MP lauds decision to suspend ‘commercial loan’ deduction

KUWAIT CITY, March 16: MP Osama Al-Shaheen praised the decision to suspend deduction of payments for commercial loans until the end of the coronavirus crisis. He also asked the government, particularly the concerned ministers, to suspend deductions of payments for all kinds of loans for citizens and expatriates; especially the retirees.
He urged the government to find solutions to the exceptional conditions and suffering of laborers who receive daily wages and whose income is badly affected by the current crisis. He added he submitted a suggestion in this regard to the government and charitable organizations, affirming they are currently preparing such plans.

Meanwhile, MP Abdulkareem Al-Kandari praised the initiative adopted by a number of traders and businessmen to offer financial support (cash) as part of efforts to confront the negative consequences of the coronavirus crisis. He called on the government to establish a fund for the collection of donations and specify the mechanism for distributing these donations to beneficiaries.

In addition, MP Riyad Al- Adasani stressed the importance of addressing the negative economic repercussions of the spreading coronavirus; considering the crisis has badly affected oil prices and that oil is the backbone of the Kuwaiti economy.

Moreover, MP Adel Al- Damkhi emphasized the need for sanitation; especially in areas with a large number of expatriates. He asked Health Minister Dr Bassel Al-Sabah to pay attention to this important point in the meeting held Sunday at the National Assembly speaker’s office. He disclosed also that he submitted a recommendation to reduce work hours to five for public sector employees, except those dealing with the coronavirus crisis.

Also, a number of MPs have adopted a suggestion to open the door for expatiates willing to leave Kuwait for long vacation in case a decision is issued to end the academic year.

MP Dr Homoud Al-Khudair pointed out this will help reduce the burdens of different authorities dealing with coronavirus, specifically the medical teams that are suffering too much.

MP Khalid Al-Otaibi called on the Ministry of Education to allow expatriate teachers to leave in case the academic year is declared closed. He added the ministry should not limit the vacation period, but it should allow teachers to return by the beginning of the next academic year or once the crisis ends. MP Hamdan Al-Azmi asked the government to allow flights from Kuwait for one week to transport expatriates who want to travel to their home countries.

By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Arab Times Staff