An interior ministry decision to deport expats from Kuwait will apply to all those who are caught driving without a license and also against expats who change their professions to job categories that are not permitted to obtain a driving license. Expats falling into this category will be deported if caught, regardless of the validity of the license.

I do not understand the connection between a person who has a driving license and his work permit in Kuwait. I do not see the importance of the decision to deport someone from the country for driving without a license or changing his profession to a job that does not allow him/her to have a driving permit. I really do not get it. This issue is complex and incomprehensible.

We are all fully aware that public transport in Kuwait has many problems, and taxis are expensive for low-income people. Bus stops are not suitable at all in Kuwait's climate, whether in summer or winter, and not all companies offer private buses that employees can use easily and safely. Therefore, many people prefer to use a car to facilitate their daily needs.

Now, to get a driving license is no longer easy and has many requirements too. Some of the conditions set by the traffic department for expats to get a driving license include earning a monthly salary not less than KD 600, two years of residency in Kuwait and higher educational qualifications. This means only certain professions will be granted this permit.

It is possible to inflict a financial penalty on a person who drives without a license, for example, but I do not understand the need to deport him from the country because he held on to his license when he transferred from one job to another. Often these administrative procedures take time. Besides, why would someone move from a job that requires a vehicle to another that is not entitled to get a license? Will a teacher change jobs to become a clerk?

The MoI also linked driving licenses with the duration of the validity of residence. Expats will now try to change their job title, work profession and salary in order to match the requirements for obtaining a driving license.

Traffic solutions must not be at the expense of expats, but must look at upgrades and development in line with the increase in the number of cars, by spreading traffic awareness, stiffening penalties against violators, immediate impoundment of all dilapidated and old cars, imposition of tolls such as the fees in force in Europe, US and UAE, enforcement of laws on the use of mobile phones, improving all means of public transportation, encouraging the establishment of a private traffic radio dealing with traffic conditions and setting a limit to annual driving license issuance without the interference of wasta.

By Muna Al-Fuzai

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