Immigrants are like 'expatriate time bomb'

Dubai, Apr 12: Highlighting the fact that one out of every six residents in Kuwait is an Indian, a politician of the country has warned that such a high ratio of immigrants is an ''expatriate time bomb''.

Describing the phenomenon as 'a time-bomb' that might explode any time, Saad Al-Khanfour warned these expat workers, particularly labourers have brought unusual diseases to Kuwait. He also warned on the dangers of citizens living with foreign bachelors in the same area who, he said, might threaten national security. Al-Khanfour, a Kuwait politician, pointed out that there were around 532,000 Indians residing in Kuwait and 251,000 Bangladeshis in a total population of around only three million.

Quoting figures from the latest statistical report issued by the Ministry of Interior on the number of foreign workers in the country, he wondered if Kuwait actually needed such a large number of expat workers and asked the Cabinet to take the necessary measures to monitor foreign labourers, who make up 64 per cent of Kuwait's population. He also highlighted the fact that only 12 per cent of the expatriates hold higher education certificates and the rest are marginal labourers.

Al-Khanfour, a candidate for the National Assembly Elections due held on May 17, urged the Ministry of Interior to activate its role in scrutinising the qualifications of expatriate workers entering the country and curb the illegal practices of these workers, according to the Arab Times daily.

UNI