http://arabtimesonline.com Add News en-US admin@arabtimesonline.com I worked in the sales department of a firm for 8 years. After the 3-month notice period of resignation, I have not been given my indemnity and they have also been holding 25% of the salary for the last 3 months, saying that they will give it once th... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/196332/reftab/69/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 18 May 2013 05:19:21 GMT I need to ask a question, regarding the recent conditional lifting of the ban on visas for Pakistanis. I am a Pakistani with a wife having valid residency. I also applied for a visa for my 2-year-old son visa in mid-January 2013 but was told after 6... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/196274/reftab/69/t/Lifting-of-the-ban-on-visas-for-Pakistanis/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 16 May 2013 06:33:37 GMT Please advise if I am eligible for a release because it has only been 2.5 years that I have been working in a private company. I was hired from abroad and I am a graduate with a university degree. Name withheld Answer : No, you can’t ask f... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/196241/reftab/69/t/Release-for-Individual-who-has-not-completed-3-years-of-work/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 15 May 2013 07:10:47 GMT I am a graduate of economics and also have a basic certificate in human resources and leadership. I am currently working as a steward in a hotel in Kuwait. The hotel arranged my visa and brought me to Kuwait on Dec 30 last year. I would love to chan... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/196200/reftab/69/t/-Transfer-of-the-residence-after-completion-of-the-contract/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 14 May 2013 06:52:17 GMT Would kindly request you to please let me know how to get my birth certificate from Kuwait as I would like to do some procedures in my country. Please let me know as to how and where to get it from and what are the procedures I have to follow. ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/196169/reftab/69/t/How-to--get-Birth-certificate--from-Kuwait-/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 13 May 2013 06:49:08 GMT I am an engineer who locally transferred in February 2011 to a contracting company which supplied me to a government project on which our residence has been stamped. I have the following concerns: 1. My current company provided 14 days annual leav... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/196136/reftab/69/t/Company-problems/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sun, 12 May 2013 06:17:54 GMT I have been in Kuwait since 1995 and after three years of stay I joined a textile shop and have been working for the same company for the past 15 years. Six months ago, the company got a new name and a new sponsor. My residence was also changed to t... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/196092/reftab/69/t/Resignation--indemnity/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 11 May 2013 05:52:19 GMT When will the Kuwait government stop playing with the feelings of some nationalities. I am an Iranian and for the last two years I have been unable to visit my wife and my son who are living in Kuwait. My wife works for the Ministry of Health ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/196036/reftab/69/t/Visit-visa-for-banned-nationalities/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 09 May 2013 07:25:09 GMT The current Labor Law, enacted on Feb 20, 2010, grants a woman 70 days maternity leave but same was the case in the previous law so what additional benefits does one get from the new Labor Law. Both the laws look exactly the same?. Can you please ex... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195991/reftab/69/t/Maternity-leave/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 08 May 2013 07:05:05 GMT I have been in Kuwait with my family for the past 12 years and am a working woman. I have two children, born in Kuwait, and they are in the country on their father’s residence. For a long time my husband has been behaving violently and torturing me.... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195948/reftab/69/t/Marriage-problems/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 07 May 2013 06:01:52 GMT I have two queries and I am sure many people must be also looking for answers to these questions 1) If a person came to Kuwait on a commercial  visit visa in the month of March, for how many months can he extend his visa. Also is there any cha... