New Domestic Workers Law to Remedy Legislation ‘Loopholes’
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 21: Acting Director General for Residency Affairs Brigadier Abdullah Rashid Al-Hajiri has affirmed that Domestic Workers Law No. 68/2015 and the executive regulations issued as per ministerial decree No. 2194/2016 aim to remedy the legislation vacuum and loopholes, as well as to organize relations between the four concerned parties – Interior Ministry which is represented by the General Residency Affairs Department, employer (sponsor), domestic worker and domestic labor offices.
In a press statement, Al-Hajiri explained this law addresses some irregularities and negative comments on the previous law in a manner that guarantees justice for all and preserves the rights of each concerned party, in addition to organizing the mechanism for dealing with complaints and disputes between the involved parties.
He pointed out Article Four of the executive regulations of the law limits the settlement of these disputes to the Domestic Workers Department in accordance with the agreed upon procedures. He explained that, according to the regulations, the employer (sponsor) must visit the department when summoned officially through department’s inspectors.
In case there is no proper address for the sponsor, the summons will be delivered to the police station in the area where the sponsor lives, he disclosed. He added that after summoning all concerned parties, the department will take procedures to settle the disputes by attempting to find solutions which satisfy all concerned parties. After this, the contents of the settlement will be included in the file of the employee (domestic worker).
In case the parties involved fail to reach a settlement or suitable solution, the file will be referred to the relevant court for settlement, he said. Al-Hajiri also emphasized the need for the sponsor to visit the Domestic Workers Department immediately after being summoned in order to protect his rights and to avoid legal problems.
Internal scholarships might be reduced or cancelled in the future if new government universities are established, reports Al-Rai daily quoting Secretary General of the Private Universities Council Dr Habib Abul. Abul pointed out the investors in higher education should not depend on internal scholarships, stressing the need for feasibility studies on operating a private university based on the actual manpower needs of the labor market.
He asserted the private universities have prompted a large number of students not to apply for external scholarships, especially since the opening of new specializations like engineering and business administration. He affirmed the graduates of private universities are distinguished and have obtained advanced places in international competitions. He added the experience of private higher education is new; hence, the need for governmental support.
On the other hand, Abul suggested the Secretariat General of Private Universities must be autonomous for it to move freely.
He added the Secretariat General needs more employees, its own building and modification of its organizational structure.
(Source: ArabTimesOnline.com)