الحكومة تتراجع عن تحويل الإقامة وتشترط «براءة ذمة» من الكفيل!

كتب زكريا محمد
ومشعل العتيبي:
أجواء «التردد» الحكومي تجاه ملف «المسرَّحين» ظلت هي السائدة على الساحة البرلمانية أمس، رغم محاولات وزير الشؤون د. محمد العفاسي تحميل مشروع قانون العمل الأهلي مسؤولية هذا «التردد»، فيما كشفت مصادر برلمانية ان عدم رغبة الحكومة في الإعلان رسمياً عن حضورها أو عدم حضورها لدور الانعقاد الطارئ، الذي سيعقد يوم الأربعاء المقبل لمناقشة ملف المسرَّحين وقانون العمل، يعود الى رغبتها في التأكد من وجود العدد الكافي من النواب لحضور الجلسة، وكذلك العدد الحقيقي للمسرَّحين من خلال التسجيل اليومي في برنامج إعادة هيكلة القوى العاملة.
وعقب اجتماع اللجنة الصحية البرلمانية المخصص لمناقشة قانون العمل الأهلي، قال الوزير العفاسي إن الحكومة ما زالت على تحفظها على إقرار القانون في جلسة واحدة، مشيراً إلى انه يتضمن 148 مادة ومن الصعب إنجازها في الجلسة نفسها، «كما ان هناك ملاحظات من الجهات المعنية بالعمالة الوطنية لا بد من مراجعتها».
وفي تطور لافت، تراجعت وزارة الشؤون عن قرارها السماح بتحويل العامل إقامته بعد مرور ثلاث سنوات، إذ أشار العفاسي إلى ان هناك شرطاً جديداً للتحويل بعد هذه المدة يتطلب الحصول على شهادة براءة ذمة من الكفيل، مما يعني عمليا ابقاء «التنازل»!
وقالت المصادر البرلمانية إن الحكومة حاولت من خلال التنسيق مع بعض النواب طرح عدد من القضايا مثل اسقاط القروض وزيادة الخمسين دينارا وانفلونزا الخنازير، للتهرب من دور الانعقاد الطارئ، لكنها لم تفهم ان قرار طرح مواضيع أخرى غير موجودة في جدول الأعمال يتطلب حصول مثل تلك الطلبات على العدد الكافي لطرحها، مما أدى إلى انكشافها أمام النواب.
وترددت معلومات أمس ان هناك إجراء تدرسه كتلة العمل الشعبي في حال غابت الحكومة عن جلسة «المسرَّحين»، بعدما بدا واضحا ان هناك محاولات من جانبها لطيّ هذا الملف من دون معالجة حقيقية.
وتوقع النائب د. علي العمير ان تطول المساءلة السياسية وزير الشؤون د. العفاسي وسمو رئيس الوزراء في حال غابت الحكومة عن الدورة الطارئة لمجلس الأمة، على خلفية قضية المسرَّحين، مشيراً إلى ان هناك اقتناعا نيابيا ان الحكومة غير متحمسة لمناقشة قانون العمل في دور الانعقاد الطارئ خشية فتح باب ما يستجد من أعمال لمناقشة قضايا أخرى.
وقال عضو اللجنة النائب د. وليد الطبطبائي إن هناك توافقاً حكومياً نيابياً على قانون العمل الأهلي، لكن اتحاد العمال وغرفة التجارة قدّما تعديلات سندرسها خلال الاسبوع المقبل، فيما اتهم النائب مسلم البراك وزير الخارجية د. محمد الصباح بأنه يجامل رئيس الوزراء على حساب الدستور عندما قال إن قرار الحضور مرتبط بقرار سمو رئيس مجلس الوزراء.
وفي ملف آخر، قال د. العفاسي إن اللجنة الفنية المشكلة للاطلاع على أوجه التعارض بين القوانين المحلية والميثاق الاولمبي ستغادر الاسبوع المقبل لتلتقي اللجنة الاولمبية الدولية، مشيرا إلى ان الحكومة ترغب في انهاء هذا الملف حتى لا تتكرر المشكلة مستقبلاً.

http://92.52.88.82/alqabas/Article.aspx?id=525016%20&date=13082009

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2. Good news about sponsorship law
3. Cry out for “a political decision to cancel the Sponsorship ( guarantor ) system “ in Kuwait – Part 1

Praise the Lord… First step to cancel the Sponsorship “Slavery “Law.

