The promising development plan, which is worth $145 billion, must be supported strongly by the new Parliament and Government and must become a priority.
This plan includes the building of new cities for the growing population, which has reached over 3 million. It will include more schools, hospitals, hotels, educational institutions and health cities. Then the transportation system must be upgraded with a modern underground system.
It has been a great move, as the GCC are building a railway network that will be cross international borders and will interlink cities and capitals in an easy way to move people, services and products from one GCC country to another.
However, those countries with a high Gross Domestic Product (GDP) mostly use luxury vehicles. Each family has around four to ten cars, either to drive personally or by drivers. They definitely need more environmentally friendly means of transportation. We should reconsider a new culture of using modern public transportation in the region, and that surly needs advanced urban planning given the congested roads and the small size of the city.
By Labeed Abdal
labeed.abdal@gmail.com
http://news.kuwaittimes.net/2012/04/18/taking-the-tube-in-kuwait/
Thursday 19 April 2012
Wednesday 18 April 2012
Challenges for new expats
When entering Kuwait for the first time, one can only wonder about the right source of guidance for doing things correctly.
There are difficulties like getting a driving license, getting married, getting a loan, getting labor rights and dues, moving from one address to another, paying traffic violations, making family or commercial visas, or renting an apartment or leaving it …etc.These issues are not limited to Western expatriates alone; they concern Arab expatriates too.
The above mentioned difficulties are very much influenced by the type of employers. If we have a responsible and trustworthy one, for sure most of the above mentioned points will be easily resolved and supported, while it will be the opposite if employers are corrupt and using the company to misuse and mislead people by mainly selling visas on the black market.
That just means that the irresponsible companies must be monitored and inspected carefully, in a way that they can be eliminated and weeded out from the market by first fining them and then canceling their license.
However, the big companies in Kuwait must also contribute to their social responsibilities and be an example to be followed by the small and medium ones.
Also, given the increased number of expatriate workers, we need in Kuwait to separate social affairs from labor matters at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. To make sure of that, we can establish a new public authority for labor to do better monitoring of the labor sector, upgrade the quantity of the supporting public employees and the quality of service.
Frankly, with that in mind, we will for sure make a more positive impact in the country, like having a more welcoming working environment and with less headache.
No doubt, urgent and condensed efforts in that area will improve the social and general wellbeing of the work force in Kuwait to a much better condition!
By Labeed Abdal
labeed.abdal@gmail.com
http://news.kuwaittimes.net/2012/04/17/challenges-for-new-expats/
There are difficulties like getting a driving license, getting married, getting a loan, getting labor rights and dues, moving from one address to another, paying traffic violations, making family or commercial visas, or renting an apartment or leaving it …etc.These issues are not limited to Western expatriates alone; they concern Arab expatriates too.
The above mentioned difficulties are very much influenced by the type of employers. If we have a responsible and trustworthy one, for sure most of the above mentioned points will be easily resolved and supported, while it will be the opposite if employers are corrupt and using the company to misuse and mislead people by mainly selling visas on the black market.
That just means that the irresponsible companies must be monitored and inspected carefully, in a way that they can be eliminated and weeded out from the market by first fining them and then canceling their license.
However, the big companies in Kuwait must also contribute to their social responsibilities and be an example to be followed by the small and medium ones.
Also, given the increased number of expatriate workers, we need in Kuwait to separate social affairs from labor matters at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. To make sure of that, we can establish a new public authority for labor to do better monitoring of the labor sector, upgrade the quantity of the supporting public employees and the quality of service.
Frankly, with that in mind, we will for sure make a more positive impact in the country, like having a more welcoming working environment and with less headache.
No doubt, urgent and condensed efforts in that area will improve the social and general wellbeing of the work force in Kuwait to a much better condition!
By Labeed Abdal
labeed.abdal@gmail.com
http://news.kuwaittimes.net/2012/04/17/challenges-for-new-expats/
Monday 16 April 2012
You are being watched
With rapid advancements made in the fields of information technology and communications through medium like Facebook, Twitter, ‘online revelations’ took the lead and toppled governments and regimes.
Order and security establishments all over the world have begun considering those developments, going on to create cyber police units to monitor every tweet.More cameras will be installed on streets, an inevitable step they have to take so as to prevent crimes.
