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License Could Cost KD 500

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FEES EYED ON FOREIGNERS TO CLEAR TRAFFIC CONGESTION

KUWAIT CITY, April 2: Deputy Premier, Minister of Interior, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hmoud has submitted proposals to reduce the number of vehicles on Kuwait’s roads which have increased at an alarming rate, reports Al-Anba daily quoting knowledgeable sources.
However, these proposals need a nod from the National Assembly.

Al-Hmoud has suggested a new fee structure whereby expatriates will have to pay KD 500 for a driver’s license and KD 50 each time he/she renews the license. However, the proposal does not include domestic drivers who work in Kuwaiti houses.
This is in addition to KD 300 for the issuance of a car registration book and KD 100 for subsequent renewal of registration each year instead of KD 10.
Earlier it was reported, a majority of the expatriates have urged the government to provide an alternative before implementing the new system.
There have been varied reactions following the Interior Ministry decision to implement a new fee structure.
Majority of the expatriates are against the decision, claiming that it indicates a distinct racial discrimination between the citizens and expatriates by the government. Furthermore, it also casts a heavy burden on expatriates whose monthly incomes barely cover their needs.
They stressed the decision is aimed at forcing the expatriates to give up owning a vehicle which should be done voluntarily by expatriates and not something forced upon them through such exaggerated terms.
On the other hand, expatriates who support the decision said it would reduce the traffic problems in the country through which several people experience many difficulties on road and often reach their workplaces late.
They claimed it is not necessary for many expatriates to own cars especially when they can commute without one. They added imposing such terms would solve the country’s traffic problems.
Mohammad Lutfi, a resident in Kuwait, said he would give up his vehicle only if the country provides better alternatives such as a metro system or other means that would help him to reach his workplace quicker than by road.
He also said he is obliged to use his car at every occasion because he is unable to do anything without it. He added the density of the population in the country causes traffic problems.
A Kuwaiti, Marsi Abdul Wahid said he supports the decision to increase the fees for driver licenses and vehicles because in Kuwait, every person owns a vehicle even though they do not require one.
He stressed some people buy cheap cars which often break down in the middle of the roads and cause traffic jams and inconvenience to other road users.
Talal Amin, a Kuwaiti, said the fees should not be more than KD 50. He added expatriates with limited income would be affected even if the fee is KD 50 and at the same time, the country can benefit from the revenues obtained from it.


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