Latest news with #FahadAl-Yousef
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait facilitates the transit of thousands stranded by Israel-Iran conflict
KUWAIT CITY, June 19: In response to escalating regional tensions triggered by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Kuwait has stepped in to assist approximately 30,000 travelers stranded due to suspended air traffic. Since last Friday, these travelers — many of different nationalities — have entered Kuwait through the Abdali border crossing, with numbers continuing to rise. According to security sources cited by Al-Rai, Kuwait's Ministry of Interior, under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, is actively working to facilitate the entry and return of stranded individuals. The operation includes Kuwaitis, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, and Arab, European, and Asian citizens who have been unable to leave Iran or Iraq due to halted air travel. A structured mechanism has been implemented, allowing travelers to cross from Iran's Shalamcheh port into Iraq, then through the Safwan and Abdali land ports, and onwards to their home countries via Kuwait International Airport or through Nuwaiseeb and Salmi border crossings. For humanitarian purposes, Minister Al-Yousef has authorized a seven-day transit visa for GCC residents holding valid travel tickets, enabling them to pass through Kuwait. Additionally, some European citizens have been granted special entry to facilitate their return via the airport. Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Major General Ali Al-Adwani has also instructed that all humanitarian services be extended to support the safe and efficient movement of stranded travelers. The Abdali crossing has become a hub of logistical activity, with border and customs officials operating around the clock. Coordination is underway with GCC embassies to evacuate citizens before they arrive at Abdali. The Kuwaiti government has deployed approximately 40 buses to transport travelers from the Safwan crossing to Abdali, streamlining their onward transit. 'All relevant personnel are working at full capacity,' the sources confirmed, 'to ensure travelers can safely and easily reach their destinations with the support and care they need.' Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to the 'safe and speedy' return of Kuwaiti citizens currently in Iran. In an interview with Al-Akhbar TV, Al-Yahya emphasized that no injuries or infections among nationals have been reported since Israel began a major military campaign against Iran last Friday. 'The safety of our citizens abroad is our top priority,' he said. 'We have begun tallying Kuwaiti nationals in Tehran, Mashhad, and Qom, and are arranging their evacuation through the closest exit points.' Evacuations are being coordinated through land crossings into Iraq, with citizens transported back to Kuwait via secure routes. Additional efforts include moving groups through Turkmenistan and its capital to arrange further repatriation. Al-Yahya noted ongoing coordination with neighboring states to ensure smooth passage and expressed hope for the safe return of all citizens. He also highlighted Kuwait's role, as current chair of the GCC, in convening a virtual ministerial meeting last Saturday. The meeting concluded with a joint statement condemning the Israeli military operations and urging de-escalation and a return to negotiations. Kuwait is also monitoring potential radioactive fallout as a precaution, with current indicators remaining stable. Regarding consular support, Al-Yahya said Kuwait's diplomatic mission in Tehran is active, while other GCC countries operate additional consulates in Mashhad and Qom. This Gulf-wide coordination is ensuring comprehensive coverage for citizens across affected areas. 'We operate as a unified team,' he concluded, 'providing direct support to Gulf nationals wherever they are.'
Arab Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Expat Workers Can Appeal Against Unjust Travel Denials by Employers
KUWAIT CITY, June 11: In a move aimed at enhancing the labor environment, tightening oversight of expatriate workforce movements, and safeguarding the rights of both employers and employees, the Kuwaiti government will now require private sector expatriate workers to obtain an official exit permit before leaving the country. The new policy, which mirrors existing regulations for public sector employees, will take effect in early July. According to a statement from the Public Authority for Manpower, the directive was issued through a ministerial circular by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef. Once implemented, expatriate workers will be obligated to submit a formal exit permit application detailing their personal information and intended travel date. The application must be completed using an official form approved by the authority and submitted electronically through a designated platform to ensure efficient processing. 'This measure is intended to streamline the departure process for expatriate workers, ensure compliance with legal requirements, protect the rights of all parties, and minimize unauthorized departures,' a spokesperson for the authority explained. A senior official stated that the regulation applies to all private sector employees holding residency under Article 18. Applications for the exit permit can be submitted via the 'Sahel' app for individuals or the 'Ash'al Manpower Portal' website. Employers are responsible for approving the 'Sahel Business' platform or via the Ash'al portal for private companies. In cases of emergency or where workers do not have access to the Sahel app (such as unskilled laborers) employers may apply on their behalf. The process is available 24/7, and once approved by the employer, the permit is issued instantly with no additional formalities. To address concerns of potential misuse by employers, the official noted that any worker who is unjustly denied travel permission may file a complaint with the Public Authority for Manpower. Appropriate measures will then be taken to resolve the dispute. The source stressed that the new regulation is also intended to help curb visa trading and irregularities in the labor market. By creating a transparent, verifiable database of employer-employee relationships, the authority aims to strengthen labor market governance and ensure accountability across all levels.
