KUWAIT CITY, Oct 7: In line with the state's initiative to support retired citizens by enhancing their income and alleviating their financial burdens, the Ministry of Interior has proposed measures to facilitate retirees' participation in passenger transport using smart applications and their own modern vehicles.

The proposal, developed by the Traffic Planning and Research Department, aims to reduce reliance on foreign labor, encourage the use of citizens' vehicles, and explore collaboration with companies or institutions for passenger transport services.

Additionally, the initiative seeks to integrate retirees into the workforce, mitigate the isolation some experience after retirement, and provide them with opportunities to increase their income through part-time or full-time passenger transport roles. The Traffic Department will assist retirees in licensing their vehicles for passenger transport while ensuring adherence to regulations and limiting the presence of unofficial transport applications.

The proposal is designed to enable retired Kuwaiti citizens to engage in passenger transport across all regions and provinces of Kuwait, achieving several strategic goals that benefit both the country and its citizens while enhancing job sustainability and improving retirees' income levels.

Objectives of the proposal:

Improving retirees' income:

The initiative offers retirees the chance to boost their income through part-time or full-time passenger transport, helping alleviate financial strains they may face post-retirement.

Creating job opportunities:

This proposal facilitates job creation for retirees, allowing them to utilize their skills and experience effectively, thus transforming them into productive contributors to the national economy, rather than relying solely on their pensions.

Enhancing community participation:

By incorporating retirees into the labor market, their sense of belonging and engagement in daily life is strengthened, which helps reduce social isolation experienced by some after retirement.

Organizing delivery services:

The proposal aims to establish a formalized and organized approach to delivery work, improving service quality and providing safer transportation options for citizens and residents.

Key features of the proposal:

Ease of application and flexibility:

Implementation can be achieved through a straightforward system that registers retirees wishing to participate in passenger transport, ensuring compliance with General Traffic Department regulations. Retirees can choose to work either part-time or full-time based on their preference and capability.

Reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution:

By decreasing reliance on foreign workers and promoting the use of modern vehicles owned by retirees, the proposal aims to alleviate traffic congestion and lessen environmental impact.

Collaboration with companies:

The proposal allows retirees to work alongside licensed smart transportation companies, facilitating their entry into the market without substantial startup costs, ensuring state oversight, and curbing unofficial applications.

Incentives for participation:

The General Traffic Department may offer benefits to retirees in this program, such as vehicle licensing assistance, as long as the service period does not exceed seven years from the vehicle's manufacture year.

Terms and requirements for implementation:

Vehicle ownership:

The vehicle must be owned by the retiree or the associated company, meeting all safety and durability standards, and must have comprehensive insurance coverage.

Qualification and training:

Training courses will be provided for retirees on utilizing passenger transport technologies and smartphone applications to ensure high-quality, safe service.

Health and legal conditions:

Retirees must be physically and mentally fit, with no prior convictions for serious criminal offenses or traffic violations that would hinder their ability to work in this field.

Tracking system:

Vehicles should be equipped with an electronic tracking system connected to the relevant passenger transport company or authority to ensure passenger and retiree safety and compliance.

Clean traffic record:

Retirees must have a clean traffic record over the past few years, as those with serious violations may be denied participation.