MPs in the National Assembly urged against laying off Kuwaiti employees and ending their services without justification, calling for government intervention to stop such decisions in the private sector, Al-Qabas reported. They pointed out that “it is unreasonable for Kuwaiti workers to be exposed to unfair lay-off procedures at a time when the government announced its plans aimed at encouraging Kuwaitis to work in the private sector.”
The coronavirus crisis has significantly impacted economic activity in the country and many businesses are downscaling in a bid to curb monthly expenses. Many have begun to downsize their retail space in commercial complexes, while others are limiting the size of administrative offices in commercial towers, with head-offices of many companies shifting from luxury towers to smaller and less expensive spaces. Among the measures are massive layoffs targeting employees, usually expats, while Kuwaitis enjoy some protection.