KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs announced Thursday that it will open online applications for supervisory positions in cooperative societies starting July 27, as part of the country’s broader Kuwaitization strategy aimed at placing more citizens in leadership roles across key sectors. The move comes nearly a year after the ministry temporarily suspended earlier initiatives to Kuwaitize the sector.

For the first time, candidates will be required to take an electronic exam on September 9, organized in cooperation with the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), according to the ministry’s Acting Undersecretary Dr Khaled Al-Ajmi. “In a first since appointments in co-ops began, the ministry will require applicants to take an electronic test,” Al-Ajmi told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), adding that passing with a score above 80 percent is mandatory to qualify for the in-person interview stage. The exam will count for more than 80 percent of the final evaluation, while the interview will account for 15 percent.

The decision is part of a wider national effort to prioritize citizens for employment and address what officials have described as the country’s “demographic imbalance.” In 2023, the ministry launched its first round of Kuwaitization efforts in co-ops, posting supervisory jobs in five co-ops — Nuzha, Qortuba, Faiha, Jabriya, and Qadisiya — for positions such as directors, deputy directors, and department heads. A special committee was assigned to oversee the process. However, sources noted that turnout was lower than expected, citing job security concerns.

Since then, the ministry has been working to expand the scope of the Kuwaitization initiative. In July 2024, it introduced a new vision that included general roles such as legal accountants, procurement clerks, and store managers. In January 2025, Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of State for Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah announced the formation of a new committee tasked with overcoming obstacles in hiring Kuwaitis.

Al-Ajmi emphasized that the new electronic test is intended to ensure fairness and transparency in the hiring process. “The goal is to enhance transparency, equal opportunity, and job justice in selecting candidates,” he said, noting that a free, optional training course will be made available for applicants to prepare.

Salaries for the available supervisory positions range from KD 1,000 to KD 2,000 depending on the role and its responsibilities, Al-Ajmi added. Assistant Director-General of the Public Authority of Manpower Musaed Al-Mutairi confirmed that the authority has activated a digital system to register and advertise vacancies submitted by co-ops. The job opportunities will be published through the “Fakhrona” platform dedicated to hiring Kuwaiti nationals. Applications can be submitted via the authority’s online portal or through the Sahel app, Al-Mutairi told KUNA. He added that cooperative societies are a promising space for young Kuwaitis to gain leadership experience, thanks to their community-focused and administratively flexible nature. — Agencies

KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition (PAFN) has seized and destroyed 10 tons of spoiled shrimp and fish that were en route to Souq Sharq’s fish market, in the latest enforcement move to protect consumers. Inspectors intercepted four refrigerated trucks during a surprise early-morning inspection near the market and determined the entire shipment was unfit for human consumption. “As part of our ongoing efforts to protect public health and ensure food safety, the spoiled seafood was immediately confiscated and destroyed,” said Ali Al-Kandari, Director of the Capital Governorate Inspection Department. “Violations were recorded, and the case has been referred to the Public Prosecution.”

KUWAIT: Public Authority for Food and Nutrition officials examine spoiled fish and shrimp after intercepting four refrigerated trucks near the Souq Sharq fish market. — KUNA photos

Al-Kandari emphasized that the authority will continue cracking down on food fraud and take firm action against anyone endangering consumer health. “We will strike with an iron fist at anyone who attempts to profit from selling expired or unsafe food,” he said.

The case highlights a recurring issue that has plagued Kuwait’s seafood sector for over a decade. Officials in the country’s fish industry have long warned of large quantities of spoiled fish being passed for fresh catch. Recent enforcement actions suggest the problem remains persistent. Last year, PAFN closed seven stalls at Souq Sharq for selling spoiled seafood and violating health codes. A separate inspection at Souq Al-Mubarakiya led to the destruction of 90 kilograms of bad fish and 31 citations, including for poor hygiene, lack of health certificates and selling adulterated food.

In a statement, Abdullah Al-Suraheed, President of the Kuwait Fishermen’s Union, praised the role of the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition in protecting the public from spoiled food. He stressed the importance of exposing those who harm public health and distribute unsafe products without a conscience, driven solely by profit at the expense of citizens’ well-being. Officials say the latest operation is part of a nationwide inspection campaign ordered by the Cabinet to tighten food security and ensure that all products in the market meet health and safety standards. Al-Kandari confirmed that inspections will continue across all six governorates. “We are working around the clock to ensure that no spoiled or fraudulent food reaches people’s homes,” he said. — Agencies

KUWAIT: Marine rescuers at the Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) embody a living example of selflessness and dedication, operating around the clock in a high-risk environment that demands constant alertness, courage and readiness to safeguard lives at sea, said Brigadier Bader Al-Kaddam, Director of the Fire and Marine Rescue Department. Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Saturday, Al-Kaddam highlighted the significant advancements made by the KFF’s Marine Rescue Department since its establishment in 1998, noting its critical role in responding to maritime emergencies, preserving lives, and protecting the marine environment.

Director of the Marine Fire Department in the General Fire Force, Brigadier Badr Al-Kadm

Marine rescue officers and personnel.

“Marine rescue missions are among the most dangerous operations, requiring swift, high-stakes decision-making in unpredictable and unstable conditions,” he said, emphasizing the importance of specialized training and technical skill for rescue personnel. Beyond emergency response, Al-Kaddam noted that marine teams actively promote public safety by educating seafarers about swimming in designated safe zones, adhering to safety instructions, and avoiding maritime risks, particularly in unstable weather.

He affirmed that the department’s rescue teams are equipped with advanced tools, including high-speed boats and modern life-saving equipment, allowing them to respond efficiently to emergencies such as drownings, ship fires, and lost persons at sea. Marine rescue efforts have proven instrumental in reducing the rate of maritime accidents through a combination of rapid response, public awareness, and persistent monitoring and readiness, he added. Al-Kaddam also shed light on the department’s coordination with other relevant agencies, such as the Coast Guard and emergency medical services. “Joint operations are managed through a unified command center where information is relayed instantly, and roles are assigned based on the nature of each incident,” he explained.

Touching on seasonal challenges, Al-Kaddam said the summer period poses increased risks due to the surge in beachgoers, requiring heightened vigilance and intensive efforts from rescue teams. He called on the public to cooperate with marine authorities by following safety protocols and respecting instructions. He revealed that from January 1 to July 14, the Marine Fire Department responded to a total of 813 incidents, ranging from mechanical failures and fires to search-and-rescue operations. — KUNA