KUWAIT: People walk in Kuwait City's traditional Souq Mubarakiya, which has been decorated in celebration of the country's national holidays. - Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

By B Izzak

KUWAIT: A number of MPs expressed opposition to reports that the government is planning to impose a partial lockdown on the country soon to counter the rise in the number of coronavirus cases. Last week, government spokesman Tareq Al-Mazrem said that no decision had been taken on imposing a lockdown, but added that all options were on the table of the government.

Local media have reported that the government might impose a 12-hour nightly curfew during the national celebrations later this week. MP Abdullah Al-Turaiji said the possible lockdown amounts to a mass punishment of individuals, establishments and businesses, including those who firmly comply with health measures. He said that the best way is to impose strict measures and apply them firmly on the public.

MP Bader Al-Humaidi said imposing a lockdown on all will have social and financial consequences, adding that it is much better to toughen measures. MP Muhalhal Al-Mudhaf said authorities should instead penalize people who do not fully comply with health measures.

MP Turaiji yesterday submitted a bill calling to impose taxes on the remittances of foreigners to their home countries, saying the percentages should be determined by the Central Bank. Also, the National Assembly committee on developing resources discussed a number of draft laws calling to ban expats from taking jobs in the government sector and allocate all jobs, whenever possible, to Kuwaiti citizens. The committee asked the Civil Service Commission to come up with a written reply on its opinion on the matter.