Kuwait News
KUWAIT: The Public Prosecutor has ordered the detention of an expatriate amid accusations of involvement in a significant money laundering case, stemming from allegations, reports Al- Anba daily. Despite the expatriate’s denial of the charges and claims of victimization by a specialized network, his statements hold little weight as he was fully accountable for all banking operations conducted through his accounts prior to the network’s involvement.
According to a security source, the Criminal Investigation Department received a notification regarding an expatriate allegedly facilitating money laundering transactions from his account to a network outside Kuwait. Subsequently, security forces apprehended the accused at his residence. Upon interrogation, the expatriate asserted that he worked as a driver and had accepted an online job offer to promote goods on the internet in order to supplement his income. He admitted to providing all his banking details, including IBAN, account number, and card information, under the impression that his nearly empty account would not be exploited for illicit activities.
In light of this incident, a security source cautioned both citizens and residents against the dangers of indiscriminately sharing banking information with untrustworthy individuals, as it could lead to unwitting involvement in criminal activities. Emphasizing the principle of accountability, the source underscored that the account holder bears responsibility for all transactions carried out through their account. Furthermore, the source highlighted the existence of organized criminal networks that lure individuals with false job opportunities, ultimately ensnaring them in unlawful schemes.
KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Industry has taken action on 11 establishments that were found to be in violation of industrial laws. These violations ranged from operating without proper licenses to incomplete operations. Sources told the Al-Jarida daily that a new list has been issued, warning of closure penalties if the violations are not promptly rectified. Some of the offenses observed included engaging in blacksmithing, marble cutting, and carpentry activities without obtaining industrial licenses, contravening Law No. 56 of 1996 regarding industrial regulations.
The closures were enacted based on violation reports submitted by the Industrial Inspection Department of the Industry Authority, with recommendations from the Permanent Committee for Industrial Violations. It was determined that the violations persisted and would continue until they are remedied. If the violations persist beyond a month from the closure date, stricter penalties will be enforced. Among the observed violations were instances of workers’ housing located in mezzanines of plots up to 500 square meters and the absence of firefighting licenses.
Additionally, an industrial company was warned by the Industry Authority for storing five electricity generators within plot boundaries and housing workers in an area of 500 square meters. The company was given a maximum of one month to rectify the violation, with more severe measures threatened if non-compliance persists. These closures are part of an ongoing effort by the Industry Authority, following a series of closures earlier in the year due to violations of industrial and regulatory laws. The actions are based on reports from the Industrial Inspection Department and recommendations from the Permanent Committee for Industrial Violations, as discussed in their meetings last March
KUWAIT: On Saturday, Kuwait National Seismic Network at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research detected an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.0 on the Richter scale. The quake was located northeast of Sabah Al-Ahmad city. It took place at 11:17 pm on Saturday, Kuwait time.
KUWAIT: The fish market in Kuwait is once again experiencing a surge in prices of local fish. This is compounded by the fishing season and its restrictions, as well as cautionary warnings urging fishermen to avoid territorial waters due to potential conflicts with fishermen from neighboring countries. The prices of local fish in the Sharq fish market witnessed a noticeable increase, as the cost of Kuwaiti “Zubaidi” has increased to KD 20 per kilogram, and the cost of a basket of large-grained Zubaidi is approximately KD 100. Most of the fish offered in baskets were purchased by restaurant companies.
Photo shows fishmongers and buyers bustling at Sharq fish market as the prices of local fish surge amidst the fishing season and its associated restrictions
Fish sellers and consumers unanimously agreed that the prices of their favorite fish would rise. They expressed their hope that prices would fall in the coming days so that fish would become affordable for everyone. However, some believe that prices would rise with the onset of the real summer wave. The market displayed all local, Iranian, and Pakistani fish, but it was missing the “Kuwaiti shrimp”, which is currently banned from being caught and sold. However, imported shrimp are available, costing up to KD 4 per kilogram. The prices of local fish ranged. One kilogram of grouper costs KD 3, balol KD 6, bayfish KD 3.5, Nubee KD 3, oyster KD 6, kingfish KD 4.5, and seabream KD 5. As for mead fish, the ban on its fishing will end on June 1.
