Kuwait MPs are calling on the Ministry of Trade to replace expats with Kuwait nationals, children of Kuwaiti women or Bidoon (stateless people in Kuwait), after a recent spike in ration smuggling operations, an Arabic daily reported.
The announcement came after the Ministry of Trade busted 51 accountants, working for cooperative societies in Kuwait, for attempting to smuggle subsidised food items out of the country to more than one Arab country.
“The situation is getting worse and the solution should be that the Ministry of Trade should let go of all expats immediately and replace them with Kuwaitis, retirees, children of Kuwaiti women or Bidoon, especially since there has been an increase in the reported smuggling operation and a sale of supplies in the black market in areas like Jleeb Al Shuyoukh and Khitan.” -The Daily quoted Members of parliament.
MP Safa Al Hashem pointed out that the solution to ending the smuggling of goods lies in letting go of the Egyptian workers.
She also said, “The Ministry of Trade is required to put into place an accurate system calculating the amount needed by Kuwaiti families so the surplus does not end up being sold on the black market to Egyptians and Bangladeshis.”
The Ministry of Trade provides all Kuwaitis with subsidised food necessities ranging from rice and bread to oil and chicken.