KUWAIT: Acting Prime Minister and Interior and Defense Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah harshly criticized restrictions imposed on expats aged 60 and above, describing such rules as a “disgrace in Kuwait’s humanitarian history”. “The decision regarding expats who are over 60 years old employed in the private and government sectors is a disgrace in Kuwait’s humanitarian history,” the minister told Al-Jarida daily in an interview. “Kuwait has always been a safe haven for all those working here,” the minister added.

Sheikh Fahad was referring to decisions issued about three years ago slapping a total ban on expats aged 60 and above without a university degree to obtain or renew a residence permit in Kuwait. That decision led to a number of expats leaving the country for good. The decision was later relaxed, allowing such expats to obtain or renew their residence permit but against a special fee of KD 250, in addition to comprehensive health insurance from a private insurer, costing around KD 500, along with other charges.

Local media have reported that the government is planning to completely cancel those rules and allow elderly expats without degrees to renew their residence permits, transfer to the private sector or be sponsored by their children. The minister however did not confirm or deny such reports.

“There are expats who were born in Kuwait or spent more than half of their lives in the country, working with honesty, dedication and honor,” the minister said. “We must do justice to them and appreciate them at the end of their service...and allow them to live here,” said the minister, adding that some expats consider Kuwait as their second homeland, while others treat Kuwait “like their first home and don’t want to leave”.

Sheikh Fahad said directions by HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah stress on safeguarding the interests and rights of expats working in Kuwait and ensuring they receive their wages in full. He added HH the Amir has also issued clear instructions that companies that fail to pay the salaries of expats should be taken to court.

Meanwhile, the interior ministry announced on Sunday the apprehension of 396 violators of residency and labor laws and the deportation of 568 individuals between Nov 17 and 21. In a press statement, the ministry stated this effort aligns with directives from Sheikh Fahad. It is part of intensified security operations across all governorates to apprehend violators and lawbreakers.

The ministry affirmed its commitment to intensifying security campaigns in various regions of the country to track down and detain all violators of residency laws, emphasizing that accountability applies to both workers and employers alike.