THE labor sector at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor has prepared a number of proposals to supposedly improve the labor market in Kuwait. Among these proposals are the following:
n The amendment of decrees that specify fees for the processing of work permits in the private and oil sectors.

n the issuance of several decisions to protect the rights of expatriate workers

n limiting the transfer of commercial visit visas to work permits in the private sector.

n require expatriates to undergo the required medical tests for the issuance of a visit visa or transferring it to a work permit.

n establishing an autonomous body, which will be tasked to study future legislative and organizational aspects of the labor market.

n specify a mechanism to encourage honest competition among employers to stop the treatment of workers as commodities being exchanged among sponsors, as this practice has tarnished the image of Kuwait in the international community.

n increasing the number of activities exempted from a decision on banning the issuance of work permits, in accordance with the specified conditions (Source: Arab Times August 24, 2010).
Though we do not know yet the specific nature of the proposed “improvements” relative to expatriate workers, however, such procedures should ultimately improve working conditions.

As a case in point, amending the current fees for the processing of work permits should benefit the expatriate worker and not wear them out financially. Likewise, limiting the transfer of commercial visit visas, even if done as a necessary security measure to stop violations of such laws, should ultimately benefit expats. For example, a commercial visit visa is one channel that has already helped improve market conditions in Kuwait. Those who violate those conditions should be punished. However, those business people, traders...etc who have actually contributed to enhancing our local economy should be allowed to transfer without obstacles.

Moreover, establishing an autonomous body to monitor and report on new developments in the labor market should also be tasked with implementing conditions of decent work. The international labor organization can help us improve our labor market through providing assistance in this regard. Whatever we do in Kuwait regarding expatriates, we need to take into account the positive contributions these individuals have made so far. In fact, improving working conditions for expatriates in Kuwait is one important step towards transforming Kuwait into a competitive regional market.

khaledaljenfawi@yahoo.com