‘New fire-force law guarantees workers equal rights, protecting lives of people’
Citizens irked by new procedures for domestics
KUWAIT CITY, Oct 16: Director General of Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) Lieutenant General Khalid Al-Mekrad affirmed that the law related to establishing a new fireforce, which was approved by the Council of Ministers and referred to the National Assembly, is not just aimed at ensuring equalization of financial benefits between firefighters and police force, but is mainly focused on enhancing social security and protecting the lives and properties of the people of Kuwait.
Lieutenant General Al-Mekrad said this on the sidelines of an exhibition of the new fire-fighting vehicles and their preparation for the winter season, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh and other high-ranking officials in Al-Rai area.
He insisted that the new law does not impose on fire-fighters any punishment of imprisonment or military trials, and does not reduce their right to travel or marry.
Lieutenant General Al-Mekrad denied that the law bans fire-fighters from participating in elections of the Municipal Council and others, stressing that these rights will continue as per the law, which will be approved by the members of the National Assembly. He revealed that the new law gives juvenile police rights to fire-fighters, and increases punishment for violation of protection conditions such as fines ranging between KD 50 and KD 5,000, and/ or imprisonment for a period ranging from one year to three years.
Regarding the rainy season expected in Kuwait, Lieutenant General Al-Mekrad affirmed that all necessary equipment and vehicles have been prepared, and the new pumps will be received within two weeks.
He revealed that the Municipal Council has approved to provide a site for establishing a fire-fighters club in Messila area, expressing gratitude to His Highness the Amir for issuing an order in this regard.
Lieutenant General Al-Mekrad affirmed that the club will be open for all fire-fighting officials and officers as a
form of appreciation for their efforts.
Citizens irked:
The service centers have asked Kuwaitis who stamp new residence permits for their domestic workers or renew residence permits for certain communities who leave Kuwait and return, to translate the criminal status record of these expatriates and get the same accredited, reports Al-Anba daily.
A number of citizens said they are surprised by this new procedure, considering that this step is not justified, especially since the criminal records are originally certified by the Kuwaiti embassies abroad, stressing why the citizens should pay this money, especially since the cost of translating one paper is KD 3.
‘Pay fine , leave’:
The traffic director of the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia, Colonel Engineer Ali AlZahrani, has announced all vehicles bearing Gulf plate numbers (including Kuwaiti) will not be allowed to exit through the border ports unless they pay fines for traffic violations committed inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reports Al-Rai daily.
Al-Zahrani said in a statement to Al-Akhbariya TV channel that under the guidance of the Minister of Interior (Saudi Arabia), beginning of next month owners of vehicles registered in the Gulf countries will not be able to leave through the Al-Rigae, Khafji and Batha land ports if they do not pay the fines.