KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah said the total number of drivers holding valid roaming taxi permits was 9,647 as of March 28. In a response to an inquiry by MP Abdulkareem Al-Kandari, Sheikh Khaled explained that ministerial decision number 182/2004 set some conditions for roaming taxi permits including limiting the permit to Kuwaitis. He added that the decision authorized the traffic licenses director to exempt non-Kuwaitis working for roaming taxi companies provided that the permits expire whenever the driver quits and changes companies, and that at least 30 percent of the drivers should be Kuwaiti.

Sheikh Khaled added that the conditions included holding a general driving license, having a good reputation, not be convicted for disgraceful crimes or felonies, not being involved in serious accidents or driving under the effect of drugs, alcohol or mind-altering substances, passing a test on Kuwait's geography, being able to speak both Arabic and English, work full time and renew the permit annually.

Sheikh Khaled stressed that the interior ministry regularly inspects these companies. He added that the ministry followed some measures to help reduce traffic congestions, including suspending the issuance of further roaming taxi commercial licenses and limiting the maximum number of taxis owned by a company to 30.

By A Saleh