PANAJI
In yet another setback for many Goan expatriates in Kuwait after last month's law mandating the Gulf country's government to drastically cut down work permits, reports have emerged that those turning 60 will have to leave with their permits expiring.
Reports in the Kuwaiti media and also some international journals said the Kuwaiti authorities are moving ahead with plans to refuse renewal of work permits of those 60 years of age and above.
The measure, according to the reports, will come into force in less than two months from January 1 but will not affect those holding University degrees or post Secondary School diplomas.
Also, those affected will be given an amnesty time through a 'family residency permit' but for a limited period. They will however have to eventually leave the country once these 'family residency permit' expires.
The move is part of Kuwait's decision to reduce the expat population ratio to 30 percent from the current almost 70 percent following the pandemic-triggered economic crisis due to the turmoil in oil markets.
Tens of thousands of Goans had for decades made oil-rich Kuwait a sought after destination in search of jobs for decades since the 1970s. That will now change forever.
