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
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
Demand of Bedouns for their rights must be taken seriously
Major resolutions needed
THE stateless people in Kuwait who started their protests from Dec 16th, 2011 to demand citizenship and other public rights must be taken seriously at governmental and administrative level.
The setting up of barricades in Jahra area, the arresting of some protesters and the using of tear gas, water cannons and batons by Kuwaiti police to disperse the stateless protesters are enormous signs that we urgently need major resolutions to resolve this dilemma.The Ministry of Interior’s announcement not to tolerate any further demonstrations after having promised to resolve their problems can be considered right action towards solving this humanitarian problem.
Real and tangible remedies for the concerned parties should follow this action. Yet, as a quick legal reform, the new coming parliament should amend the administrative law which prohibits courts from intervening in nationality issues. Since 1981, the matter is considered a sovereign issue.
This ban must be lifted sooner or later to allow the court of law to review and cancel unjustified administrative decisions that prevented some individuals from gaining Kuwaiti nationality or any other legitimate rights. I would like to mention that not all the stateless people in Kuwait were affected by such decisions.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178694/reftab/36/t/Demand-of-Bedouns-for-their-rights-must-be-taken-seriously/Default.aspx
THE stateless people in Kuwait who started their protests from Dec 16th, 2011 to demand citizenship and other public rights must be taken seriously at governmental and administrative level.
The setting up of barricades in Jahra area, the arresting of some protesters and the using of tear gas, water cannons and batons by Kuwaiti police to disperse the stateless protesters are enormous signs that we urgently need major resolutions to resolve this dilemma.The Ministry of Interior’s announcement not to tolerate any further demonstrations after having promised to resolve their problems can be considered right action towards solving this humanitarian problem.
Real and tangible remedies for the concerned parties should follow this action. Yet, as a quick legal reform, the new coming parliament should amend the administrative law which prohibits courts from intervening in nationality issues. Since 1981, the matter is considered a sovereign issue.
This ban must be lifted sooner or later to allow the court of law to review and cancel unjustified administrative decisions that prevented some individuals from gaining Kuwaiti nationality or any other legitimate rights. I would like to mention that not all the stateless people in Kuwait were affected by such decisions.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178694/reftab/36/t/Demand-of-Bedouns-for-their-rights-must-be-taken-seriously/Default.aspx
New S. Sudan fighting
Needs unified efforts to end chaos
THE re-ignition of violence and massacres in South Sudan is an unexpected replica of an old, dark and shocking segment of the country’s history, which one cannot easily like, dislike, comment on or share.
It is heartbreaking to know the new-born country, (just six months old) is, of late, getting embroiled into internal racial and ethnic cleansing.
Moreover, it is truly surprising the situation is getting out of hands of even the superpowers which were supporting the new government in Joba. The vicious intrusion of the new small ‘armies’ to lead the destruction and mass killing of men, women and children shows the support given by the United Nations was not enough.
This means South Sudan is deprived of the right quantity and quality of arsenal and logistics needed to fend off the expected crisis.There is no doubt the new chaos created by the Murle fighters against the Nure villagers require unified efforts between the government in South Sudan, the supporting powers and the UN peacekeepers to overcome more bloodshed unleashed against the hungry, innocent and hopeless human being in their hour of need.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178575/reftab/36/t/Needs-unified-efforts-to-end-chaos/Default.aspx
THE re-ignition of violence and massacres in South Sudan is an unexpected replica of an old, dark and shocking segment of the country’s history, which one cannot easily like, dislike, comment on or share.
It is heartbreaking to know the new-born country, (just six months old) is, of late, getting embroiled into internal racial and ethnic cleansing.
Moreover, it is truly surprising the situation is getting out of hands of even the superpowers which were supporting the new government in Joba. The vicious intrusion of the new small ‘armies’ to lead the destruction and mass killing of men, women and children shows the support given by the United Nations was not enough.
This means South Sudan is deprived of the right quantity and quality of arsenal and logistics needed to fend off the expected crisis.There is no doubt the new chaos created by the Murle fighters against the Nure villagers require unified efforts between the government in South Sudan, the supporting powers and the UN peacekeepers to overcome more bloodshed unleashed against the hungry, innocent and hopeless human being in their hour of need.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178575/reftab/36/t/Needs-unified-efforts-to-end-chaos/Default.aspx
North Korea and the future
Big expectations from Swiss-educated Jong-Un
THE death of North Korean President Kim Jong II led to wide speculations about the future of North East Asia and surrounding countries.
There are big expectations from his Swiss-educated son Kim Jong-Un who can lead the winds of change and bring about an easy and moderate interaction between his people and the world.
We are living in a historic time of global springs that were ignited with people’s voice and the social media which was utilized against poverty, unemployment and for demanding more equality, dignity, freedoms and rights.
The North Koreans must rethink over these issues and must choose stability and cooperation, especially with South Korea, Japan, China and other countries in the region.
Moreover, the focus — in this era — must be on development and security in that area and on preventing any conflict of interests or ideologies which can lead to a new cold war that might eventually affect world peace and order.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178431/reftab/36/t/North-Korea-and-the-future/Default.aspx
THE death of North Korean President Kim Jong II led to wide speculations about the future of North East Asia and surrounding countries.
There are big expectations from his Swiss-educated son Kim Jong-Un who can lead the winds of change and bring about an easy and moderate interaction between his people and the world.
We are living in a historic time of global springs that were ignited with people’s voice and the social media which was utilized against poverty, unemployment and for demanding more equality, dignity, freedoms and rights.
The North Koreans must rethink over these issues and must choose stability and cooperation, especially with South Korea, Japan, China and other countries in the region.
Moreover, the focus — in this era — must be on development and security in that area and on preventing any conflict of interests or ideologies which can lead to a new cold war that might eventually affect world peace and order.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/178431/reftab/36/t/North-Korea-and-the-future/Default.aspx
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