MP calls for ‘exit permits’ for domestic workers – Must obtain permission from their sponsors

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KUWAIT CITY, Oct 22: MP Majed Al-Mutairi has presented a proposal to prohibit domestic workers from traveling unless they obtain permission from their sponsors. The lawmaker also pointed out that once a domestic worker is reported absconding or arrested, a thorough investigation must be carried out immediately to determine their whereabouts, the persons who harbored them and oblige these persons to pay for the sponsors’ expenses in hiring the workers including their air tickets.

On the other hand, Al-Mutairi, in his capacity as Rapporteur of the parliamentary investigation committee tasked to look into the disappearance of containers, revealed that they have reached agreement on holding all government agencies responsible for the disappearance of containers.

He added the report was finalized during their meeting on Sunday and the committee recommended cancellation of the contract between the Customs Department and Global Company.

In another development, MP Abdel Wahab Al-Babtain hosted a parliamentary meeting with several MPs in his office on Sunday in a bid to consolidate their position on many issues and files, particularly the interpellation motions against some ministers.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Al-Babtain disclosed they agreed that several laws will be the starting point in the next phase such as laws on offenders, pre-trial detention, electoral system, cyber crime, audio-visual, general amnesty, call against abolishing the National Assembly, independence of the judiciary and eliminating the Ministers Court.

He said the following topics must be discussed in the first month of the next legislative round: pre-trial detention, early retirement, gasoline, Municipal Council, Military Law and Anti-Corruption Public Authority. He also warned the government that there will be no stability unless everyone coordinates their efforts in implementing laws. “We do not want to clash in Abdullah Al-Salem Hall; but if the government wants to follow the previous path, then clashes are inevitable.” He confirmed there are a number of contentious matters like the return of the economic document, islands, suspension of sports sector and demographic structure because the government deals with these issues individually as if it is working with another Parliament

On the interpellation motions, Al- Babtain revealed they decided to deal with each motion separately; stressing that the government’s contacts with some MPs are harmful to the parliamentary process and democratic life in the country.

Meanwhile, MP Shuaib Al-Muwaizri said everyone knows what will happen in the next legislative session. He pointed out that whenever a lawmaker announces submission of an interpellation motion, some of his colleagues will express support for the move. He then affirmed support for all grilling requests submitted or will be submitted against the ministers of oil and social affairs as well as the state minister for Cabinet affairs. He said State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah violated Article 199 of the Constitution, while there are many financial and administrative irregularities in institutions under the minister’s supervision.

He accused Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Hind Al-Subaih of disrespecting judicial decisions, especially the reinstatement of the chairman of an association. He alleged the minister dissolved the boards of directors of cooperative societies in Jahra and Abu Halifa among others in a bid to convince the people to reject cooperatives in preparation for their privatization.

He also criticized the minister’s way of handling orphans and erroneous appointments in Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC), indicating the management of KAC fired an employee for not responding to the WhatsApp message of a director who was appointed by the minister.

In a related development, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and State Minister for Municipal Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri asserted the government is not afraid of grilling which is the constitutional right of every MP. Al-Jabri told journalists during an inspection tour in the new Municipal Council building and multi-level parking area that every MP has the right to present a grilling motion. He affirmed the government does not doubt whatever the MPs see as mistakes, whether they are right or wrong. “We will not argue with the lawmakers by virtue of the Constitution,” he clarified. He hopes that stability between the two authorities will prevail in the next legislative round so they can focus on accomplishing their tasks and realizing the aspirations of citizens.

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff

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