Life in Kuwait (الحياة في الكويت)

Salary and Rental

The expense depends on what kind of life you want. As per the current situation there is no legal minimum wage in the private sector. Private sector wages range from as much as 1,500 to 3,000 KWD monthly for top managers of large companies and 200 to 300 KWD for other skilled professionals and non skilled workers. Wages for unskilled workers in the private sector do not always provide a decent standard of living. Non citizens do not receive the same social benefits as citizens and must pay fees for education and health care, which are provided free for all citizens. The public sector minimum wage provides a decent standard of living for a worker and family. To be eligible to sponsor family members for residency, government and private sector workers must receive a minimum wage of 250 dinars per month. As far as there's no tax for expats here in Kuwait.

There are places with good amenities but the rent is too high for a normal worker, and there are places with cheap rent but there are not much facilities and most of the expatriates are forced to take it as his earning is less.

Kuwait laws do not allow expatriates to buy house or other properties. Monthly rent for a 1BHK is about 150 to 250 KWD depending on the locality. a 2BHK will be around 220 to 300 KWD. There are many Indian families living in a shared apartment which means two families together will buy a two bedroom flat for rent.

A Bachelor can share a room with 2 to 3 other bachelors for a monthly rent of 35-45 KWD per person. There are many Indian messes where bachelors have food for a monthly rent of KWD 30 to 60 with 2-3 people in a room. Usually for a single person the monthly food expense will come around 30 - 60 KWD.

Mostly the rent hike for flats depends upon the salary increase for those who are working in Government.

For a family, Minimum recommended salary is 400-450KWD if they are preferring a Single or Double Room as the expense will reach almost the same (my experience) , for a Sharing Accommodation the rent can be reduced to 30 and 40 % for a bachelor, as per the current salary package, if you are getting a salary of around 200 to 250KWD, your monthly expenditure will be; Rental 35-40 KWD (Sharing with other bachelors) Food- 30KWD (Hotel Mess),Transportation : 20 to 30 KWD and miscellaneous exp (Internet,Mobile,cable etc…)-20KWD

Education

There are many Schools available with different syllabus but expatriate must pay fees for the education and fee structure is not reasonable when compared with the facilities that they are providing, The Fees is around 150 to 300(Quarterly) depending up on the school we prefer, another expense is tuition, it comes around 20 to 30 KWD per subject.

Medical

Medical treatment is almost free for expatriate but there is an exception for some treatments that they have to pay, Some expatriate will get medical insurance from their company and only a 10% private company is proving medical insurance for their employees.

Transportation

To get a driving license minimum required salary is KD 400,and a minimum of 2 years is required for the non listed employees( Around 22 post like Engineer,Manager,Accountant,Lawer,Doctor,Nusrses etc… are not required to complete 2 years in Kuwait) Most of the people depend entirely on public transport( Short route 200Fils,Long Route 250Fils ), Private transportations(Around 15 to 40KWD per month depends on the location and distance), Taxi(Minimum fare is 1KWD) get a bit expensive if you try to use them daily bases.

The below points are strongly recommended if you are planning to come to Kuwait for Job.

1. Prefer Always Direct recruitment Agencies; Get the Complete details about the Job , Packages (Benefits, Annual leave, holidays, working hours, overtime). If the company is following the standards they must call for a telephonic interview and the same will be explained, complete details about the company and packages, most of the standard companies provide medical Insurance, Accommodation will be provided till once residence procedure is completed or permanently, they have to give ticket and Offer letter.

2. Always follow the Instructions that are provided from the central governments.

3. For housemaids, strictly obey the instruction provided from the central government (Most of the House maids coming to Kuwait through the Back door are faced with too many issues later).

4. Don’t not try to enter Kuwait through any type of back door, a very few gets benefit but 99% of the individuals face to many issues during their work, benefits, release and promotion and we do not get much help from the embassy if it is an illegal entry.

