the Human Resources Department – Customer Service Lounge – at the ministry building in South Surra. They must bring all the required documents. Candidates will then undergo an interview under approved regulations.