No doubt the changes happening in our lives have a bright side. We deal with smart phones and ecloud computing. All that has truly made us do things easier in a different fashion.
That said, we should not compromise our privacy or freedom or make our liberties threatened. This has threatened security surveillance.Twitter, Facebook and Youtube were immensely used in Kuwait before the fall of the last government; they were used in many cases of personal defamation and cases of religious assaults .
The Kuwaiti legislative power must bring this issue to top priority as we must protect our national security. Personal data or the right of expression should be protected, while prosecuting the accused or protecting the rights of victims.
Certainly, those who fail to respect privacy and or dignity – which is protected by the Constitution of Kuwait, even individuals, must be brought to justice, if they break the law or overstep its boundaries.
By Labeed Abdal
labeeed.abdal@gmail.com
http://news.kuwaittimes.net/2012/04/15/14622/
Order and security establishments all over the world have begun considering those developments, going on to create cyber police units to monitor every tweet.More cameras will be installed on streets, an inevitable step they have to take so as to prevent crimes.
No doubt the changes happening in our lives have a bright side. We deal with smart phones and ecloud computing. All that has truly made us do things easier in a different fashion.
That said, we should not compromise our privacy or freedom or make our liberties threatened. This has threatened security surveillance.Twitter, Facebook and Youtube were immensely used in Kuwait before the fall of the last government; they were used in many cases of personal defamation and cases of religious assaults .
The Kuwaiti legislative power must bring this issue to top priority as we must protect our national security. Personal data or the right of expression should be protected, while prosecuting the accused or protecting the rights of victims.
Certainly, those who fail to respect privacy and or dignity – which is protected by the Constitution of Kuwait, even individuals, must be brought to justice, if they break the law or overstep its boundaries.
By Labeed Abdal
labeeed.abdal@gmail.com
http://news.kuwaittimes.net/2012/04/15/14622/
Thursday 15 March 2012
Hike awareness to avoid debts
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
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
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
Monday 23 January 2012
Is rebellion leading to fruition?
Basics remain still a far cry
A HIGH court had ordered the eviction of protesters of the Occupy London movement who have been camping since the last three months outside St Paul Cathedral in protest against capitalism. After long deliberation, the court had issued the order and described the camping as ‘public nuisance,’ which obstructed the highway and restricted the rights of people wanting to worship in the church.
The movement started in Wall Street last September and soon spread to London, Sydney and many other cities around the world.
Protesters everywhere raised their voice and demanded solutions to problems of unemployment and economic difficulties. They demanded that governments and parliaments be more responsible in bringing better solutions and minimize the gap between the rich and the poor. People have toppled regimes using their e-rights, and the common factor among all the toppled regimes in the Middle East is the need to provide urgent remedies to concerns of people. The remedies have to come through the executive and legislative powers and these countries should minimize the pressure on the judiciary which has to act as the judge between the other two powers.Moreover, the next question after all this is: what next after preventing protests through security units or court orders? Shouldn’t we listen more to the demands and provide remedies for all the problems for which thousands of people slept and suffered in street tents? Shouldn’t measures be taken to bring back peace and satisfaction to them somehow?
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178724/reftab/96/t/Is
A HIGH court had ordered the eviction of protesters of the Occupy London movement who have been camping since the last three months outside St Paul Cathedral in protest against capitalism. After long deliberation, the court had issued the order and described the camping as ‘public nuisance,’ which obstructed the highway and restricted the rights of people wanting to worship in the church.
The movement started in Wall Street last September and soon spread to London, Sydney and many other cities around the world.
Protesters everywhere raised their voice and demanded solutions to problems of unemployment and economic difficulties. They demanded that governments and parliaments be more responsible in bringing better solutions and minimize the gap between the rich and the poor. People have toppled regimes using their e-rights, and the common factor among all the toppled regimes in the Middle East is the need to provide urgent remedies to concerns of people. The remedies have to come through the executive and legislative powers and these countries should minimize the pressure on the judiciary which has to act as the judge between the other two powers.Moreover, the next question after all this is: what next after preventing protests through security units or court orders? Shouldn’t we listen more to the demands and provide remedies for all the problems for which thousands of people slept and suffered in street tents? Shouldn’t measures be taken to bring back peace and satisfaction to them somehow?
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178724/reftab/96/t/Is
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