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Kuwait committed to combating human trafficking

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KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait reaffirmed the country’s firm commitment to combating human trafficking during the sixth session of the government forum to combat trafficking in persons in the Middle East. In his address at the forum held on Thursday, Al-Sumait — who also chairs the National committee to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling — stated: “Kuwait’s hosting of this forum reflects its unwavering dedication to safeguarding human dignity, advancing justice, and strengthening key procedures, particularly those related to labor rights.”

He further stressed that Kuwait’s commitment to this cause is rooted in its constitution and national laws, and is reinforced by its international obligations. This dedication is also in line with Kuwait Vision 2035 (New Kuwait), which emphasizes active participation in the international community, advancing human rights, and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — particularly Goal 8, which promotes decent work and economic growth.

He noted that the forum arrives at a critical time, as regional instability and global conflicts continue to increase the vulnerability of displaced and marginalized populations, particularly women, children, and migrant workers, to trafficking and exploitation. Al-Sumait used the occasion to propose the launch of a regional digital platform aimed at unifying national anti-trafficking strategies, enhancing cooperation, and streamlining the exchange of information and best practices across participating countries.

Speaking at the forum, Jasem Al-Budaiwi, representative of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), highlighted key regional achievements and outlined the GCC’s comprehensive strategy in combating human trafficking and forced labor. His address emphasized the shared responsibility of member states in upholding human dignity and enhancing victim protection. “In 2006, the GCC Supreme Council adopted the Abu Dhabi Document for a unified anti-human trafficking law aimed at preventing all forms of exploitation,” Al-Budaiwi said. “This was followed in 2014 by the adoption of the GCC Human Rights Declaration, which unequivocally bans slavery, servitude, forced labor, and trafficking, especially when women and children are involved.”

He noted that all GCC states have ratified the UN’s Palermo Protocol, reinforcing their international legal commitments and introducing national legislation that criminalizes trafficking while providing protection and legal recourse for victims. In addition, Al-Budaiwi detailed the establishment of national mechanisms in each GCC country — ranging from dedicated committees and shelters to national referral systems and hotlines — all backed by targeted training programs for security and judiciary personnel.

Reduce workplace abuse

A major area of reform has been the labor market. “Regulatory improvements have focused on wage protection systems and strengthening legal safeguards between employers and workers,” he said. These reforms are seen as a direct attempt to reduce workplace exploitation and abuse. Al-Budaiwi also stressed the importance of partnerships with international organizations, including the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the International Labour Organization (ILO), in launching joint awareness and prevention initiatives.

Looking to the future, he announced that the GCC’s Executive Office will launch a new dialogue session aimed at updating the unified Gulf vision to combat forced labor and human trafficking. This initiative, based on Resolution No. (Eighth–1) from the 10th meeting of GCC labor ministers, seeks to develop a comprehensive, future-oriented strategy.

“This strategic framework will respond to evolving challenges in the labor market and leverage modern technologies while enhancing prevention and protection mechanisms,” he concluded. “Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Al Harthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs representing the Sultanate of Oman and chairman of the previous session, emphasized that lasting success lies in a continued commitment to human rights and regional cooperation. “The key to success lies in prevention, victim care, and unified international collaboration,” he stated. He highlighted Oman’s national awareness campaign, Aamin (Safe), and a signed memorandum of understanding with Bahrain as practical examples of this commitment”

Forum fosters unified vision

Nebras Taleb, representative of the forum’s permanent secretariat, emphasized the significance of this year’s theme — “Protecting Rights and Promoting Justice in Combating Trafficking in Persons” — as one of the most pressing issues today. He called for the development of a unified vision that incorporates innovative solutions and regionally relevant approaches, while shedding light on best practices and procedural frameworks that safeguard rights within labor relations and promote justice.

Taleb noted that the maturity of participating countries’ experiences in counter-trafficking was clearly reflected in the recommendations of the previous five sessions of the forum. He also praised Kuwait’s leadership in introducing Law No. 114 of 2024 regarding the Residency of Foreigners, which addresses major challenges such as residency trafficking and labor exploitation. He encouraged participants to review this legislation as a model of advanced legal reform.

He expressed his hopes that the outcomes of this year’s forum would guide the formulation of a unified, realistic vision for enhancing rights protections and justice systems — tailored to the demographic, economic, and social characteristics of the region. The forum also included a panel discussion on rights protection and justice enhancement in the fight against human trafficking, as well as a Gulf working session focused on updating the GCC’s unified strategy to combat trafficking in labor markets.

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Indian Ambassador’s message on 79th Independence Day

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By Dr Adarsh Swaika, Ambassador of India to Kuwait

On the special occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin residing in Kuwait. I also take this opportunity to convey my profound gratitude to the leadership, government and people of Kuwait for their steadfast support for close and friendly ties between our two countries. India remains committed to further strengthening and expanding this long-standing and time-tested relationship.

Today, as we celebrate 79 years since our Independence, we take pride in India’s many achievements during these 8 decades. Our commitment to equitable development has been the cornerstone of our socio-economic policies. The principles of democracy, pluralism, and unity in diversity are deeply embedded in Indian society, guided by the ancient philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family), which also shapes our foreign policy.

India today is a land of a billion opportunities, with a robust economy that has made significant strides despite global challenges in an uncertain geopolitical environment. India has recently become the 4th largest economy in the world and is poised to become the 3rd largest economy in the next couple of years. Our ‘Atmanirbhar’ program through the flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative is not only designed to make us self-reliant but become an integral part of global supply chains.