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195923/reftab/69/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 06 May 2013 06:35:55 GMT This refers to your explanation on the issuance of driving licenses recently. My situation is almost similar. However, I obtained the license way back in 1999. I was on a clerical position at that time in a very small company. I was not a driver in ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195880/reftab/69/t/Change-is-designation-linked-to-Driving-license-/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sun, 05 May 2013 06:56:09 GMT I have been working for a company for almost 4 years, and I would like to know what to do as the company is terminating me with a 3-month notice, and my visa is expiring in a month. Should the company renew my visa to serve the required 3 months ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195843/reftab/69/t/What-to-do-as-the-company-is-terminating-me-with-a-3-month-notice--my-visa-is-expiring-in-a-month/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 04 May 2013 07:05:33 GMT My concern is I’m pregnant and my company terminated me in November 2012, effective from January 2013 but when the time came, on my last day they didn’t tell me not to come to work and instead they just transferred me to other branch. In that ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195798/reftab/69/t/Termination-due-to-Pregnancy/Default.aspx John Fernandes Fri, 03 May 2013 06:34:58 GMT I am a graduate engineer and have been working for a private company for the last four years. Now I want to leave the company due a better offer from another company. I tried to submit my resignation with a three-month notice but the company r... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195780/reftab/69/t/Resignation-problems/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 02 May 2013 07:51:56 GMT I have a friend who works at a shop in Marina Mall. She has been employed there for three years. She works seven days a week. Mornings, she works from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and then in the afternoons from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. I have a couple of questi... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195738/reftab/69/t/Overtime-work/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 01 May 2013 06:30:36 GMT Pakistanis going to the Immigration Dept receive the following answers ... “Ma’afi Bakistani visa” or “Bakistani visa close”. When we tell them that the news about the opening of the visas was in the newspapers, they say “Then go to the newspaper... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195703/reftab/69/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 30 Apr 2013 06:54:53 GMT I was working in a ministry hospital as a nurse, through a contracting company. I resigned 18 months ago and left Kuwait. Now I would like to work again in Kuwait and have approached some hospitals. As per the requirement of hospitals I approa... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195654/reftab/69/t/Nursing-license/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:29:50 GMT We need some information about renewal of residence. Is there currently any problem in this regard. Currently the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor is stamping the residence for only three months(temporary residence).This is not restricted to onl... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195629/reftab/69/t/Currently-the-Ministry-of-Social-Affairs-and-Labor-is-stamping-the-residence-for-only-three-months/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sun, 28 Apr 2013 06:28:28 GMT I would like to get some information on renewal of my driving license which will expire on 31-12-2013. How should I renew my license? I am working as a safety supervisor on a government project with one of the multinational companies. In December 20... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195594/reftab/69/t/How-should-I-renew-my-license--Designation-changed/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 27 Apr 2013 05:58:41 GMT I have been working in a company for the last 15 years and am getting a salary of KD 800 per month. In December 2012, the company’s licenses expired and the company was not able to renew my residence and I was without residence for three months. ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195552/reftab/69/t/Indemnity-calculations-if-resigned-or-terminated/Default.aspx John Fernandes Fri, 26 Apr 2013 05:55:32 GMT I have been working in an electrical trading company for the last 10 years as a sales executive. For better prospects I would like to resign from the company but I have an outstanding amount (company sales) in the market for the goods sold through... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195523/reftab/69/t/Benefits-to-get-from-release/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:57:20 GMT I was working with a company in Kuwait. They locally transferred my visa to their sponsorship 8 months ago. I took emergency leave & came to India. I could not go back to Kuwait in time because I was sick and for the last few months I am in India. I... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195491/reftab/69/t/-If-I-come-to-Kuwait-and-the-company-cancels-my-work-permit-can-I-arrange-a-new-residence/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 24 Apr 2013 06:44:50 GMT I am an expat and have been a victim of the serious crime of extortion/blackmail, by a Kuwaiti. I have tried many times to solve this issue to no avail. I even went to the police and also hired an attorney. The police was not able to assist me and... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195455/reftab/69/t/Blackmail/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 23 Apr 2013 05:18:37 GMT Pakistanis going to the Immigration Dept receive the following answers ... “Ma’afi Bakistani visa” or “Bakistani visa close”. When we tell them that the news about the opening of the visas was in the newspapers, they “Then go to the newspapers for t... