Decree awaited to transfer PAM to justice minister’s authority

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 19: The issue of renewal of work permits for non-graduate expatriate workers who have reached the age of 60 or more is believed to be affecting about 54,000 expatriates because their fate hangs in balance because of the inability of the Public Authority for Manpower to issue a decision to put the issue at rest that created ripples in work circles at the beginning of 2020 when a decision was issued not to renew the residence permits of this category of workers, reports Al-Rai daily.

In this regard, reliable sources said a decree is being awaited to transfer the Public Authority for Manpower to the authority of the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Integrity Affairs, Justice Jamal Al- Jalawi, to take the final decision, either to cancel the ban or approve the renewal of residence for 500 dinars with mandatory health insurance or whatever the decision the authorities may take in this regard.

The sources confirmed Minister Al- Jalawi has full perception of the issue and work is underway to adopt “the easiest solution to the issue which will contribute to protecting the rights of everyone and does not cause any harm to the economic sectors at the same time.”

, some sources said the issue has created a commotion and some companies have already started terminating the services of their experienced hands instead of waiting indefinitely for a very long time. These employees have been told by their companies that they will be reemployed should a decision be issued to renew their work permits, but the ones who will face a real problem are those who may look for a new employer to sponsor them.