Today we are known in the world for many things – Pharmacy of the World, leader in space technology, delivery of digital solutions worldwide by our IT companies, thriving startup ecosystem with exponential increase in number of unicorns, innovation and technological advancements and so. The recent events have also established us as a reliable manufacturer and exporter of state-of-art defense equipments. There has never been a better time to invest in India, with unprecedented momentum in modernizing our physical and digital infrastructure. India has made significant improvements in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings, the Global Innovation Index, and is recognized as a key driver of the global economy.

India has been resolute in its ‘Zero Tolerance’ approach towards terrorism. The resolute stance against cross-border terrorism taken by India recently through ‘Operation Sindoor’ in the wake of the horrific Pahalgam terror attack shows the determination of India to fight this menace through its ‘New Normal’ approach.

On the international stage, India continues to play a vital role in promoting global peace, stability, and prosperity. India has taken leadership role on global issues of relevance and concern, including reforming multilateral institutions like the UN Security Council and issues of climate change, affordable energy access, food security etc.

An epochal event in our bilateral relations with Kuwait was the long-awaited visit of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to Kuwait in December, 2024. The visit was historic in many respects – conferment of Kuwait’s highest honor of the ‘Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer’ on Hon’ble Prime Minister by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and upgradation of our relationship to that of ‘Strategic Partnership’.

The back-to-back visits of Foreign Ministers of both countries prepared the agenda and successful outcomes of the high-level visit. Bilateral relations with Kuwait have become more broad-based in the last year with setting up of 7 new institutional mechanisms in areas of mutual interest. Bilateral trade and investments are growing and are expected to grow at a much greater pace. Our cultural connections resonate well with our Kuwaiti friends, and people-to-people contacts form the foundation of our bilateral relations. The Indian community continues to be the largest and the community of first preference in Kuwait.

The Indian Embassy considers the welfare and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait, as over-riding priority, serving as a ‘Home Away from Home’. I take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to Indian community associations, professional bodies, cultural groups, media representatives and all those who are making efforts to strengthen our bilateral relations with Kuwait in their own way and support the community members in distress.

On this proud and joyous occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, I wish every Indian in Kuwait and all friends of India in Kuwait, success, good health and happiness.

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Kuwait to experience extreme hot weather during the day and hot to warm weather with relatively high humidity at night

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 KUWAIT: The Meteorological Department said that the country will experience extremely hot weather during the day and hot to warm weather with relatively high humidity at night over the weekend. The director of the department, Dharar Al-Ali, said that the country will be affected by a hot and relatively humid air mass, especially in coastal areas and nearby areas, starting Friday, accompanied by chances of light fog during the late hours of the night and early morning in some areas, especially coastal areas.

Al-Ali added that the weather on Thursday will be extremely hot, with northwesterly to variable winds of light to moderate speed between 8 and 38 kilometers per hour, some high clouds, and maximum temperatures expected to range between 47 and 49 degrees Celsius.

The sea will be calm to moderate with waves between 1 and 5 feet. He explained that tonight’s weather will be hot to warm, with variable winds from the northwest at light to moderate speeds between 8 and 28 kilometers per hour, some high clouds, and expected minimum temperatures ranging between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius.

The sea will be calm to moderate with waves between 1 and 3 feet. He said that tomorrow, Friday, will be very hot and relatively humid, especially in coastal areas, with northwesterly to southeasterly winds blowing at light to moderate speeds of between 10 and 38 kilometers per hour.

There will be some scattered clouds, with maximum temperatures expected to range between 46 and 48 degrees Celsius. The sea will be will be calm to moderate with waves between 2 and 5 feet.

He added that tomorrow night will be hot to warm and humid, especially in coastal areas, with variable winds blowing from the southeast at light to moderate speeds of between 6 and 28 kilometers per hour.

There will be some scattered clouds with a chance of light fog, and minimum temperatures are expected to range between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius, and the sea will be calm to moderate with waves between 1 and 4 feet.

Al-Ali said that the weather on Saturday will be very hot and relatively humid, especially in coastal areas, with variable winds blowing from the southeast at light to moderate speeds ranging between 8 and 35 kilometers per hour. There will be some scattered clouds, and maximum temperatures are expected to range between 45 and 47 degrees Celsius The sea will be calm to moderate with waves between 1 and 5 feet.

He noted that Saturday night will be hot to warm and relatively humid, especially in coastal areas, with partly cloudy skies and variable winds blowing from the northwest at light to moderate speeds ranging between 8 and 30 kilometers per hour.

The expected minimum temperatures will range between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius, and the sea will be calm to moderate with waves ranging between 1 and 4 feet. — KUNA

 

 

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Pakistan Embassy in Kuwait marks Independence Day

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KUWAIT: To commemorate the 78th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence, the Embassy of Pakistan in Kuwait organized a flag hoisting ceremony at the Chancery on 14 August 2025. The ceremony was well attended by a large number of Pakistani community members, including women and children.

Special messages from the President, Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan were read out before the audience.

Ambassador, in his remarks, felicitated all fellow Pakistanis and highlighted the significance of the Day. He paid his tribute to our forefathers, whose sacrifices led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Subcontinent. He also praised the valiant armed forces of Pakistan for their resounding victory against its arch enemy in Marka-e-Haq.

The Ambassador urged Pakistani community in Kuwait to work diligently and wholeheartedly towards the progress and development of Pakistan. He acknowledged the contribution made by Pakistani community in Kuwait towards the progress and development of both nations. Musical performances were also made by the children as well as Pakistani singers on famous national songs. A cake cutting ceremony also took place during the event.

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