Authorities will announce deadline to rectify status: Al-Rayes

KUWAIT CITY, Feb 9: All violators of work and residence permits in Kuwait should take advantage of the grace period to leave Kuwait without fines or fingerprinting, says the Legal Affairs Consultant at the Indian Embassy, Saad Al Rayes.

The consultant was talking to the Arab Times Wednesday ahead of the clemency period. Further he noted that if violators leave Kuwait using this opportunity they can return to Kuwait later. "The authorities will also announce the deadline for violators to rectify their residence status and stay legally in Kuwait."

Al Rayes emphasized that all violators must take it as a golden opportunity to amend their residence status and enjoy the rights granted by Kuwaiti law.

Talking about the new labor law Al Rayes said it came into effect since its promulgation in the official Kuwaiti Gazette on Feb 27, 2010. "The law has many benefits for employees such as increased number of holidays, in addition to a minimum salary and indemnity after 3 years of work and not 5 years as earlier, and a termination notice period of 3 months and not 15 days. Furthermore, women employees have been granted greater rights in many areas unique to them.

As a lawyer handling the problems of expatriates, Al Rayes said that justice has always existed in Kuwait, "and there are public authorities in the country available for those who feel wronged. Expatriates and citizens are absolutely safe in the country and can get their rights if they approach the right authorities.

Among the important issues pertaining to expatriates, Al Rayes noted some employers force employees to sign documents claiming all dues have been paid or blank promissory notes. The legal advisor warned employees never to sign such securities.

"Some employers withhold passports of employees illegally." Al Rayes emphasized that employees have the right to get their passports anytime they want, "because it is the only official travel document, and nobody can confiscate it without legal justification."

Al Rayes has been working at the Indian Embassy for seven years and has handled several cases of the Indian community related to labor, marriage, injuries, traffic accidents and damages caused by accidents.

Al Rayes is available at the Legal Affairs Division of the Indian Embassy on Mondays and Thursdays every week, starting from 3 pm.

© Arab Times 2011