Kuwait approved a move to modify the sponsorship laws by allowing transfer of residency without the approval of the “ sponsor”. The one condition is the person sponsored should spend 3 years with the same sponsor.

This step considered to be a hug shift at the law and it is already not pleasing many sponsors. Many sponsors are already starting a war-of-words against the ministers of parliament.

God hear the prayers of his people, we will keep praying till we see the law changed and the sponsorship law cancelled.

Give God all the Glory.

Below you can find the article in Arabic. as in Al Watan newspaper on 9^th. August 2009 (Arabic)  but also in English from the Arab Times

وزارة الشؤون تنفذ قرار السماح بتحويلها من غير موافقة الكفلاء.. العفاسي لـ الوطن: مراجعة هيكلة قطاع العمل قبل تعيين وكيل مساعد له.. وسيكون من داخل الوزارة

“ إقـامـــات الوافـــديــن اليـــوم: وداعــاً للكفيـــــل  “

كتب عبدالله النجار ومحمد الهاجري والمحرر الأمني ومحمد خالد: تحويل إقامات الوافدين العاملين في القطاع الخاص يودع موافقة الكفيل اليوم.. إذ تبدأ وزارة الشؤون الاجتماعية والعمل تنفيذ قرارها في هذا الشأن وهو ما وصفه الوزير محمد العفاسي بأنه «مقدمة لإلغاء نظام الكفيل».

وذكر العفاسي انه «يشترط للتحويل مرور ثلاثة أعوام على آخر كفيل».

وفي تصريح لـ «الوطن» لم يستعجل وزير الشؤون الاجتماعية والعمل الدكتور محمد العفاسي تسمية وكيل مساعد للعمل في وزارته وهو المنصب الشاغر حاليا «فنحن حاليا ندرس هيكلة القطاع واداراته وتنظيم عمله.. وبعد ذلك نختار الوكيل، وسيكون من داخل الوزارة وليس من خارجها».

وذكر في تصريح لـ «الوطن» ان «ملف لجنة التحقيق في تجاوزات منسوبة الى مجلس المعاقين الاعلى، مليء بالاوراق والمستندات، ويحتاج الى ثلاثة اشهر على الاقل من قراءته وتفحصه.. واذا ما وجدنا شيئا يستحق الاحالة الى النيابة العامة، فلن نتردد في ذلك».

وعن قانون العمل الجديد، افاد العفاسي بأن «المشروع هو حكومي.. ومهتمون باقراره، وننتظر مناقشته مع النواب في مجلس الامة، ولا مانع لدينا من ادخال تعديلات عليه اذا كانت تخدمه، وترتقي بالهدف الذي نسعى اليه جميعا».

ومساء امس، شارك الوزير العفاسي في حفل اختتام رحلة الغوص، وذكر للصحافيين ان وزارته «تتعاون مع الجهات المعنية لضمان عدم ارتفاع السلع الاستهلاكية خلال شهر رمضان».

واشار الى ان «قرار اللجنة الاولمبية الدولية في شأن القوانين الرياضية المحلية سيصدر الاسبوع الجاري، وتوضح موقفها مما اذا كانت تحتاج الى تعديل أم لا؟».

من جهة اخرى، عقود جديدة تعد حاليا ضمن دراسة شاملة تتعلق بالكفيل والمكفول لمعالجة اوضاع العمالة المنزلية.. واهم ما فيها «منع تحويل الخادم أو الخادمة الى كفيل جديد الا بعد مرور عامين على الاقل من وضع الاقامة»، والهدف من ذلك «الحد من عمليات الاتجار بالاقامات، وتمرد الخدم وهروبهم الى العمل عند آخرين بناء على تحريض من مكاتب العمالة.. أو سفارات تتبعها هذه العمالة».

