KUWAIT CITY, Dec 4:  The Labor Sector at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor has finalized the necessary procedures for the establishment of the public authority for expatriate workers which, according to Article Nine of the new labor law in the private sector, should be announced officially in February, reports Al-Watan Arabic daily quoting Assistant Undersecretary for Labor Affairs Mansour Al-Mansour.

In a recent press statement, Al-Mansour revealed the sector has asked the concerned authorities to give their opinion on the issue to pave the way for its submission to the Cabinet, which will in turn forward it to the Parliament for approval. 

Refuting allegations that he personally knows one of the nominees for the administration of the authority, Al-Mansour asserted this is under the jurisdiction of the minister and the Cabinet, wishing for the success of anyone who will be appointed to the post.

Commenting on speculations that the opening of the public authority for expatriate workers might be delayed, Al-Mansour discounted any possibility of postponing the inauguration of the authority, because Article Nine of the new private sector labor law stipulates the need to officially announce the opening of the authority a year after the enactment of the law; otherwise, the Cabinet should issue a directive in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor remains committed to its promise to improve the condition of private sector workers through the issuance of legislation in their interests, reports Al-Jarida daily quoting Undersecretary Mohammad Al-Kandari.

Al-Kandari asserted the ministry spares no effort in settling labor disputes amicably through direct negotiations, while protecting the welfare of both the workers and company owners. 

Disclosing there are more than a million expatriate employees in the private sector, Al-Kandari admitted such a huge number of workers sometimes cause problems between them and the employers.  He said this requires the establishment of a committee for the amicable settlement of labor disputes.  He pointed out the disputing parties can seek the assistance of this committee through the labor departments.