Commerce ministry to Kuwaitize Tamween branches

KUWAIT: The ministry of commerce has affirmed its commitment to Kuwaitize Tamween branches, stating that the Kuwaitization process is progressing successfully. Employment is permitted if the ratio of salaries to sales allows for it and is approved directly, regardless of the staffing needs. This initiative aims to safeguard supplies from wastage, combat smuggling abroad and prevent the sale of supplies on the black market by expatriates. The ministry warns that such practices lead to the squandering of public funds and neglect the rights of those entitled to state-subsidized supplies.

The ministry has announced plans to offer jobs to Kuwaitis in supply centers to reduce the reliance on expatriate workers. If the number of Kuwaiti employees is insufficient, consideration will be given to the children of Kuwaiti women, stateless individuals with valid security cards and citizens of GCC countries.

The Union of Cooperatives has highlighted the reluctance among Kuwaiti youth to work in supply centers, citing reasons such as the lack of financial incentives. It urged the adoption of financial benefits to encourage Kuwaitis to take up employment in Tamween centers. According to sources from the ministry of social affairs, many citizens decline positions in supply branches due to the stringent job requirements, including signing an agreement. Any shortages in supplies are the responsibility of the branch personnel.

Addressing accusations of negligence by cooperative societies leading to thefts of food supplies, sources clarify that theft is uncommon. Supplies are provided by the ministry of commerce based on the number of ration cards allocated to each branch. Regarding concerns about food supplies being sold on the black market or smuggled to other countries, sources suggest that some individuals donate their entire ration to a single expatriate worker, while others provide charity to certain individuals in front of Tamween centers.