واشارت مصادر لـ «الوطن» الى ان «ادارة الهجرة في وزارة الداخلية واجهزة معنية تقوم على الانتهاء من هذه الدراسة لتنفيذها قريبا».

وبينت المصادر انه «في حال رغب الخادم في السفر أو رفض العمل، يدفع قيمة النقود سواء هو أو المكتب الذي احضره.. وكذلك يتحمل تذكرة سفر ايضا كاجراء للمحافظة على اموال الكفلاء، خصوصا بعدما قفز سعر الخادمة من 500 الى 700 دينار».

وتابعت: «لو ضبط أو عرف مكان الخادم الهارب من عمله لدى الغير، ولو كان ليوم واحد، يبعد فورا وبدون عمل امر صلح له أو السماح بدخوله البلاد مرة اخرى، تحت أي عذر أو ذريعة».

ولاحظت المصادر ان «التحريض الحالي على هروب الخدم منبعه عصابات متخصصة ومافيا تتبع السفارات أو المتعاملين معها.. والربح مناصفة، لأن كل كفيل يدفع ومن ثم تهرب الخادمة أو الخادم وهكذا».

واوضحت المصادر ان «في حال رفض الكفيل طلبات الخادمة أو العصابات يُهدد بتلفيق قضية هتك عرض والتشهير به للحصول على امواله وتنازله ايضا».

تاريخ النشر 09/08/2009

PRAISE … DOUBTS ON RESIDENCE TRANSFERS; 3 years voids sponsor grip

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 9:  A large number of expatriate workers and ‘mandoubs’ (representatives of companies) visited labor offices in the six governorates early morning Sunday — the first day of implementing the decision of Social Affairs and Labor Minister Mohammad Al-Afasi to allow expatriate workers to transfer their residence permits to another sponsor without approval of the current sponsors. Such transfers will, however, be allowed once the expatriates have completed three years with their current sponsors. With a cheerful demeanor, most of the expatriate workers, who visited the labor offices, could not believe that the decision has finally been implemented, so they sought clarifications from the concerned officials and employees at the labor offices.  For these workers, the decision marks their victory in the seemingly unending fight for their rights, hoping it would solve some of their financial, social and psychological problems, especially the victims of visa trading and abusive acts of some ‘mandoubs’.

Speaking to the Arab Times, some ‘mandoubs’, who were at the Labor Office in the Capital Governorate, expressed their reservations on the decision which, they opined, is a temporary solution and will only lead to many other problems in the future.  Others regard the decision as an insult to the rights of employers, who hired workers from abroad and trained these workers only for the benefit of another employer.

On the other hand, some citizens expressed their full support to the decision, asserting it will improve the image of Kuwait and dispel accusations on the country’s alleged involvement in labor malpractices and human trafficking.

Meanwhile, expatriate workers, who visited the Labor Office in Farwaniya, stated the decision is courageous and historical.  They look forward to the cancellation of the ‘kafil’ (sponsorship) system, which is important in organizing the labor market, enhancing the skills of workers, and releasing them from the claws of abusive ‘mandoufs’.  They think the decision will protect them as the employers could no longer threat to fire them every time they air their grievances or demand privileges, such as salary increment.

Moreover, Ministry of Undersecretary Mohammad Al-Kandari expects full support from major companies as the decision is aimed at protecting the rights of both the employers and workers.  He said the decision will also provide job security to expatriate workers and protect them from visa traders.  He pointed out the main beneficiaries of the decision are the victims of visa traders.

