The file of imbalance in the demographics has returned to the fore again, but this time the decisions are expected to be more specific following the formation of a committee to address this issue. The committee is expected to present its views within three months.
Al-Rai has learned that the ‘Examining Mechanisms’ committee will be chaired by Minister of Commerce and Industry Abdullah Al-Salman comprising members from the Secretariat-General of the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Interior, the Secretariat-General for Planning, the Public Authority for Manpower, the General Administration of Statistics, in addition to representatives from the Department of Statistics, Fatwa and Legislation, Public Authority Civil Information and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The committee has not specified any target percentage of modifying the demographic structure unlike earlier tendency of 70 percent citizens and 30 percent residents.
However, sources told Al-Rai the committee is expected to set a plan for comprehensive development and timetables to determine labor needs; plans to replace expatriate workers with Kuwaitis; education to match the needs of the labor market; prevention and treatment of diseases for workers coming from abroad; updating the needs of the labor market vis-à-vis the development plan and prohibition of expatriate workers moving between different sectors.
