Organizational structure approved
KUWAIT CITY, May 30: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor will soon finalize the draft bill on the establishment of a public authority for expatriate workers to pave the way for its submission to the National Assembly for approval next week, says Deputy Premier and Minister of Justice, Social Affairs and Labor Mohammad Al-Afasi.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the Negative Phenomena Committee at the Parliament Monday, Al-Afasi confirmed the Civil Service Commission Board has removed the biggest obstacle to the formation of the authority, in addition to the approval of its organizational structure.
Asked about the alleged plan to establish a special court for expatriate workers, Al-Afasi clarified, "We are not aware of this issue, but the new labor law in the private sector contains provisions on resolving labor disputes. We will establish the court if the need arises, because we are keen on addressing labor issues through legal channels."
In another development, Afasi commented on the decision of the Administrative Court, which has rejected his endorsement for the recognition of the Doctors Syndicate. He pointed out the rules of the court are clear to everyone. "We respect the decision but there will be an appeal to this verdict," he added.
On the approval of the cooperative societies draft bill in its first reading at the Parliament, Al-Afasi explained the government has not amended the bill. He affirmed the government has reached an agreement with the Health Affairs Committee to look into the amendments presented by the lawmakers, if any. He also stressed the need to enact the bill within the current legislative term.
Moreover, MP Musallam Al-Barrak said 21 MPs have presented a request to cancel the decision of the National Assembly Office to change the designated area for the journalists in the session hall. He added he does not see the rationale behind transferring the journalists to a higher deck in the session hall because they can no longer see or hear the proceedings clearly, making it difficult for them to come up with accurate reports.
On the transfer of the secretaries of lawmakers from the lower to the higher deck, Al-Barrak believes there is no problem in this move because the lawmakers can meet them outside if necessary. He hopes Parliament Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi will present the request in Tuesday's session for approval.
The National Assembly Office decided to transfer the journalists and secretaries after the fistfight between some lawmakers inside the session hall two weeks ago. At the time, some of the secretaries reportedly jumped from the first deck into the seats of the lawmakers to join the scuffle, so the office took this step to prevent the recurrence of the incident in the future.
© Arab Times 2011
