KUWAIT CITY, April 16: Expatriates will soon be required to obtain clearance from the Consumer Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) as proof that they have paid all their dues before the renewal of their residence permits, reports Al-Seyassah daily quoting sources.
 
Sources confirmed the ministry is currently coordinating with its Social Affairs and Labor counterpart to ensure the smooth implementation of the decision. Sources explained this is part of the ministry’s plan to collect unpaid energy bills amounting to millions of Kuwaiti dinars.

On the other hand, the ministry is also conducting a study, in collaboration with the Kuwait Municipality, on the possibility of stopping the issuance of commercial licenses to citizens if they fail to pay their bills. Sources revealed this is one of the measures being taken by the ministry to reduce the accumulated debts estimated at KD 300 million.