In the meantime, Assistant Undersecretary for Labor Affairs Mansour Al-Mansour explained expatriate laborers will only be permitted to transfer to other sponsors after they have completed three years with the current sponsors , reports Al-Dar daily. Confirming the decision protects the rights of both sponsors and the laborers under their sponsorship, Al-Mansour added laborers will be allowed to transfer to other sponsors after one year, but they have to obtain approval from their current sponsors. The Kuwait Trade Union Federation (KTUF) has praised the move of the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Dr Mohamed Al-Afasi to permit expatriates working at the private sector to transfer their residence to other employers without approval of the existing employers, reports Al-Rai daily.

A number of MPs support the decision but warn of the possible adverse impact on employers. The MPs also expressed desire to work on eliminating human trafficking in the country, and cancellation of the sponsorship system. n other developments, Chairperson of the Human Rights Defense Committee at the Parliament Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabaei has called for regulations to control the transfers, to respect the rights of both employers and employees. e also urged the ministry to cancel the sponsorship system as a first step to eliminating trafficking in persons, which has mortified the image of Kuwait. He added the new move is very promising, but there should also be regulations which will control both sponsors and employees to protect the rights of both sides.

However, he stressed this quick decision adopted by the ministry can harm the interests of employers since employees will be limited to work for their employees for a limited period after which they will gain the right to transfer to other sponsors. Meanwhile, he supported government’s decision to cancel the sponsorship system, saying it is the right step to end human trafficking in the country.  He predicted the sponsor ship system will be canceled, but only after careful studies and regulations which can control the market. In her view, MP Dr Rola Dashti underlined the decision of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor to allow the expatriate laborers to change sponsors without their  existing sponsors’ permission will have a negative impact on the economy of the country, and government should lay down root level solutions toward the issue.

By Sayed Al-Qasas and Abdullah Dubia

Special thanks to the Arab Times

http://www.arabtimesonline.com/kuwaitnews/pagesdetails.asp?nid=35715&ccid=9

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1. Sad News: Clearance Certificate threatens to abort the Sponsorship Breakthrough…
2. Cry out for “a political decision to cancel the Sponsorship ( guarantor ) system “ in Kuwait – Part 2
3. Cry out for “a political decision to cancel the Sponsorship ( guarantor ) system “ in Kuwait – Part 1

1- Dr. Masooma al mubarak

2- Rula Dashty

3- Aseel al awady

5-Dr.Mona al gassar

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3. Kuwait keeps key posts unchanged in new cabinet

The Spirit of the Lord Said:

“God is going to start a mighty move of the Holy Spirit from Kuwait. Kuwait is the staging area of a great move of God that will affect the whole Middle East. The women of God are going to be used in unique way to reach others for the gospel. There will be a whole movement of women “Deborah’s” that God will use to turn their whole families to the Lord.

The church in Kuwait has an Antioch anointing and will be used as a teaching center for the gospel. Many prophets will be raised up who will be sent out throughout Iraq, Iran, and Syria. There will be unique relationships that will be built covenantly through out the Middle East. The men will rise up as powerful warriors in the spirit and a whole men´s prayer movement will spring forth.

God is doing a new thing such as the world has never seen. The Lord has caused this part of the world to be called the Middle East because its anointing is to be peacemakers. The enemy is trying to hurt the reputation of this area, but God will arise as the Captain of the Lord of Hosts and change the whole region as the power of the Holy Spirit sweeps through with signs and wonders. ”

Kuwait at the heart of the Lord is light house to the Gulf (where Islam started) and a gate way to the ME.

Kuwait is the Stepping Stone that the Lord is using to spread the Good News for the Region.(see the Map & how God Kept Kuwait , a very small county , between Saudi Arabia , Iran & Iran. God will Penetrate those nations and the whole region with his Glory , when Kuwait shine with the Lord’s Glory.

Like Bethlehem to the Jews & the Gentile ..Kuwait for the Muslim world.. out of Kuwait will come the light to Change the Muslim world.

“Unlocking Kuwait to the Gospel will unlock the whole region.”

PLEASE PRAY FOR KUWAIT

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Luke 2:1-7

” 1 ¶ And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. ”

This had been prophesied many many years earlier by prophet Micah, many times the perfect will of God, which is high above man’s will, cannot be accomplished without a certain ruler in place.

