KUWAIT CITY, Nov 24: Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Youssef has criticized Kuwait's "60" law, describing it as a blemish on the country's history. He emphasized the need to treat expatriates fairly and dignified, particularly those who have spent decades in Kuwait.

In a statement after supervising a traffic security campaign in the Hawalli area, Al-Yousef said, “There are expatriates who were born in Kuwait or have spent most of their lives here, serving the country with honesty and integrity. They deserve our gratitude and respect at the end of their service. It is essential to recognize their simplest rights and allow them to remain in Kuwait, which they consider their home.”

Al-Yousef underscored the directives of His Highness Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad to protect expatriates' financial and legal rights. He warned companies against withholding workers' wages, stating, “Instructions from the political leadership are clear: any company failing to pay workers will face strict legal measures, including referral to the judiciary and forced restitution of unpaid salaries.”

He emphasized that leaving workers unpaid could lead to negative outcomes, including illegal actions by frustrated employees.

During the Hawalli campaign, Al-Yousef addressed several cases, including one involving two Lebanese workers who had not received wages for six months. After hearing their grievances, he instructed authorities to summon the company owner and two managers, an Egyptian and a Jordanian. Upon investigation, the managers admitted to the allegations without justification.

Al-Yousef ordered the company to pay the workers their overdue wages, return their passports, and cover the cost of residency permits within 48 hours. He stressed that strict measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing that such injustices tarnish Kuwait's reputation.

Al-Yousef personally ensured their complaints were addressed, ordering the company to rectify their status and pay their wages.

In another incident, an Arab family approached the minister with a plea regarding the husband, an engineer, who had not been granted a driving license despite meeting the requirements. Al-Yousef instructed security leaders to review the case and ensure the engineer received a license if eligible.

Al-Yousef concluded by reaffirming Kuwait’s commitment to justice for all residents, noting that expatriates who have contributed significantly to the country deserve to be treated fairly and respectfully. “We must uphold the values of humanity and fairness, ensuring that Kuwait remains a haven for those who serve it with integrity.”