‘This step is not alien to Kuwait of humanity’

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 26: The announcement by the Minister of Justice, Minister of State for Integrity Enhancement, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Manpower, Counselor Jamal Al-Jalawi, to allow the renewal of work permits for expatriate workers who have reached the age of sixty years and above who hold a high school certificate or less and its equivalent certificates, was met with great satisfaction by this category of expatriates, reports Al-Qabas daily. They stressed this step is not alien to the Kuwait of humanity, and pointed out many of them work in handicrafts, technical and mechanical workshops, in addition to industrial and other works, and it was not easy for them to leave the good land of Kuwait, where they have lived for many years.

A number of the 60-year-olds reiterated that they had lived most of their lives in Kuwait and contributed to its construction, stressing that the amendment of the decision was pleasing to hear because it gives them a sense of reassurance and stability. Director of the Public Relations Department, official spokeswoman for the Public Authority for Manpower, Aseel Al-Mazeed, interacted with journalists’ questions about the date for implementing of the new decision and its mechanism. She confirmed PAM will announce the date for receiving renewal requests and the mechanism to be followed in this regard.

Meanwhile, the sources said the decision will contribute to stability of the labor market, benefit from the expertise of craftsmen and similar professions; improve Kuwait’s humanitarian image; many families will be reunited; give boost to national economy and serve lot of small businesses and projects. Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Integrity Affairs, Counselor Jamal Al-Jalawi, resolved the issue in just one week after transferring the affiliation of the Public Authority for Manpower to his ministerial portfolio on January 18; after the issue rode a bumpy ride during the tenure of four ministers. During the meeting of the board of directors of the authority headed by Al- Jalawi, there was satisfaction among the members who voted on the decision in the new formula approved by the minister and announced 250 dinars fee for annual renewal in addition to health insurance.