Until Caesar Augustus came in place, Quirinius could not reorder the steps of those under his rule, thereby positioning & fulfilling God’s will for Bethlehem & the redemptive plan of the world.

Therefore, with each political change, we must watch carefully for God’s ultimate plan to be revealed.

For years , the Lord spoken over Kuwait to be the lighthouse for the Gulf and a gateway to the Middle east.

Moreover , Kuwait for the Muslim world is like Bethlehem for the world , out of Kuwait will come the light and salvation for the Muslim world.

This had been prophesied many many years earlier by many prophets. but still not come to pass & we were wondering why many many governments changed recently in Kuwait with different parliament members. But the Lord revealed for us that he is preparing “as his own heart government ” that will unlock this nation to fulfill God’s will & could reorder the steps of those under Al Sobah Rules, thereby positioning & fulfilling God’s will for Kuwait & the redemptive plan of the Muslim world.

14 former MPs bow out of election race – 195 male, 16 female candidates left in the fray , as the door is closed today for any candidates withdrawal.

We pray that in elections the new government to be the one God is forming to accomplish the redemptive purpose of this nation.

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PTL, Bahrain to end ‘slavery’ system (the labor sponsorship by employers). May this spread throughout the Middle East and of course into Kuwait. We have been praying for this for so long. Now we must pray more and more till it is complete!

في خطوة هي الأولى خليجيا
البحرين تلغي العمل بنظام الكفيل بداية من أغسطس المقبل
أكدت البحرين رسميا إلغاء نظام الكفيل للعمالة الوافدة العاملة في البلاد والمقدر عددها رسميا بنصف مليون عامل يشكلون نصف سكان البحرين حيث سيكون بإمكان العامل الأجنبي ابتداء من أغسطس/آب المقبل الانتقال إلى عمل آخر دون موافقة صاحب العمل الأساسي.

وكان القانون صدر في عام 2006 إلا أن رفض رجال الأعمال له أخر إصداره بشكل تنفيذي قبل أن يتم إقراره بعد التصويت عليه في مجلس إدارة تنظيم سوق العمل.

Read the whole article and the readers comments (arabic):
http://www.aljazeera.net/
نقلا عن (الجزيرة نت)

Some English Links:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/middle_east

and http://www.forbes.com/

Related posts:

1. Listen to the Prophets : Modern Day Slavery
2. Praise Report : “Sponsership system would be scrapped within 15 months”
3. Cry out for “a political decision to cancel the Sponsorship ( guarantor ) system “ in Kuwait – Part 1

Dear friends,

the link below is a report (in Arabic) stating that Kuwait is not advancing with re-writing the (anti-)Salavary laws.

I am trying to translate it into English, but here is the PDF in Arabic:

http://www.alqabas.com.kw/

Please pray that his Highness can issue an Urgent new law to cancel the sponsorship laws and modify the laws that should be changed/modified.

Thanks, blessings, Kuwait lover

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1. Cry out for “a political decision to cancel the Sponsorship ( guarantor ) system “ in Kuwait – Part 1
2. PTL, Bahrain to end ‘slavery’ system
3. Listen to the Prophets : Modern Day Slavery

KUWAIT CITY, March 17: The Kuwaiti cabinet resigned on Monday alleging that the opposition-dominated Parliament refused to cooperate, in the latest political crisis to hit the country. The move raised the prospects of a new dissolution of Parliament and early elections, amid rising sectarian tensions and non-stop confrontations between MPs and the government.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, a nephew of HH the Amir, handed the letter of resignation to HH the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, as the Amir is out of the country. During the weekly cabinet meeting, First Deputy Premier and Defence Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Sabah earlier tendered the resignation of cabinet ministers en masse to the prime minister, citing non-cooperation from MPs.

