KUWAIT CITY, March 6: MP Dulaihi Al-Hajri has warned against the rising unemployment rate in the country due to the negligence of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), particularly its inability to provide job opportunities for the young Kuwaitis in public institutions.

In a press statement Sunday, Al-Hajri wondered why the CSC cannot generate jobs for the Kuwaiti youths who want to work in government institutions. He pointed out it is illogical that the public sector employs a large number of expatriates, while the young Kuwaitis have no jobs.

Al-Hajri also called on the Ministry of Oil to accept Kuwaitis with secondary school certificates, especially those who have been in the waiting list of the CSC for a long time. He asked the commission to explain its decision not to accept applicants below 25 years old or those who are not married. He wondered, “Is it logical for the graduates to wait for five years after graduation before having a job? Is it logical to make marriage a prerequisite for accepting an applicant?” He urged the CSC to amend its bylaws to accept the applications of those who are 21 years old and above.

In another development, Rapporteur of the Women Affairs Committee at the Parliament MP Dr Salwa Al-Jassar disclosed the panel has finalized the proposed amendments to Civil Service Law number 15/1979, which includes stipulations on the social allowances of married employees, children’s allowance, granting 70 days maternity leave and infant care leave for married female employees, leave for accompanying a sick relative for treatment abroad, leave to accompany husbands on official mission abroad, reducing the work hours of married women to nurse their babies in accordance with the regulations set by the Council of Civil Rights, among others.

Al-Jassar revealed the panel has forwarded its report on the amendments to the National Assembly to be included in the agenda of the session on March 8, which happens to be the International Women’s Day. She said the Parliament had previously ratified a number of laws to improve the status of Kuwaiti women and ensure gender equality, which is guaranteed by the Constitution.

On the other hand, MP Daifallah Buramiya said he intends to launch a campaign on the cancellation of citizens’ debts after March 8. He added he has started preparing for the campaign, which will include seminars and presentation of proposals or draft bills.