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195424/reftab/69/t/Visas-for-Pakistanis-/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:29:57 GMT I have been working in my current company for more than 6 months but have yet not transferred my residence to this company. Am I eligible to take paid sick leave? Name withheld Answer: Yes, you are eligible for paid sick leave. The Kuwait ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195322/reftab/69/t/Am-I-eligible-to-take-paid-sick-leave/Default.aspx John Fernandes Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:33:51 GMT I have been working in a company for the last 15 years and am getting a salary of KD 800 per month. In December 2012, the company’s licenses expired and the company was not able to renew my residence and I was without residence for three months. T... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195302/reftab/69/t/Please-let-me-know-how-the-indemnity-calculations-will-be-done-if-I-resign-or-am-terminated/Default.aspx John Fernandes Fri, 19 Apr 2013 06:31:09 GMT My wife’s passport expired on Jan 12, 2012 and at that time she was in the Philippines on vacations. She made a request and her passport was extended until Jan, 2013.She also made an application for a new passport when she was there again. Unfortu... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195284/reftab/69/t/Residence-renewal/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 18 Apr 2013 06:28:37 GMT I would like to ask, what is the correct computation for maternity leave pay. For example my salary is KD 300. Name withheld Answer: Maternity leave is slightly different from the annual leave. A pregnant woman is entitled to 70 straight da... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195247/reftab/69/t/Maternity-leave/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 17 Apr 2013 06:11:50 GMT I have two queries related to calculation of leave salary and leave entitlement of our company staff. We have a 5-day working week with Friday and Saturday being off. We are also entitled to 30 days leave as per Kuwait Labour Law. For calcul... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195203/reftab/69/t/Annual-leave/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:03:47 GMT Good day. I just want to commend and give kudos to the Arab Times for the great work and knowledge you have been providing to the expatriate communities over the years. I personally have obtained a great deal of knowledge from your articles and use ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195182/reftab/69/t/Visa-issues/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 15 Apr 2013 06:21:08 GMT I have worked as a housemaid for 11 years in my employer’s house. On Nov 10, 2012, I finished my 2 years (extension) contract. My Iqama expired on Oct 20, 2012, but my visa is valid until Oct 20, 2013. I am still working with my employer until now. ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195145/reftab/69/t/Transfer-of-Maids-Visa/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sun, 14 Apr 2013 06:03:59 GMT I came to Kuwait in 1995. After three years I joined a new company and my salary is KD 450. I have spent 15 years with the same firm. Six months ago the firm changed its name and also got a new sponsor. My residence was transferred to the new compan... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195109/reftab/69/t/Are-Bonus-and-allowances-calculated-in-Indemnity/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 13 Apr 2013 06:04:24 GMT Please advise if the housing and living allowances, which are paid regularly, are also payable to employees who are on vacation on extra days, beyond the annual 30 days paid leave. Name withheld Answer: There is a very simple rule to follow... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195053/reftab/69/t/Allowances/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 11 Apr 2013 06:16:36 GMT One of my friends got an offer from the Ministry of Defence and he has signed a contract which says no end of service gratuity. Can you please give me details of such special contracts. Are such contracts common for expatriates employed by all Mi... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/195018/reftab/69/t/Special-contract/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:29:33 GMT I am working for a private company in Kuwait. After my vacations, I resumed duty on Feb 2, 2013 since Feb 1, 2013 was a Friday and weekly off. The company has deducted my salary for one day i.e. Feb 1, though it is a holiday. Please let me kno... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194984/reftab/69/t/Salary-deducted/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 09 Apr 2013 06:39:44 GMT I would like seek clarification on the news for driving licence — “Law amends driving license requirements for expats”. What does “The amendment to the law adds that a license obtained by a driver or a company representative will be discarded a... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194944/reftab/69/t/Law-amends-driving-license-requirements-for-expats/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 08 Apr 2013 06:38:07 GMT I am working in a Kuwait-based software company for the last 7 months (from August 2012). They are torturing me like anything and also holding my passport. I would like to leave this company, exit Kuwait and go back to my home country but I don’t ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194897/reftab/69/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sun, 07 Apr 2013 06:06:15 GMT According to the new Labor Law in Kuwait, how long i.e. how many months should a mother get to breastfeed her baby for 2 hours after returning to work from maternity leave? Some companies give three months, others two months and yet some only mont... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194851/reftab/69/t/Nursing-of-baby/Default.aspx John Fernandes Fri, 05 Apr 2013 07:24:16 GMT I have been a resident of Kuwait since 2003. I locally transferred my residence from another local private company in 2010 and recently renewed my residence with the same company .This residence will expire in March 2014. The problem is that my cu... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194812/reftab/69/t/Service-dues/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 04 Apr 2013 06:24:45 GMT I am a Filipino who came to Kuwait in March 2008. I work for a Korean construction company on a project visa. I have a university degree in accountancy from the Philippines. In November 2012, the company transferred my visa to a new project visa, bu... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194771/reftab/69/t/Visa--Residence-Transfer/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 03 Apr 2013 06:23:27 GMT I am an expatriate who has been in Kuwait for nearly a decade and am doing quite well . Recently, I came across some serious information about some illegal activity in a flat next to mine. The person in that flat makes alcohol, organizes gambli... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194743/reftab/69/t/Illegal-activities/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 02 Apr 2013 07:04:04 GMT I am computer engineer and I joined my current company on 07/07/2007 in the position of “Computer Engineer”. My company showed my designation in the “Izne Amal”(work permit) as a “Computer Engineer”. All went well until now because my residency is... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194701/reftab/69/t/Designation-change/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 01 Apr 2013 06:02:16 GMT My sponsorship is with a company which is owned by the sponsor of another company. I have worked for over 4 years with this company although my sponsor is different from the sponsor of the company. In the company where I work, the pension scheme i... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194660/reftab/69/t/Indemnity-issue/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sun, 31 Mar 2013 05:32:21 GMT I have been driving in Kuwait for 15 years and during the last renewal of my driving license, they printed the wrong issue date and year on it. Is there any way to change it ? If so what is the procedure? Name withheld Answer: All you have ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194635/reftab/69/t/Printing-wrong-issue-date-and-year-on-Driving-license/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 30 Mar 2013 06:39:38 GMT I have been working in my current company for the last six months. My residence can’t be transferred to this firm because the files of my previous firms have been closed. I had got a release from my previous and for two months after I left that firm... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194573/reftab/69/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:09:58 GMT I am an Indian working in the private sector for the last 7 years. Right now I am in India on my vacations but am facing an emergency situation. I lost my passport recently in my hometown. I can apply for a new passport but the problem is about th... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194537/reftab/69/t/Passport-lost/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 27 Mar 2013 07:16:13 GMT These days I am facing a problem in parking my car in my building. Everybody has his own parking space except me because I bought a car only four months ago. I have been paying KD 5 each month for the parking space since I came to the building, even... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194512/reftab/69/t/Parking-space/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 26 Mar 2013 09:29:17 GMT I am a doctor and was working at a medical center in Kuwait since March 2001. In addition to the salary, I was getting a bonus based on my clinic income. My last drawn salary was KD 1140 per month. The 12- month average of the bonus was KD 481 p... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194467/reftab/69/t/Indemnity-calculation/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 25 Mar 2013 06:49:26 GMT I have worked in a company for 2 years and 4 months .Our company gives a release only after 3 years, says the management. Can I go to shoon (Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor) now and get a release? What do I need to do? Name withheld An... