KUWAIT CITY, Oct 12: In a move to ease the financial burden on the state budget, informed sources revealed the government will set a trend to legalize subsidies, such as social assistance, electricity, water, and supplies, to eligible citizens only.

The sources told Al-Seyassah that the government is considering establishing a social safety net similar to some Gulf experiences, pointing out that officials from government agencies have seen the role it plays in terms of delivering subsidies to eligible people with limited income.

The sources explained that under the new mechanism, there will be an account for every citizen showing his income, revenues, and property, in addition to ensuring that there are no commercial licenses or companies, and then the possibility of him benefiting from the support will be examined, noting that employees can benefit from the support.

The same sources pointed out that the social safety network will be under the management of the Ministry of Social Affairs with the participation of several government agencies, including the Ministries of Electricity, Water, Trade, Industry, Justice, Finance, and the General Secretariat for Planning.

According to the sources, a protocol will be signed with the World Bank, the Ministry of Finance, and a number of government agencies to begin implementing the project in 2025 or 2026 at the latest, adding that the World Bank will set the road map for the new project.

By Fares Al-Abdan

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff