‘Panel’ urged on domestics
By Abubakar A. Ibrahim
KUWAIT CITY, Jan 21: MP Khalil Al-Saleh has proposed formation of a joint committee whose members are from the competent authorities and ministries to deal with the domestic workers issue.
In a press statement, Al-Saleh said the functions of the committee include identifying reasons behind the continuation of the domestic workers recruitment crisis although two years have passed since the establishment of Al-Durra Domestic Workers Recruitment and Employment Company.
He unveiled a plan to present a request at the session slated for Tuesday to form this committee which will be tasked to submit a comprehensive report on the issue. He said the report will be reviewed by the Health and Labor Affairs Committee before forwarding to the National Assembly that will take decisions to hold accountable those proven to have committed violations and solve the problem.
He pointed out the government’s lack of seriousness in addressing the domestic workers issue worsened the problem and increased the cost; thereby, adding to the financial burdens of citizens.
He asserted the government’s lack of action, specifically in terms of providing alternatives to countries that send workers to Kuwait, has further complicated the situation. He emphasized the importance of rectifying the situation through urgent and decisive action, in addition to inclusion of this issue in the priorities of the Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee discussed Sunday the governance rules in government institutions in the presence of a team from the government.
Committee Rapporteur MP Saleh Ashour said the government asked for a two-week grace period to prepare a study on governance rules. He added the State of Kuwait was very late in implementing the governance system compared to surrounding countries.
He went on to say that the committee also talked about the proposed bonuses for military personnel, indicating they asked the government to present its opinion on this subject before February.
He disclosed the committee will invite the concerned minister to a meeting soon to tackle the proposed amendment of the law on Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in preparation for voting at the beginning of next month.
Moreover, MPs Jaman AlHarbash and Waleed Al-Tabtabaei have forwarded a letter to National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim asking him to oblige the executive authority to allow them to attend the session slated for deliberation on the grilling motion against Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and State Minister for Economic Affairs Hind Al-Sabeeh. The lawmakers said they need to shoulder their responsibilities in
supporting or opposing the grilling, or signing the no-confidence motion or not, after hearing the responses of the minister.
In another development, MP Mohammed Hayef Al-Mutairi has presented questions to Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammed Nasser Al-Jabri on the recruitment of women in the military.
Hayef explained that Islam stipulates protection of human rights in general and women’s rights in particular, adding that the Islamic legislation granted women many rights to guaran“Our
tee social order and stability.
He asked the minister about the opinion of the Fatwa and Legislation Department on allowing Kuwaiti women (compulsory or voluntary) to join the Army; specifically requiring them to undergo field training, stay overnight in camps, assign them at the borders or islands, work in marine combat units for long or short periods, using trenches and dormitories as their accommodation where they mingle with male soldiers and officers, and exposing them to the possibility of becoming prisoners of war (POWs).