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194439/reftab/69/t/Can-I-go-to-shoon-and-get-a-release-What-do-I-need-to-do/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sun, 24 Mar 2013 07:04:10 GMT I am an Indian working in the private sector for the last 7 years. Right now I am in India on my vacations but am facing an emergency situation. I lost my passport recently in my hometown. I can apply for a new passport but the problem is about th... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194400/reftab/69/t/Passport-lost/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 23 Mar 2013 06:15:43 GMT I have worked for my company for over 4 years and I have always received my bonus which is at least 1 month’s salary. The contract says that bonus will be paid at the discretion of the company but no bonus will be paid during a notice period or wh... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194350/reftab/69/t/Bonus/Default.aspx John Fernandes Fri, 22 Mar 2013 07:18:14 GMT I am Indian expat staying in Kuwait with my wife and two children. I am an engineer and have been working in private firm for 6 years. My salary is KD 700. I want to apply for a visa for an Indian maid. Can I get the visa? What is the procedure to g... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194328/reftab/69/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 21 Mar 2013 07:00:50 GMT These days I am facing a problem in parking my car in my building. Everybody has his own parking space except me because I bought a car only four months ago. I have been paying KD 5 each month for the parking space since I came to the building, even... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194290/reftab/69/t/Parking-space/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 20 Mar 2013 06:59:33 GMT After I read the news about the lifting of the ban on dependent visas for Pakistanis I went to the Ahmadi Immigration office for my wife’s visa, but the officials did not accept my application as I am working in the private sector with visa Article ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194257/reftab/69/t/Visa-applications-refused-for-Pakistani-Nationals/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 19 Mar 2013 06:40:27 GMT I am a Pakistani businessman who was born and brought up in Kuwait. Recently I was in Dubai on official business but back here in Kuwait my wife had to go through very tough time because of the behavior of some Kuwait policemen. My wife wa... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194211/reftab/69/t/Police-behavior-in-Kuwait-with-Expats/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 18 Mar 2013 06:35:21 GMT I have been working as a teacher at a school for special needs students in Kuwait for the past 4 years. The school informed me on the 14th of February, 2013 that because of the paucity of funds the school is unable to finance my salary and therefore... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194190/reftab/69/t/Discrimination/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sun, 17 Mar 2013 06:49:40 GMT I would like to explain my problem with the administration of my company. I joined this company as a accounts manager four years ago. During all this period until now, I have not got any raise in my salary. Every time I ask the G.M., the answer is t... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194155/reftab/69/t/Salary-increase/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 16 Mar 2013 07:05:42 GMT Three years ago an acquaintance of mine returned to his home country. After he left, his apartment was returned to the owner and he asked me to clear his valuables and store them with the intention of him returning and taking them back. Three year... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194111/reftab/69/t/Articles-left-behind/Default.aspx John Fernandes Fri, 15 Mar 2013 06:42:12 GMT This is reference to a question in the Legal Clinic in the Arab Times of March 05, 2013 on the “ Wrong use of Civil IDs”. In my case, I unknowingly left copies of my passport and Civil ID in a stationary shop where I had gone to get some photocopi... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194085/reftab/69/t/Wrong-use-of-Civil-ID/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 14 Mar 2013 07:38:41 GMT My residence expired in Dec, 2012 and in spite of repeated requests the management has not been able to renew it. I have been told that the company’s licenses have expired and their files have been closed. As such my residence can’t be renewed ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194052/reftab/69/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 13 Mar 2013 08:06:50 GMT I am from Karachi, Pakistan. My father has been living in Kuwait for the last 6.5 years. He has an expired Iqama (residence) so he cannot come back to home. I haven’t met with him for the last 6.5 years. My whole family is very worried about him. ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/194014/reftab/69/t/Illegal-residence/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 12 Mar 2013 07:22:12 GMT I resigned from my previous company on November 23, 2012 because the salaries were not being paid on time and the calculations for the overtime/working day off were not according to the Labor Law. I brought this to the attention of the manager/partn... