KUWAIT: With nearly 3 million migrant workers living in Kuwait, the government is reviewing its labor and residency laws to strengthen protections and align with global standards, senior officials said Wednesday on the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, said Kuwait is reviewing several key laws — including those governing residency, private sector labor, domestic work and anti-trafficking — to better align with international standards.

“The number of migrant workers in Kuwait is estimated at around 2.95 million, which calls for increased public awareness, for employers to uphold their legal and ethical responsibilities, and for the state to play its role in providing a safe work environment and ensuring legal protection,” she said.

Sheikha Jawaher said Kuwait’s approach to combatting human trafficking includes strengthening legislation and improving coordination through the Permanent National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling. The committee brings together government entities, with the Foreign Ministry playing an active role.

She also highlighted Kuwait’s cooperation with civil society organizations and international partners such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the International Labour Organization (ILO) in an effort to share expertise and build national capacity.

Separately, Minister of Justice and head of the national anti-trafficking committee Nasser Al-Sumait said Kuwait’s response to trafficking must be a continuous institutional effort. “Protecting people from trafficking is no longer a choice, it’s a national responsibility,” he told KUNA.

He said Kuwait’s strategy balances prevention, legislation, and victim care, rooted in transparency and accountability, while adapting to modern digital challenges. Public awareness, he added, remains the “first line of defense.” Kuwait established the anti-trafficking committee in 2018 with a vision of creating a society free of trafficking and migrant smuggling. The United Nations observes July 30 each year to raise awareness about human trafficking and support victims’ rights. — KUNA

KUWAIT: With soaring summer temperatures driving families to pools and beaches, health and safety officials are urging increased vigilance against a rare but potentially fatal condition known as “dry drowning” — a silent and delayed danger that can occur even after a child has left the water. Speaking to KUNA, Director of the Emergency Medical Services Department at the Ministry of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Shatti explained that dry drowning is a rare condition in which a small amount of water enters the airway, triggering spasms in the vocal cords that can block airflow. If left untreated, the condition can lead to severe respiratory distress or even death.

“Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable due to their narrower airways and limited breath control,” Dr Al-Shatti said, noting that children with asthma or previous respiratory issues are at heightened risk. He warned that symptoms can appear minutes or even hours after water exposure and may include difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, pale or bluish skin, fatigue, or confusion. “These signs must not be ignored,” he stressed, urging parents to seek immediate medical attention if any such symptoms develop after swimming or water play. “Close observation of children after they leave the water is crucial, even if they seem fine at first.”

Dr Al-Shatti added that what makes dry drowning particularly dangerous is the delayed onset of symptoms, which may emerge after the child has already returned home. He emphasized the importance of recognizing even subtle signs and acting quickly to prevent serious complications. Echoing this concern, Director of Public Relations and Media at the General Fire Force, Brigadier Mohammad Al-Ghareeb, described dry drowning as a rare but dangerous condition that can occur when a small amount of water remains in a child’s airway after swimming.

“The danger lies in the fact that symptoms may not appear immediately,” he said, noting that leftover water can cause inflammation or airway obstruction later on. Brig Al-Ghareeb urged parents, guardians, and pool supervisors to monitor children for ongoing coughing, labored breathing, or unusual tiredness after swimming. “Prevention begins with awareness and constant supervision,” he said, advising against water swallowing and swimming when fatigued or experiencing breathing difficulties.

He also stressed the importance of having trained rescue personnel and proper emergency equipment at swimming facilities. The General Fire Force, he noted, is continuing its “Safe Summer” campaign to raise awareness about drowning hazards, including dry and secondary drowning. He urged the public to act swiftly in emergencies by calling the emergency hotline 112. Both health and civil defense officials reiterated the need for public awareness, responsible supervision, and early intervention to protect children from water-related dangers this summer. – KUNA

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Cabinet on Tuesday recalled “with pain and bitterness” the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, calling it a “crime of treachery” and paying tribute to the country’s leadership, fallen martyrs, and the resilience of the Kuwaiti people. In a statement issued after its weekly meeting at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Cabinet commemorated the 35th anniversary of the invasion, which falls this coming Saturday.

“On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the brutal Iraqi invasion of the State of Kuwait, which took place at dawn on August 2, 1990, the State of Kuwait recalls with all pain and bitterness the crime of treachery committed by the Iraqi regime,” the Cabinet said. The statement went on to express deep appreciation for the leadership role played by Kuwait’s late rulers in securing the country’s liberation. “The Cabinet pays great tribute to the prominent role played by the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the late Father Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah — may God rest their souls — in working to liberate the State of Kuwait from the clutches of occupation.”

The Cabinet also highlighted the people’s strength in the face of aggression. “The Cabinet proudly recalls the resilience and heroic sacrifices of the Kuwaiti people in confronting the treacherous aggression, which stands as a model of national unity,” the statement said.

Special tribute was paid to those who gave their lives. “We recognize the great sacrifices of the noble Kuwaiti martyrs who shed their pure blood in defense of our beloved homeland. May God have mercy on them,” the Cabinet added.

Finally, the government expressed gratitude to the nations that supported Kuwait during the crisis. “The Cabinet renews its sincere appreciation to all the brotherly and friendly countries that contributed to the liberation of Kuwait and the return of justice,” it said, while praying that “our beloved homeland may continue to enjoy security and stability under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect him, and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, may God protect him.” — KUNA