Kuwait Not Comfortable With Free Movement Of Expats In GCC StatesCabinet To Discuss Closing 20 Branches Of Charities KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: The GCC ministers of labor are currently studying the possibility of issuing a joint decision to allow free movement and residence of GCC nationals and expatriates within the member states in November amidst the reservations Kuwait and other countries that feel it could have a negative impact on the localization policy, reports Al-Seyassah daily quoting Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Al-Sabeh. Al-Sabeh revealed the GCC labor ministers have looked into the proposals and decisions of member states. She reiterated that the recommendation concerning residence and movement of GCC nationals and expatriates is being reviewed, but she refused to give more details until the study is completed. On the other hand, Secretary General of the Manpower and Government Restructuring Program (MGRP) Fawzi Al- Majdali has cautioned against the negative implication of free movement, residence and employment of expatriates within the GCC countries. He said the decision could be detrimental to the Kuwaitization policy and create stiff employment competition. He stressed the policy has succeeded in getting about 4,000-5,000 citizens to replace expatriates yearly. He pointed out there is still a challenge concerning privatepublic sector movement, asserting the problem can be solved through government support and allowances. He added Kuwait provides the best benefit for localizing employment, while the UAE and Qatar attract the highest number of GCC employees. Cabinet will discuss in its upcoming session the issue of shutting about 20 branches of some charitable societies for violating law, reports Al-Anba daily. Sources were quoted as saying the Deputy Premier, Minister of Interior Sheikh Mohammed Al-Khalid Al- Sabah has completed several files worthy of citizenship, including the sons of widows, divorces and wives of Kuwaiti citizens, noting the file will be emphasized at the meetings of government. Sheikh Khalid is said to have stressed the importance of naturalizing the sons of military men whose fathers were naturalized among the convoy of late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah. They indicated the procedures are part of directives from HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah to resolve all pending files and do justice to those who deserve. Source : Arab Times
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 10:34:57 +0000