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193967/reftab/69/t/Dues-not-paid/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 11 Mar 2013 07:38:17 GMT I am working with a motorway consultant on a MPW contract. I would like to get a clarification from you about annual leave. I took my annual leave up to Feb 24, 2013. Feb 25 and 26 were the National Day and Liberation Day holidays. I joined dut... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193899/reftab/69/t/National-Day-and-Liberation-Day-holidays--weekends-not-to-be-included-in-annual-leave/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 09 Mar 2013 06:30:27 GMT I am an Indian, living with my son and family in Kuwait. My son was blessed with a second child in December 2012.In January he left for training in another country and will return to Kuwait in mid-May. Before leaving the country, my son gave me an... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193860/reftab/69/Default.aspx John Fernandes Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:08:56 GMT My wife’s mother was with us for the last 3 years on a dependent visa and wife was the sponsor. My wife is working in the Ministry of Health (MoH). My mother-in-law’s residence was expiring on 9 February 2013 and she told us to not to renew her re... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193835/reftab/69/t/Domestic-residence-cancellation/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 07 Mar 2013 07:10:53 GMT I am an Afghan and want to know when the Kuwait government will lift the work visa ban on Afghan nationals? I have been waiting for the last three years for this ban to go. Name withheld Answer: We can’t give you a timeframe for this ban to... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193797/reftab/69/t/Visa-ban/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 06 Mar 2013 07:29:47 GMT A couple of months back I received a document which stated that I had to pay a KD 400 fine to a telecom company. It really shook me and made me rush to the firm for details. I was informed by the firm that an Apple iPhone 4S (with 18 months Int... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193741/reftab/69/t/Wrong-use-of-Civil-ID/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 05 Mar 2013 06:26:34 GMT I am engineer having an attested degree certificate. I have completed more than 5 years in my company. I was recruited from my home country. Now I have got a job offer in a new company but my current company is not giving me a release nor accep... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193730/reftab/69/t/Current-company-is-ready-to-match-my-new-job-salary-but-I-have-made-up-my-mind-to-quit-/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 04 Mar 2013 07:00:14 GMT If an employee does not complete 9 months and is granted unpaid leave and there are public holidays in between, will these holidays be paid or unpaid? For example, if an employee is on unpaid leave from Feb 23, 2013 until Feb 27, 2013. Since Feb 2... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193690/reftab/69/t/Unpaid-leave/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sun, 03 Mar 2013 08:44:22 GMT I am employed by a local company, which is not able to pay the staff salaries on time. The salaries get delayed sometimes for up to 3 months. I wish to resign and would like to ask whether I can put this reason in my resignation letter (that th... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193660/reftab/69/t/Salaries-get-delayed-sometimes-for-up-to-3-months---I-wish-to-resign/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 02 Mar 2013 06:36:53 GMT My father has lost his passport in Pakistan. He has a valid residency (Iqama 19, self-sponsor). Kindly advise what is the solution to enter in Kuwait after getting a new passport from Pakistan? Name withheld Answer: Your father has put hims... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193614/reftab/69/t/Passport-lost---Banned-National/Default.aspx John Fernandes Fri, 01 Mar 2013 07:19:21 GMT I have been staying in this building in Salmiya for 6 years. One year after moving into this new building, the rent was increased by KD 15 to KD 255. Now all of a sudden, the harris gave us a generic letter signed by the building owner that states t... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193576/reftab/69/t/Rent-increase/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 28 Feb 2013 06:30:20 GMT I lived in an apartment in Abu Halifa from 2009. Once the building was sold to another party, the new landlord neglected even the basic maintenance. I decided to leave the building after sending a month’s notice. The new landlord’s office addre... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193538/reftab/69/t/Rent-case/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 27 Feb 2013 06:49:26 GMT I am working in a ministry and my salary is above KD 500. I submitted my application for the visa of my wife on 14 January and they told me to check it after two weeks. But when I went there after that period, they again told me to come after 2 week... