Latest news with #non-Saudis
Arab Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Dear government, trust in Allah and tether the camel … Kuwait is still blocked
'LAISSEZ-FAIRE et laissez-passer' (Let do and let pass) is a principle that France adopted in the second half of the 18th century. At the time, France was experiencing a major economic crisis, so the then Minister of Finance agreed with merchants not to interfere with the activities, properties or goods of the people. In less than three years, France became a major economic power in Europe. This introduction is necessary to shed light on the decisions made in Kuwait over the past 15 years, which led to economic contraction and a decline in the gross domestic product (GDP). Behind these decisions were officials who were either incompetent or sought to quickly enrich themselves, even at the expense of the greater national interest. Before this, Kuwait was closer to the principle of 'laissez-faire'; enjoying commercial, urban and social stability. With the rise of the visa and human trafficking frenzy, we began to notice the issuance of decisions and legislation that paralyzed economic activity, including the prosecution of workers known as 'freelancers'. Civilized countries, including some Gulf states, have taken steps to ensure that the government sponsors the workers. This opened doors to millions of workers from around the world and they allowed non-citizens to own properties. What was the result? For example, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the first to allow this, which boosted its GDP, reaching AED 1.322 trillion at the end of last year; while Kuwait recorded a GDP of KD9.73 billion in the same year -- a decline of 3.9 percent. Saudi Arabia, which opened up to the world in recent years, has allowed foreign investment and granted real estate ownership rights to non-Saudis, significantly boosting its GDP; while Kuwait is still struggling to overcome its economic downturn, lacking modern legislative tools. Nevertheless, I would like to thank Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah for the relentless efforts he exerted in this regard and for ratifying the new Foreigners Residency Law. Unfortunately, until today, no executive regulations have been issued for this law, meaning we remain in limbo while the old law is still in effect. When unfair decisions were made against Kuwaitis and expatriates, particularly regarding the deportation campaigns, the workers' wages rose from KD5 to KD20, and the wage of a professional worker increased up to KD50 or KD60. This increased the cost of construction and all services; hence, the citizens and government were the worst hit by such decisions. Today, whoever wishes to visit Kuwait is still required to hold a university degree, book a flight ticket through a domestic airline, and ensure their stay does not exceed one month. Let us assume the visitor came to Kuwait in search of an investment opportunity or at the request of a company to benefit from his expertise, despite his lack of a university degree, as we mentioned earlier. Does this justify denying him entry to Kuwait and causing the company to lose his expertise? In such a situation, we must not forget the crises that resulted from the decision not to renew the work permits of expatriate workers aged above 60 and the accompanying extensive deportation campaigns. One of the negative consequences of the decision was that 65,000 apartments became empty due to the departure of tens of thousands of expatriates who were welcomed by other Gulf countries that are now benefiting from them. It is unwise to interfere in the relationship between the employee and the company, and oblige the latter to require higher qualifications for positions. The employment relationship is confidential, established through the contract signed by the employee and the employer. The State has nothing to do with it, except in terms of protecting the workers' rights. Yes, the acting Prime Minister is trying to address this issue, but one hand cannot clap. Why are expatriates not allowed to own properties and bring their family and relatives to stay with them in Kuwait, as long as they have the financial capability to support them? Why does the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) interfere in the relationship between the employee and the employer? If the goal is to promote economic activities and social stability, why don't we adopt the measures taken by other Gulf states -- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE? What prevents Kuwait from restoring the leading position it once occupied? Gentlemen, through the adoption of the 'laissez-faire' principle then, Kuwait transformed into a vibrant business hub and it enjoyed stability. What prevents the return to that prosperous era, unless there are still visa and human traffickers who insist on putting a stick on the wheel of development?