“It is regrettable that we have been confronted with obstructive positions and practices” from MPs, the defence minister said in the letter, which was made public. Sheikh Jaber added that MPs “have refused to respond positively to the extended hand of government and its appeals for a constructive cooperation. “Our political scene has lately witnessed events that undermine our national unity, in addition to confrontations, crises and violations of parliamentary norms,” he said in a clear reference to sectarian tensions. Kuwait has been experiencing sectarian tensions after activists from the Shiite minority held a rally last month to mourn former Lebanese Hezbollah commander Imad Moughniyah, killed in a car bombing in Damascus. On the economic front, Parliament was due to vote Tuesday on a law to increase salaries for Kuwaiti citizens by an extra KD 50 ($188) a month despite strong opposition by the government.

The government last month already raised the salaries of citizens by KD 120 ($450), but that increase was seen as inadequate by a majority of MPs. Under the Kuwaiti Constitution, the Amir can either accept the cabinet’s resignation and ask the current premier or a new one to form a government, or dissolve Parliament and call for early elections. Parliament was last dissolved in May 2006 following a standoff with the government, leading to early elections in June in which women took part for the first time. “I believe that Parliament is going to be dissolved soon and early elections will be held. But this will not resolve Kuwait’s ongoing crises,” political analyst Ayed al-Manna told AFP.

He said such crises would continue as long as the Kuwaiti political system was not fundamentally reformed.
“The solution to our crisis is through allowing the establishment of political parties so the government can enjoy the support of a majority in Parliament,” Manna added.

Political parties are banned in Kuwait, although the government allows political groupings, considered as de facto parties, to operate.

The Amir had faced calls to sack the government, appoint a new premier and hold early parliamentary polls.

Leading liberal MP Ahmad Al-Mulaifi last week said the government should go and called for changes within the ruling Al-Sabah family. He said the premier had failed to carry out reforms and resolve the nation’s crisis.

Sheikh Nasser was appointed premier for the first time two years ago.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Faisal Al-Hajji quoted excerpts of the letter as follows; “It was a great honor for us to be entrusted by His Highness the Amir to the ministerial posts in order to serve our dear homeland.

“However, we faced regrettable obstacles notably the tense relationship between the legislative and executive authorities, the deviation of the concept of parliamentary representation, the infringement on the national unity and the violation of guidelines outlined by the constitution and the internal statutes of the National Assembly.

“The MPs rebuffed the government call for cooperation and achievement of the aspirations of the citizens and tended to practices that could undermine our national unity and security.

“Some MPs tended to transgress the constitutional rules and parliamentary norms with a view to escalate the tension with the government and meddle in the affairs of ministers,” according to the letter of resignation.

“Such practices widened the gap between the government and the Parliament and shrank the chances of positive cooperation between the two authorities.

“The government is no longer able to discharge its duties and responsibilities and push forward the desired development, thus fuelling the feelings of frustration and resentment among the citizens.

“For the above reasons, and in the light of the general atmosphere in the region that necessitate effective cooperation manipulation of all potentials, my colleagues and I deemed it necessary to tender our resignation to your highness.

“We expect your highness to take as usual the wise decision to serve the higher national interests of the nation,” Al-Hajji added citing the letter.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet’s resignation on Monday created a multitude of reactions among the MPs with some saying the decision came at the right time while others predicted it will lead to the dissolution of the Parliament.

MP Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabaei said the resignation was “unexpected considering the Parliament has shown its willingness to cooperate with the Cabinet. There were several attempts to dissolve the National Assembly but MPs have shown tolerance and coordination, which eased the tension in the country. The Cabinet’s decision clearly manifests the worsening relations between the two authorities.” Al-Tabtabaei added approval of the resignation signals the beginning of moves to dissolve the Parliament.

