KUWAIT CITY, Aug 23: The Ministry of Electricity has commenced trial operations to link its bill collection system with the Ministry of Interior's system. This step is intended to ensure the seamless integration of electronic mechanisms, with plans to activate the fully linked system by early September.

Recognizing the challenges faced by expats with high bills amounting to 900 KD and above, who may find it difficult to make a single lump-sum payment before departing, sources have indicated an alternative approach. In such cases, the ministry could address the issue by mandating expatriates with significant outstanding balances to secure a guarantee from Kuwaiti citizen. This would allow the expatriate to make a partial payment upfront and commit to paying the remaining amount through installments. The Kuwaiti citizen providing the guarantee would assume responsibility in case the expatriate does not return and remains abroad. Meanwhile, expatriates with smaller outstanding amounts would have no option but to settle their dues before leaving the country.