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193505/reftab/69/t/Is-the-issuance-based-on-Wasta-or-is-the-ban-still-in-place/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 26 Feb 2013 06:29:04 GMT I’m a European working here in Kuwait. My wife is here on a family visa, and is not working. She is a teacher and a beautician. She would like to teach other women small tips and tricks about hair and beauty at home, maximum 2 times a week, maximum ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193462/reftab/69/t/Work-Permission/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:27:51 GMT I am currently on an Article 22 Visa and have started working for a Private Civil Construction Contractor Company. The project on which I am working is a Governmental Project. If I transfer my residence to Article 18, will my visa be considered in... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193452/reftab/69/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sun, 24 Feb 2013 06:19:55 GMT This is about Pakistani expatriates who are already in Kuwait as they entered the country over two to three years ago on family visas but due to the ban imposed on Pakistanis have not been able to get their residencies till now. What is the news for... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193420/reftab/69/t/Residencies-of-banned-citizens/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 23 Feb 2013 06:52:20 GMT I have been working in an engineering consulting company for the last seven years. After March 2013, my company wants to terminate our jobs. My job is on a construction site. Last year, in April 2012, the company gave us a three-month notice as per ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193383/reftab/69/t/3-month-notice/Default.aspx John Fernandes Fri, 22 Feb 2013 07:24:08 GMT My friend has been working for a private sector company for the last four years and now his company has given him a 3-month termination notice. How many months will the company give him to search for a job? What about his benefits? Name withhe... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193355/reftab/69/t/How-many-months-will-the-company-give-him-to-search-for-a-job-What-about-his-benefits/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 21 Feb 2013 07:25:08 GMT I have been working in the private sector since June 1991 and have gone, many times, on vacation commencing Feb 27. Before the New Labor Law came into effect, the February salary was divided by 28 or 29 days and leave salary by 26 days. After t... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193314/reftab/69/t/Salary-Calculation---All-months-considered-as-26-working-days/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 20 Feb 2013 07:08:31 GMT I have been staying in a studio flat in Abbasiya for the past three years (Since Jan 1, 2010) and possess the original contract as well as the rent bill presented to me every month. In July 2012, the rent of almost 30 family studio flats was in... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193261/reftab/69/t/Landlord-constantly-increasing-rent/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 19 Feb 2013 06:15:38 GMT I am working in a private sector firm. Fridays and Saturdays are my weekly holidays. My salary is KD. 520/ per month and I have 40 days pending annual leave. I intend to travel out of Kuwait on Friday, 15/02/2013, but will apply for my vacation... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193226/reftab/69/t/Salary-Calculation---Friday--Saturday-weekly-holidyas/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 18 Feb 2013 06:01:03 GMT I am from Mumbai (India) and I would like to have some advice on the following: My dad worked in Kuwait, in the Defence Ministry, from 01-09-1991 to Jan 20, 2013 because on Jan 21, 2013 my father died of a heart attack in Kuwait and our relatives ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193207/reftab/69/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sun, 17 Feb 2013 06:33:42 GMT I booked some property in India through the developer’s agent in Kuwait. As per agreement I am entitled to a five per cent discount if I pay all the installments in time. A cheque was handed to the developer’s local agent in Kuwait well in time to... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193177/reftab/69/t/Cheating-by-Property-Developer-from-India/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 16 Feb 2013 07:34:19 GMT I am an engineer with a UAE employment visa, and working in an engineering company in Kuwait for the past 1.3 years. I want to quit and in case my company does not accept my resignation and cancels my UAE visa, will it be possible for me to get a... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193141/reftab/69/t/Kuwait-work-visa-for-UAE-visa-holder/Default.aspx John Fernandes Fri, 15 Feb 2013 07:58:24 GMT I was reading your column in Arab Times and I thought of approaching you and asking the following question: I have a friend who was an engineer with a contracting company in Kuwait. He worked in this company for 6 long years, until eventually he ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193107/reftab/69/t/Company-holding-the-passport/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:45:49 GMT I am a 39-year-old man suffering from a terminal disease (cancer)and I was recently terminated from my job as I am unable to attend work regularly due to the ongoing treatment. Currently, it is not possible for me to find another suitable job but... