It will affect around two lakh license holders
The number of driving licenses issued for construction and public use in this way is estimated to be over two lakh. They also currently drive private vehicles using these licenses. Authorities are considering a recommendation to deny licenses to more than two lakh drivers. Officials estimate that banning more than two lakh drivers from using private vehicles could help alleviate traffic congestion in the country.
License renewal ban continues
Meanwhile, the media reports that the ban in principle continues despite the Interior Ministry saying that it has not imposed a ban on the driving licenses of expatriates in Kuwait. Al-Jarida reports that expatriate licenses are renewed only on the recommendation of senior traffic officials. The Home Ministry said in a statement yesterday that it had not banned the renewal of the license and that the media coverage was “untrue”. The ministry’s statement came in response to reports that activities in the country, including the renewal of expatriate licenses, have been suspended as part of a crackdown on illegal licenses. But the Al Jarida newspaper reports that the ministry’s claim is incorrect.
Allegedly leading to corruption
The newspaper said the ban on renewal of expatriate licenses was in place in all six governorates and senior officials were allowed to renew only in special cases pending investigation. At present, license renewers are required to present the documents directly to the office of the Traffic Officer in the presence of senior officials and renew the license accordingly. The license is renewed after checking the applicant’s job, salary and educational qualifications. The newspaper reported that this would lead to corruption and nepotism. The report quoted senior Home Ministry officials as saying. According to the newspaper, there is a difference of opinion among the traffic department officials regarding this.
What are the qualifications for a driving license?
The main criteria for obtaining a driving license for a foreigner are a minimum wage of 600 dinars, a university degree, and permanent residence in Kuwait for at least two years. All three conditions are exempt for drivers, PRO staff, university students, embassy representatives, professional athletes, technicians, pilots and captains of oil companies and their assistants, nurses, physiotherapists and medical technicians. However, it is reported that about 2.5 lakh of the licenses issued to expatriates in the country are illegally held.
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