KUWAIT: Official sources said a ministerial committee has been asked to look into several proposed laws that were submitted by members of parliament, as well as other government proposals on how to deal with the large number of expatriates in Kuwait. The committee is expected to study and make recommendations which will be presented to the National Assembly. The recommendations are expected to change Kuwait's population structure.

Sources said there are proposals to review the issuance of driver's licenses to expats. The proposals include (1) 'Not to issue' a license for any expat unless he provides a license from his home country (2) Not allow an expat to own more than one vehicle (3) Expat cannot own a vehicle unless he has a Kuwait license (4) Imposing annual fees of KD 1,200 for renewing expats' licenses and fees for money transfers.

Money transfers fees were rejected by the government earlier. The Ministerial Economic Committee believes there will be no economic harm despite fears and worries by the Exchange companies. Other proposals call for the quick transfer of expats' medical treatment to the private sector and imposing health insurance on every expat and granting expats 'permission to travel out of the country as well as charge 'cleaning fees'.