KUWAIT CITY, July 20: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor will take harsh measures against employers or sponsors who abuse the rights of their workers, reports Al-Kuwaitiah daily quoting sources. Sources revealed the ministry will take legal action against employers who keep their workers’ passports, especially since several warnings have been issued in this regard. Sources said other measures that will be taken include closing files of employers who withhold the financial privileges of the workers, regardless of the reason. Sources added these files will be referred to the Interior Ministry for the necessary legal action.
Sources affirmed the ministry issued a stern warning to the companies that violate the labor law, considering they play a role in the rising number of marginal workers in the country. Sources pointed out this illegal practice has resulted in the prevalence of crimes and increase in the number of absconding workers, who escape from their sponsors after experiencing various forms of abuse.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, in collaboration with its interior counterpart, has finalized preparations to track down beggars during Ramadan, reports Al-Watan Arabic daily quoting Undersecretary Mohammad Al-Kandari. Speaking to the press after the inauguration of the central market in Abu Halifa Cooperative Society, Al-Kandari disclosed a joint-committee, consisting of members from the two ministries, will be formed soon to carry out intensive campaigns against begging throughout the holy month. He hopes for full cooperation between the concerned authorities to eliminate begging.

Al-Kandari said the charity organizations and Zakat House have expressed their willingness to help the ministry combat begging, stressing the need to punish foreigners who stay illegally in the country.
On the collection of donations during Ramadan, Al-Kandari revealed the ministry has coordinated with the heads of various charity organizations to regulate procedures for the collection of donations. He said the assistant undersecretary for Mosque Affairs at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs recently met the heads of charity organizations. He clarified the collection of donations is banned in mosques and will be done only in the headquarters of the organizations and their branches. He added the collectors of donations should present their identification cards, which include their personal information and the organization they work for.