By Abdul Nasser Al-Aslami - Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
KUWAIT: The Director of Public Relations and Media Department at the Public Authority for Manpower Aseel Al-Mazyed has said the recent decision to amend the recruitment process for workers hired from overseas is for private sector employees and does not include domestic workers, reports Al-Anba daily. Al-Mazyed, who is also the spokeswoman for PAM, added the decision allows the transfer of these private sector employees to another employer after three years or upon payment of 300 dinars transfer fee, contingent upon the original sponsor’s approval.
Al-Mazyed clarified the new mechanism replaces the previous system of recruitment which was based on activity categories. This decision will take effect from June 1 and will be in force for one year, subject to evaluation by the PAM Board of Directors. She further mentioned that business owners can submit applications for work permits to the authority ‘online’. Al-Mazyed also noted the Authority’s endeavor to integrate all its services into the Sahel application. She went on to say although there is no suspension of work permit issuance, there is ongoing consideration to regulate specific professions solely within the Kuwaiti labor market.
Additionally, it was disclosed that PAM will observe World Occupational Safety Day on Sunday under the theme ‘Towards a Safe Work Environment’. The celebration will include a workshop covering seven topics, with the participation of seven government agencies, each addressing its respective area of expertise, particularly focusing on occupational safety measures and inspection mechanisms.
KUWAIT: In a recent statement to the press, Aseel Al-Mazyad, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department and the official spokeswoman for the Public Authority for Manpower, confirmed significant changes in the recruitment process for workers from abroad. The decision entails allowing transfer after three years or for a fee of 300 dinars, subject to sponsor approval. However, Al-Mazyad clarified that this amendment does not extend to domestic workers but is exclusively for those recruited to work in the private sector.
The new mechanism, according to Al-Mazyad, abolishes the previous categorization of recruitment rates based on activity categories. Its implementation is scheduled to commence on the first of June, with estimates of each company’s or institution’s needs determining the recruitment process. The decision will be effective for one year from its initiation, during which its impacts will be evaluated by the Authority’s Board of Directors.
Al-Mazyad emphasized that applying for work permits will now be facilitated through the Authority’s “Ashal” application for business owners, eliminating the need for manual review processes. Furthermore, efforts are underway to integrate all services within the “Sahel” application.
Addressing concerns about the issuance of work permits, Al-Mazyad reassured that there is no halt in the process. However, there are ongoing deliberations to regulate specific professions within the Kuwaiti labor market exclusively.
In other news, the Authority is set to commemorate World Occupational Safety Day on the upcoming Sunday under the theme “Towards a Safe Work Environment.” The event will feature a workshop comprising seven topics, with the participation of seven government agencies, each presenting insights relevant to their expertise. The workshop will span a full day and include discussions on inspection mechanisms, new procedures, and safety methods in the field of occupational safety and security.
The announcement marks a significant shift in Kuwait’s labor landscape, aiming to streamline recruitment processes while prioritizing occupational safety and security in the workplace.
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education of Kuwait proudly announces its participation in the Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas, United States. Three high school student teams, along with a middle school team, are competing in this prestigious event, scheduled from April 25 to May 3. They join a cohort of 1,800 teams hailing from 40 countries worldwide.
Mona Salem, the General Director of Computers at the Ministry of Education, expressed enthusiasm for this international endeavor. She highlighted that the Kuwaiti teams secured their spots after excelling in the qualifiers of the Kuwait National Robotics Competition, held last March. The qualifiers, organized and overseen by the Department of Computer Science at the College of Science – Kuwait University, were conducted in strategic collaboration with the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and Creativity, a leading institution under the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences. Zain Mobile Telecommunications Company provided crucial support for the initiative.
Salem underscored the significance of this participation as a remarkable opportunity for students to engage in cross-cultural exchanges and glean insights from diverse perspectives. She emphasized that the experience would not only bolster the practical and theoretical skills of the participants but also foster innovation, critical thinking, and teamwork. Salem extended her best wishes for success to all the Kuwaiti teams competing in the prestigious event.
As Kuwaiti students are set to showcase their talent and innovation on the global stage, anticipation mounts for their performance and contributions to the field of robotics. Stay tuned for updates on their journey and achievements at the Robotics World Championship.