Meanwhile, MP Mohamed Al-Saqer blamed some MPs for spearheading actions to aggravate the tension, which resulted in the Cabinet’s resignation. Al-Saqer said the resignation was unexpected but previous incidents, particularly heated talks on the removal of diwaniyas built on state properties, had somehow given the public an inkling that the resignation is inevitable. Also, he has not discounted the possibility that this decision will lead to the dissolution of the Parliament.
Indicating the Cabinet’s resignation is ‘good news’, MP Ali Al-Deqbasi pointed out “Kuwait is in dire need of a strong and impartial Cabinet.” He hoped the new Cabinet will protect public welfare and comply with the constitution. He also asserted that cooperation between the two authorities is an essential requirement and a constitutional duty. Al-Deqbasi confirmed there is a high probability that the five constituencies electoral system will be implemented in the next parliamentary elections.

MP Ahmed Baqer agreed with his colleagues, saying, “the Cabinet made a right decision as per the law and constitution.” He said the Cabinet has failed to win the support of the majority at the Parliament from the beginning due to its inability to efficiently execute its programs. “Various issues turned out to be sources of conflict. Lack of cooperation between the two authorities as well as the worsening conditions of the state have made it essential for the Cabinet to resign,” he opined.

Blaming both the Cabinet and Parliament for the escalation of tension in the country, Dr Ali Al-Omair said the Cabinet resigned in the nick of time. This decision, he added, will prevent an imminent political crisis and give the new government a chance to carry out the instructions of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. On the possible dissolution of the Parliament, Al-Omair said this will give Kuwaitis an opportunity to wisely choose their representatives.
Meanwhile, Convener of the Independent Islamic Bloc MP Jaber Al-Muhailbi stressed the Cabinet should explain its decision. He said the bloc has expressed satisfaction over the resignation of the Cabinet which, he believes, is weak and incompetent. He has also refuted the Cabinet’s allegation that the Parliament is uncooperative.

Criticizing the government for its inability to address various issues, such as the KD 50 additional increment and organization of diwaniyas, MP Mizel Al-Nimran said the Parliament has always been supportive of the Cabinet. “The Parliament has given in to the demands of the Cabinet several times in the past, such as the postponement or cancellation of some proposals, especially the no-confidence vote for Minister of Education and Higher Education Nouriya Al-Subaih,” he argued.

“We have expected the Cabinet’s resignation since its formation due the absence of effective planning, no sense of responsibility and strained relations with the Parliament,” says MP Jamal Al-Omar adding there are numerous indicators of the Cabinet’s failures and inability to address the issues. Islamic Independent Bloc members MPs Abdullah Akash and Saad Al-Shurai commended the Cabinet for its resignation. Both MPs also accused the Cabinet of obstructing the development process in the country. Since the Cabinet is weak, Al-Shurai said its resignation is the only acceptable decision, especially after walking out of the National Assembly session hall during the voting on the proposed KD 50 additional increment for Kuwaiti employees.

MP Dr Daifallah Buramiya, however, believes the Cabinet announced its resignation later than expected. Describing the Cabinet as ‘incompetent, a failure and paralyzed’, he said the executive authority has failed to address many pressing issues, such as the condolence meeting for slain Hezbollah commander Imad Moughniyah and the KD 50 increment. MP Mussein Mezyed stressed the Cabinet’s resignation is a way to escape from any confrontation due to its inability to handle several pending issues, particularly those concerning public welfare. “The resignation came at a time when the Parliament is preparing for a crucial session,” Mezyed pointed out. Asserting the Cabinet is like a ‘social’ disease, MP Mohammed Al-Mutair urged the Cabinet members to stand firm in their decision to improve the worsening condition of the country.

By Dahlia Kholaif, Ben Arfaj Al Mutairi and Agencies

Related posts:

1. Kuwait’s Cabinet resigns amid growing tensions between government ministers and parliament
2. Bid to defuse standoff; Amir urges MPs to work with Cabinet
3. Kuwait keeps key posts unchanged in new cabinet

KUWAIT CITY (AP) — The ministers on Kuwait’s Cabinet submitted their resignations on Monday over growing differences with lawmakers in the tiny nation’s parliament, the state-owned Kuwait Television said.

All members of the Cabinet placed their resignations at the disposal of the prime minister, Sheik Nasser Al Mohammed Al Sabah, citing the differences between the executive and legislative powers.

The report did not say whether the resignations were accepted.

Lately, Kuwaiti parliament and government have been at odds. Among other issues, the assembly has been insisting on a pay hike for civil servants even though a generous salary increase has been given by the Cabinet already.

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1. “Cabinet resigns in fresh crisis” Please Pray for the Peace of Kuwait
2. Bid to defuse standoff; Amir urges MPs to work with Cabinet
3. Kuwait keeps key posts unchanged in new cabinet

PRAISE REPORT:God answer...WHEN we Pray...even after YEARS of prayers

As you all know, we dedicated year 2008 to pray for Changing the Nation of Kuwait and we started our Cry with Cry to the Lord to cancel the sponsorship system in Kuwait, we declared that on 4th. Feb. 2008 during the celebration of one year for that web site.

And as we know that God is using the news papers to encourage us with his answers of our prayers, after 36 days of the declaration , KUNA announced:

“The system would be scrapped within 15 months”

We know that it is” little cloud out of the sea ” ( 1 Kings 18 : 44 ) , but we know that God is about something.

Thanks for your prayers and Support .. BUT STILL THE BEST IS YET AHEAD.,Join us to Pray and see Kuwait as the Lord wants it to be.God bless Kuwait .

Kuwait mulls end to sponsorship system

KUWAIT, March 11, (KUNA): Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor has already begun to ponder over a mechanism aiming to end the sponsor system as a state policy, a senior ministry official said here Tuesday. Mohamed Al-Kandari, undersecretary of the ministry, made the remarks following a meeting of the permanent committee on the organization of foreign workers in the private sector, under the chairmanship of Minister of Justice, Social Affairs and Labor Jamal Al-Shihab. Officials from the ministries of the interior and commerce, Kuwait Municipality and Chamber of Commerce and Industry were present at the meeting.

He quoted the minister as hailing such a step as a state policy and expecting a relevant clear-cut future vision following the abolition of the sponsor system. Al-Kandari predicted that the system would be scrapped within 15 months, saying the conferees had explored several alternatives through a set of studies presented by experts of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Kuwaiti ministry. The new system will be adopted in a way that will fulfill international requirements and criteria for foreign laborers, he said, noting that it would ensure the interests of employers and employees altogether. The conferees also considered a proposal for setting up new labor housing cities on state lands, which would meet relevant ILO requirements and answer the needs of foreign workers, he concluded.

Please pray for the following:

1- God’s protection for the Committee members that seeking the new system instead of the existing sponsorship system.

2- For the permanent committee responsible for the organization of foreign Workers in the private sector, to make a new
REAL laws that will release the Nation of Kuwait to God destiny, not false laws to manipulate the pressure
over them from ILO.

3- Pray that before the 15 months the sponsorship system will be cancelled (Before mid of 2009).

4- Pray for the “several alternatives” that the Committee is studying, to choose The Godly System which will rise up the
Justice and demolish the Corruption at Kuwait .

5-Pray that this New Laws will bring forth a new immigration rules which gives the rights for the born in Kuwait People and
the Businessmen to have Permanent residency in Kuwait.

6- Pray for the International Labor Organization (ILO) to have a discern of any manipulation that the Committee may do
due to the pressure of the Kuwaiti Business people who does not want the Sponsorship laws to be cancelled , like:
Any false laws, delays, unreal solutions, false reports …etc.

7- Pray for the protection for Mr. Jamal Al-Shihab the Minister of Justice, Social Affairs and Labor, and the Chairman of
the Committee also Mr. Mohamed Al-Kandari, undersecretary of the ministry Pray for Wisdom and Godly courage & discern
for the officials presented at the committee from the ministries of the interior and commerce, Kuwait Municipality
and Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Related posts:

1. Cry out for “a political decision to cancel the Sponsorship ( guarantor ) system “ in Kuwait – Part 1
2. Cry out for “a political decision to cancel the Sponsorship ( guarantor ) system “ in Kuwait – Part 2
3. PTL, Bahrain to end ‘slavery’ system