Arab Times
10-06-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
1st Deputy PM receives Arab Times Editor-in-Chief, assures good health
KUWAIT CITY, June 10: The Dean of Kuwaiti Journalism and the Editor-in-Chief of Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers Ahmed Al-Jarallah visited the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah to check on his health and the progress of his treatment, reports Al- Seyassah daily. During the visit, Al-Jarallah conveyed his sincere wishes for a speedy recovery and continued good health to Sheikh Fahad Al- Yousef. In response, Sheikh Fahad Al- Yousef expressed his gratitude to Al-Jarallah for the kind gesture, assuring that he is in good health. He was keen to get out of his bed and personally welcome Al- Jarallah and reassure him of his wellbeing. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef also extended his thanks to everyone who contacted him to inquire about his health, including his counterparts in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Kuwait Times
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef meets Palestinian, French, UK envoys
Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef meets Palestinian, French, UK envoys Discussions tackle security, humanitarian affairs KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah held separate meetings on Monday at Bayan Palace with several ambassadors of friendly and brotherly countries accredited to the State of Kuwait. The discussions focused on matters of mutual interest, particularly in the areas of security and humanitarian affairs. According to a press statement issued by the General Department of Security Relations and Media at the Ministry of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef met with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Kuwait Belinda Lewis, the Ambassador of the French Republic Olivier Gauvin, and the Ambassador of the State of Palestine Rami Tahboub. KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah receives French Ambassador Olivier Gauvin. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef receives UK Ambassador Belinda Lewis. Sheikh Fahad affirmed Kuwait's keenness to build bridges of communication and strengthen ties with friendly and brotherly countries, praising the ambassadors' roles and efforts in supporting and enhancing bilateral cooperation. The statement added that the ambassadors expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior for the warm reception, reaffirming the depth of relations between their countries and Kuwait and their commitment to further developing these ties across various fields. The meetings also addressed ways to enhance bilateral relations and discussed a range of issues of mutual concern in order to serve shared interests and boost cooperation and coordination in various sectors. — KUNA
Arab Times
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
'Year of the Fool': Syrian Forgery Network of Kuwaiti Citizenship Busted
KUWAIT CITY, May 14 — A Syrian national who fraudulently obtained Kuwaiti citizenship has been stripped of his nationality following an investigation by the Supreme Nationality Committee. The case dates back to July 2024, when the Nationality Investigation Department received a tip about the forger, whose sister, a legal resident in Kuwait, admitted that her brother had falsely registered as a Kuwaiti citizen. Further investigation revealed that her husband was the cousin of the forger, confirming familial ties in the deception. Authorities discovered that the case was more immense than initially believed. The forger, who has since fled Kuwait, had also fraudulently registered four individuals as his sons. These four, now also fugitives, were confirmed to have no biological link to the Kuwaiti citizen they claimed as a father. The deception came to light after the biological children of the deceased Kuwaiti citizen waived inheritance rights and agreed to DNA testing, which proved the fraud. Two of the four forged files involve nearly 80 individuals, and investigations into the remaining two cases are ongoing. The Nationality Investigation Department has collaborated with the Public Authority for Minors' Affairs, which confirmed that inheritance rights had previously been waived in 1986 in favor of the genuine heirs. While the forgers remain abroad, their children residing in Kuwait have been summoned and confirmed through DNA testing as unrelated to the Kuwaiti family, prompting steps for the revocation of their citizenship. Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef previously referred to 2024 as 'the year of the fool,' citing the sharp rise in forged nationality cases.
