KUWAIT CITY, Oct 14: The Ministry of Education in Kuwait, in coordination with the Civil Service Bureau, is working to resolve technical challenges regarding the integration of fingerprint attendance systems for principals and their assistants in private Arab schools affiliated with the ministry. According to sources, the integration has revealed issues related to entering work schedules, leave requests, and relief hours for employees, particularly those employed by private entities but considered government employees. The primary issue arises from the unique status of these employees, who work in private educational institutions but are also affiliated with the Ministry of Education.

The ministry is collaborating with the Civil Service Bureau to make the necessary adjustments to address these discrepancies. It is expected that the problem will be resolved by early next week. The recent bulletin from the ministry clarified regulations regarding relief hours, noting that employees are entitled to either reduced working hours or flexible working hours, but not both. The employees working in seven-hour work environments are eligible for a two-hour reduction, while those working six-hour days receive a one-hour reduction. Employees in five-hour work environments are not eligible for any relief.

Additionally, as part of its efforts to ensure proper work monitoring and preserve public funds, the Ministry of Education has initiated the installation of fingerprint devices in adult education centers, literacy programs, and religious institutes. These devices will monitor attendance and departure according to the official work schedules of these centers. Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Financial Affairs Matrouk Al-Mutairi emphasized the importance of linking attendance data to payroll, ensuring that payments are only made to those who have their attendance registered through the fingerprint system.