Saudi Gazette
07-05-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Ministry of Education approves mandatory Saudi uniform for public school students
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Ministry of Education has approved mandatory Saudi national uniform for students of public schools across the Kingdom. The uniform includes a thobe, shemagh or ghutra, and agal (optional) for boys in elementary school, while girls in this level wear a pink apron and a white blouse. At the intermediate level, boys shall wear a thobe, a shemagh or ghutra, and an agal (optional), while girls shall wear an olive green skirt and a white blouse. At the secondary level, boys shall wear a thobe, a ghutra or shemagh (for Saudis), and a thobe and an agal (optional) for non-Saudis. Girls shall wear a navy blue skirt and a white blouse. Kindergarten boys shall wear a thobe, a white shirt with long or short sleeves, and long beige pants with an elastic waistband. Girls shall wear a white shirt with long or short sleeves, long beige pants with an elastic waistband, and a beige apron that covers the knees. Regarding sports uniform for various school levels, elementary students shall wear a white shirt with short or long sleeves and long navy blue sweatpants. Intermediate school students shall wear a white shirt with short or long sleeves and long olive green sweatpants. Secondary school students shall wear a white shirt with short or long sleeves and long black sweatpants.
Leaders
27-03-2025
- Business
- Leaders
GASTAT: Saudi Arabia's Unemployment Rate Declines to 3.5% in Q4 2024
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) revealed that the unemployment rate for the total population of Saudi Arabia dropped to 3.5%. According to the Labor Market Statistics for the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, the Kingdom recorded a 3.5% decrease in the unemployment rate for Saudis and non-Saudis aged 15 and above. Furthermore, the rate of Saudi nationals (both males and females aged 15 and above) declined to 7% in Q4 2024, in comparison to 7.8% in the Q4 2023. As for the unemployment rate for the total male population, it recorded 2%. Meanwhile, the rate for females reached 10.4%. Importantly, the participation rate of Saudi women in labor market saw a 36% growth, compared to the same period in 2023. GASTAT The statistics also showed that the unemployment rate for Saudi males reached 4.3%, while the rate for Saudi females dropped to 11.9% in Q4 2024, compared to 13.6% in Q4 2023. Crucially, this noticeable decline in unemployment rates is basically driven by the strong and advanced performance of the Saudi labor market. Saudi Arabia has recently made bold strides to develop the labor market, boost the employment environment, as well as support women's empowerment initiatives. Related Topics: Saudi Unemployment Rate Declines in Q2 2024, Underscoring Labor Market Strength GATSAT: Saudi Unemployment Rate Down in First Quarter of 2024 Unemployment Rates in Saudi Arabia Fall to 4.4% in 2023 Short link : Post Views: 31 Related Stories
Asharq Al-Awsat
27-03-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Unemployment Rate for Total Population in Saudi Arabia Drops to 3.5% in Q4 2024
The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released on Thursday the Labor Market Statistics for the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, saying the unemployment rate for the total population of Saudi Arabia (Saudis and non-Saudis aged 15 and above) declined to 3.5%. The unemployment rate for Saudi nationals (both males and females aged 15 and above) dropped to 7% in Q4 2024, compared to 7.8% in the same period of 2023, it said. The unemployment rate for the total male population stood at 2%, while the rate for females was 10.4%. Saudi women's labor force participation rate increased to 36%, compared to the same period in 2023. Data further indicated that the unemployment rate for Saudi males was 4.3%, while the rate for Saudi females decreased to 11.9% in Q4 2024, down from 13.6% in the previous quarter of the same year.
Gulf Insider
16-03-2025
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Report: Non-Saudis Allowed To Own Pharmacies
Saudi Arabia has allowed foreigners to temporarily own pharmacies, reversing an earlier stipulation limiting ownership to Saudi nationals, according to a local newspaper. Al Yaum reported that an official directive has been issued allowing non-Saudis to own pharmacies and herbal preparation centres until an integrated health system comes into effect. The move was taken in response to a request from the Ministry of Health, the report said. The decision stipulates that the activities listed in a related system issued in 1995 are permitted on a temporary basis without the owner being required to hold Saudi citizenship. Article 3 of that system originally stipulated that ownership of pharmacies, herbal preparation facilities, or pharmaceutical consultation centres are restricted to Saudis. Under the same system, the owner or one of the partners was also required to be a pharmacist licensed to practise the profession. The minister of health was authorized to exempt the nationality requirement if there are not enough Saudi pharmacists, provided that the pharmacy, or the facility in the field meets the conditions specified in the relevant regulations. There was no immediate comment from health authorities on the report.
