KUWAIT: Only a few days are left before Social Affairs and Labor Minister and State Minister for Planning and Development Hind Al-Subaih is expected to make decisions to increase the fees of some procedures for bringing in and employing expatriate labor forces. The decision is expected to become effective June 1, and includes increasing fees for the issuance, transfer and renewal of work permits.

Sources at the Manpower Public Authority (MPA) said despite the passing of the fee increase, it remains the lowest compared to other GCC countries. It said that MPA plans vital projects that will enhance services, such as expanding its online portal and increasing the procedures processed through it, which will save time and effort spent by completing the process electronically without the need to go to labor departments.

Sources said the fee increase is part of the recommendations of a committee assembled to study the demographic structure. The economic reform document also recommended the increase of revenues and raising prices of services, as the Cabinet issued a decision to increase the fees for 20 categories, including farms, chalets and cooperatives.

About the transactions that are being done electronically, and others to be added soon, the sources said based on instructions of Minister Subaih, the MPA presented a group of services for the state's online portal in order to simplify procedures and help patrons process them quickly. These transactions are: Work permits for government contracts (first time permits) and permit renewal and cancellation outside the country, in addition to inquiring about files of businessmen, labor estimation and other services. - Al-Jarida