KUWAIT CITY, Sept 2: Following the approval of a law to increase the minimum retirement pension at the end of 2023, the number of Kuwaiti state employees and those in equivalent positions opting for retirement has surged, as they seek to benefit from the financial incentives provided by the new legislation. The law's enactment has led to a significant rise in retirement applications across various state agencies, with the Ministry of Education reporting a substantial increase in the number of requests.

Sources within the Ministry of Education informed Al Jarida that retirement pension applications have more than doubled this year, surpassing 2,000 requests. During the months of January, February, and March alone, 900 retirement applications were submitted. This surge is attributed to the desire of many administrators, particularly those who do not receive any allowances or cadres and whose salaries are less than 1,000 dinars, to take advantage of the minimum retirement salary law. Upon retirement, their salaries automatically increase to 1,010 dinars, motivating many to seek retirement to gain these financial benefits and to avoid the responsibilities associated with attendance and departure requirements, including the fingerprint system.

The sources anticipate that the number of retirement requests will continue to rise with the start of the school year, as many school principals and supervisors are expected to submit their retirement applications at the end of the academic year. This is largely driven by the desire to secure financial benefits and retain their "excellent" bonuses, particularly since the fingerprint attendance system will be implemented for all school staff at the beginning of the new school year.

The amended law specifies that the minimum pension for those supporting seven or more children will be 1,615 dinars per month. The Minister will issue the necessary decisions for other categories, with the minimum pension for a single woman set at 1,010 dinars per month. For a married individual without dependents, the pension will be 1,126 dinars per month, while those supporting one child will receive 1,196 dinars, two children 1,265 dinars, three children 1,335 dinars, four children 1,405 dinars, five children 1,475 dinars, and six children 1,545 dinars per month.

In related news, sources revealed to Al Jarida that the Ministry of Education, in coordination with the Ministry of Health, will begin preparing 19 school clinics today. These clinics, located in the new schools set to open with the start of the new school year next Sunday, will be equipped with the necessary devices and equipment by the Ministry of Health. Specialists from the Ministry of Education will then take over to ensure the clinics are operational and ready to provide health services to students across various educational levels.