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193068/reftab/69/t/Wife-sponsoring-Husband--Son-due-to-Husbands-illness/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 13 Feb 2013 06:51:32 GMT We are a group of 8 tenants of a building facing difficulties due to a regular increase in the rent by the building owner. First, he increased the rent by KD 20 before the expiry of our 5-year contract and then last year, when the contract expi... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/193034/reftab/69/t/Rental-Contract/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 12 Feb 2013 07:39:36 GMT Has the ban on Pakistani visas been lifted in Kuwait? How long will it take for the applications to be accepted? Will the applicants get an immediate answer on the submission of the applications?  Name withheld Answer: Yes, the ban has been... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/192994/reftab/69/t/Visa-for-banned-nationals/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 11 Feb 2013 07:15:48 GMT I am an Indian but my husband is a Pakistani national. My question is that can I get a visit visa for my brother who is also an Indian on my husband’s sponsorship as I am a housewife and I can’t apply for my brother’s visa. Please answer be... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/192951/reftab/69/t/Visit-visa---Indian-national-married-to-Pakistani/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sun, 10 Feb 2013 07:05:09 GMT What happens to the pay of a person who is suspended by the firm but is later found to be innocent of the charges which caused his suspension? Will he be paid for the duration of suspension although he has not been attending office? Name withh... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/192914/reftab/69/t/What-happens-to-pay-of-suspended-staff-if-found-not-guilty/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 09 Feb 2013 06:32:19 GMT I have come to know that the Visa process is open in all govt levels. But my children are still in my homeland and I am working in a company for the last 15 years. I need to bring my children only to Kuwait without my wife. Is this possible? N... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/192882/reftab/69/t/Want-to-bring-Children-but-not-Wife/Default.aspx John Fernandes Fri, 08 Feb 2013 06:58:47 GMT Under what conditions can an employer terminate the services of a worker? Name withheld Answer: In this connection you are advised to check Article 41 of the Kuwait Labor Law which clearly states the conditions for dismissal of an employee ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/192852/reftab/69/t/Conditions-can-an-employer-terminate-the-services-of-a-worker/Default.aspx John Fernandes Thu, 07 Feb 2013 06:39:43 GMT I have been working in a private Kuwaiti company for more than 15 years as a sales representative/tender co-ordinator. When I joined the company they gave me a salary KD 250/-. I had my own private car and company said they will give me maintenance ... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/192799/reftab/69/t/Transport-allowance/Default.aspx John Fernandes Wed, 06 Feb 2013 05:51:38 GMT I have a question regarding leave. I am an engineer and have worked for 6 years in a reputed private company. I have a job offer in hand in Kuwait and I resigned on Jan 15 with a 3-month notice. My last day with my current employer is April 15.... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/192784/reftab/69/t/Leave--Indemnity/Default.aspx John Fernandes Tue, 05 Feb 2013 07:25:53 GMT I am a Civil Engineer. I came to Kuwait on a work visa provided by a private company and have been working with them for the last 10 years. I am in sales and I have been performing exceptionally well and due to this, more additional responsibilities... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/192749/reftab/69/t/Company-threatening-with-deportation-and-a-legal-case-/Default.aspx John Fernandes Mon, 04 Feb 2013 07:23:43 GMT On March 10, 2010, I started working in my company. I was hired from abroad and as per Kuwait labor law you should first complete 3 years service in the company before you can request a transfer. My questions are: Is it true that the start of yo... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/192708/reftab/69/t/Joining-date---release/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sun, 03 Feb 2013 06:53:53 GMT I am pregnant right now, I know that my maternity leave will be 70 days, but I want to clarify something about the days. I want to know if Fridays are included in such leave & how about the legal holidays? Name withheld Answer: As far as ma... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/192657/reftab/69/t/Is-Fridays--Legal-Holidays-included-in-Maternity-leave/Default.aspx John Fernandes Sat, 02 Feb 2013 05:44:13 GMT I competed 20 continuous years of service with my present employer and have received all dues. I was reappointed immediately from July 19, 2012. I have found a well-paying job and I have to join the new company on Feb 1, 2013. I submitted my resigna... http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/192628/reftab/69/t/Company-insists-three-month-notice-/Default.aspx John Fernandes Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:56:28 GMT