Ease burden on expats
THE Civil and Commercial Procedures Law allows the creditors to request for banning debtors from leaving the country in case the latter fail to pay their loans or dues like house or car rental fees. The ban itself can be a guarantee because the debtors cannot leave the country without settling their dues, while there are cases when this is considered severe punishment, especially if the person is innocent.
The law also gives the debtors right to appeal if a travel ban is imposed on them for failure to pay their dues. However, this may take time as the procedures are lengthy. Those who have been wrongly accused may suffer a lot, particularly those who cannot work for another employer due to the expiration of the labor contract and non-renewal of visa. Moreover, the law, which was issued in the 1980s, does not allow payment of bail equal to the debt amount. If the court rules in favor of the debtor, then the deposited amount is refunded.
Definitely, if an arrest warrant is issued against a debtor after imposing the ban, he does not suffer but this might affect his family – wife and children – who may feel miserable in case he does not come home as expected.People should then be wary of their interactions or the transactions they make with others (company or individual).
They should always seek legal advice or ask for the assistance of someone they trust to ensure they do not become victims of the language or cultural barriers.
Undoubtedly, there is always a way out because the court ensures justice for all but it may take time. Therefore, we need to amend the law, specifically the stipulations on the right to demand for compensation when the procedures are illegal.Also, the responsible employers must fully explain to their new foreign workers the usual difficulties faced by newcomers.
Along with the embassies, the employers must guide the new workers and direct them towards trusted providers of services and products. We have to raise public awareness on these issues to ease the burdens of the foreign workers.
Email: labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/180754/reftab/36/t/Hike-awareness-to-avoid-debts/Default.aspx
Thursday 15 March 2012
Sunday 4 March 2012
A long wait … until death
Amend Nationality Law
WE, as Kuwaitis, must look into pressing issues concerning the expatriate community. As a small country with steady population growth, we have to consider the possibility of amending the Kuwait Nationality Law.
We cannot deny the fact that in the 1960s, our laws were simple and aimed at protecting the citizens to ensure they were not overshadowed by the new and more experienced expatriates, who arrived after the country obtained its independence.Recently, we celebrated the 51st anniversary of gaining independence — a year after we commemorated the golden jubilee of our independence with our international friends and allies.
We have to consider the situation to distinguish between the expatriate workers with very low pay and the top professionals and those with vast experience.
We need to study the possibility of granting citizenship to the latter because they love Kuwait; they want to stay here longer and they can give to the nation as much as that of the natural-born Kuwaitis or sometimes more.I have personally witnessed how some expatriates, who have been residing in the country for decades — over 30 to 50 years, had envisaged living and dying for Kuwait. Sadly, some of them died here without fulfilling their dreams.
Considering the above scenarios, we must put everything in the right perspective.
We have to recognize those talented and loyal expatriates because they are assets to the nation. We should welcome them as new Kuwaitis, who can add value to Kuwait, especially those with great, brave and productive stands.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/180141/reftab/36/Default.aspx
WE, as Kuwaitis, must look into pressing issues concerning the expatriate community. As a small country with steady population growth, we have to consider the possibility of amending the Kuwait Nationality Law.
We cannot deny the fact that in the 1960s, our laws were simple and aimed at protecting the citizens to ensure they were not overshadowed by the new and more experienced expatriates, who arrived after the country obtained its independence.Recently, we celebrated the 51st anniversary of gaining independence — a year after we commemorated the golden jubilee of our independence with our international friends and allies.
We have to consider the situation to distinguish between the expatriate workers with very low pay and the top professionals and those with vast experience.
We need to study the possibility of granting citizenship to the latter because they love Kuwait; they want to stay here longer and they can give to the nation as much as that of the natural-born Kuwaitis or sometimes more.I have personally witnessed how some expatriates, who have been residing in the country for decades — over 30 to 50 years, had envisaged living and dying for Kuwait. Sadly, some of them died here without fulfilling their dreams.
Considering the above scenarios, we must put everything in the right perspective.
We have to recognize those talented and loyal expatriates because they are assets to the nation. We should welcome them as new Kuwaitis, who can add value to Kuwait, especially those with great, brave and productive stands.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/180141/reftab/36/Default.aspx
Some expats face number of problems
Firms to blame
ONE of the common legal troubles that expatriates in Kuwait face is falling deeper into debt unexpectedly and unrealistically due to the unscrupulous acts of some local companies.
They have encountered a number of problems because the representatives of these companies have forced them to sign contracts without understanding the stipulations, which are usually written in Arabic.
Numerous cases have been filed against them without their knowledge, in addition to the issuance of arrest orders and slapping of travel bans on them. Sometimes filing objections or appeals add up to the mounting pressure, considering their overwhelming financial and family obligations.
The new parliament must issue legislation on drafting contracts in two languages and companies proven to have deceived their workers should be held responsible. This bill should be implemented, while trust and transparency must be on top of the country’s priority list, especially since the population of expatriates is double that of citizens.
Email: labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/180068/reftab/36/t/Some-expats-face-number-of-problems/Default.aspx
ONE of the common legal troubles that expatriates in Kuwait face is falling deeper into debt unexpectedly and unrealistically due to the unscrupulous acts of some local companies.
They have encountered a number of problems because the representatives of these companies have forced them to sign contracts without understanding the stipulations, which are usually written in Arabic.
Numerous cases have been filed against them without their knowledge, in addition to the issuance of arrest orders and slapping of travel bans on them. Sometimes filing objections or appeals add up to the mounting pressure, considering their overwhelming financial and family obligations.
The new parliament must issue legislation on drafting contracts in two languages and companies proven to have deceived their workers should be held responsible. This bill should be implemented, while trust and transparency must be on top of the country’s priority list, especially since the population of expatriates is double that of citizens.
Email: labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/180068/reftab/36/t/Some-expats-face-number-of-problems/Default.aspx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)