KUWAIT CITY, April 28: Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, Matrook Al-Mutairi, has initiated steps to recruit non-Kuwaiti teachers for the upcoming academic year. This move encompasses both expatriate teachers on a second contract and individuals with expertise, seeking approval from the Civil Service Commission to appoint qualified candidates for a three-year term.

According to Al-Mutairi's directives, non-Kuwaiti teachers would receive a salary of 420 dinars, with eligibility for a housing allowance of 60 dinars. However, an educational source revealed that the ministry's administrative sector has yet to fulfill a quarter of the required number of teachers, which currently stands at 1,600 male and female teachers.

The ministry continues to receive applications electronically through its official website, with over 2,000 male and female teachers having already applied. However, many applicants have not cleared the interview stage, and some have been rejected by the Civil Service Commission due to specific criteria, particularly in cases where female citizens with similar specializations are already registered in the central employment system.

External contracting for teachers is not currently included in the annual plan, and logistical issues persist in bringing Palestinian teachers who were contracted before the Gaza events. Plans to address this involve coordination with the Palestinian embassy and exploring routes through Jordan.

The ministry is focusing on preparations for the next academic year, including determining the number of schools needed in residential areas. While the current plan prioritizes local contracting, adjustments may be necessary if the required number of teachers cannot be met.

The Ministry of Education remains committed to the Kuwaitization plan, ensuring a balance between Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti teachers. The current ratio stands at 72 percent of Kuwaiti teachers and 28 percent of non-Kuwaiti teachers, aligned with the annual Kuwaitization targets.