KUWAIT: Local business owners are reportedly angry at problems with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor's recently introduced computerized system , which have led to transactions for over 50,000 workers being delayed for more than two weeks, causing financial losses running into thousands of dinars.

While investigations continue into the reasons behind the problems with the new system, it's believed by some that the government's determination to stamp out human trafficking in the country by introducing the system have led to those involved in the illegal enterprise putting great efforts into thwarting its successful implementation.

Human trafficking mafias are doing all they can to ensure the [computerized] system's failure so that their illegal practices can continue and remain undetected," said one senior MSAL official. The ministry insider further revealed that a high-level meeting took place at the ministry office in Jabriya where the system is headquartered between senior officials of the MSAL and interior ministry, reported Al-Watan. The MSAL insider said that those attending the meeting had concluded that the problems with t
he system "could not happen unless they were carried out by people with access to the system.

Meanwhile, Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Dr. Mohammad Al-Afasi described the presence of excessive numbers of unskilled expatriate workers in Kuwait as "disturbing," emphasizing the importance of the ministry's taking all the necessary measures to control this phenomenon, which he pointed out has led to Kuwaitis being a minority in their own country.

Speaking at a gathering held at former MP Duaij Al-Shemmari's diwaniya, Dr. Al-Afasi also revealed that draft bills on Co-op Societies, social assistance and family custody have been presented for parliamentary debate.

He also explained that the establishment of a new public authority for disabled affairs is shortly to be announced, as well as emphasizing the importance of the state sector having control over the charity work being carried out in the country. - Kuwait Times