5.Better to Attest your Certificates and PCC  as these are required here(same can be attested from here which comes around 40 to 50KWD)

Value of a Towel

I was sent to Malaysia for an on-site visit, as I reached I was accommodated in a star hotel. After I checked in ,I went around the hotel…. I noticed small stickers posted in front of all rooms’ Lock smith available at any time and their phone numbers was also mentioned’ ,and this is the first time I am seeing tags like these hung in hotels. To my surprise I noticed that there was no key for the rooms only an access card to be swiped to open the door, .. it was a holiday and I went out for site seeing and came around 5 pm in the evening.. I was totally tired and exhausted ….I changed my dress and I kept all my valuables inside my bedroom. (1BHK room), I was wandering inside my room wearing only a towel and all my other belongings were inside the bedroom and was watching TV and enjoying the room Interior as it was a very well arranged room, I was thinking about the wonders of the locking system and I was closely examining the locking system , front door swiping system and the bedroom locking was with a small key(looks like a small rod ) I came out from my bedroom and watching the locking options, it was so nice just a simple logic used to lock a room, only two magneticrods , I just closed the bedroom door to examine the locking it closed then I tried to open the door ,the door was locked….WOW!!!!!!!!!!! EUREKA EUREKA… at that it struck me….OH OH … the key is inside the room …MY.. MY.. GOD.. What TO DO……I was totally blank….it was just me in my towel outside…I was DUMSTRUCK….. and was thinking what to do, and I dint have anything, my phone , my purse even my dress was inside the bed room ……I really dint know what to do and that too a NEW PLACE. … I sat on the chair and I was thinking about the foolishness I did ,after a few minutes my mind started working to a possible option.

First I thought I shall go down and tell the same to reception but how can I go….it’s so embarrassing to go down just wearing a towel….. and also the main door should be kept open , how can trust the people around….all of them are strangers …. I was thinking and thinking…..Then I saw a room just opposite to this room, I kept a chair at the main door and I pressed the calling bell after a while a man came out …to my surprise he was also like me….in his towel…., looked like Foreigner, I explained my story and he smiled and replied back …..inform the reception, I said can you inform the reception, he said he will dress and come back, after some minutes he came and he went to the reception, he came back with a guy, again I explained the story, he said there is no spare key, you have to call the “LOCK SMITH”, he said he would do that for me . At that time I started a conversation with the Foreigners and we asked each other our where abouts, my doubt was correct ,he was from Canada and was working in agovernment sector and after retirement he was spending his days in touring, he added that he was in India last year and went to kerala and goa and said the people in Kerala are really very nice to behave… I wondered what he said but liked his wordings…. , I felt that he was so happy to speak me.

After a few minutes that reception guy came and said that LOCK smith is not picking up his phone as today is a holiday and they all are at a party it seems..

OHHH …. NO…..Now what to do……again I started sweating and he said call this number he showed me the number that was mentioned on the door , I said I don’t have my phone , at that time the Foreigner said , I will call for you ….. and after sometime he got that person and he gave him our address .

Then again I was in a normal state of mind and he said he has to go out for party and he gave me his number in a small piece of paper and said to call if anything is needed.

I sat in the hall and watched the clock go tick tick , time now is 6.30 pm, I was recollecting and ..I was thinking that about the foolishness I did in my life … waiting and waiting suddenly my door bell rang , I rushed to open the door, Yes ! one short fat black guy…………. he asked me about the call and I said yes I called you !, he came inside and checked the door and said, this is an expensive door and he needs more cash, I said , I am apoor guy and do not have much cash. He starred at me from top to bottom …..looked like he believed that..after all I was in my towel…..

He said he needed 120 Ringgit, and my mind was set to give even 1000Riggit and I did not bother what he asked. He took his tools from his pocket and opened the door….. within two minutes. I was so happy, I was at the TOP of the World…………….

He said that he needed to leave immediately as he has 3 more customers like me waiting to open their doors…he also gave me his visiting card, that’s when I realized the reason why they kept the “LOCK SMITH” tag on all doors , it seems that this is a usual practice in Malaysia to lose the key or lock the door without taking key…….I SWEAR “LOCK SMITHS “make a Lot of money….this can be taken up as a part time job as well……

When you visit these places check the tag “Lock Smith”at your apartment doors.

Now when I am thinking about this ,its just like a story but the situation what i faced was so horrible….

A Day in the Labor Room

A husband never can bear the delivery pain of his wife but can share the same by holding her hands and giving her the mental strength to accept the pain for a great surprise!!! THE GIFT FROM GOD …OUR BABY

The day in a labor room, we get really restless to wait outside the labor room. But a day was expected…..and the mind was set to wait outside the room.

Do we think what kind of pain she will have to go through and did you know a human body can only bear upto 45 del (unit) but when giving birth ,a woman feel up to 57 del (unit )of pain .that is similar to 20 bones getting fractured at the same time.

As usual a sunny morning I heard a sound from my sweet heart and I woke up from my sleep, it was the start of the pain and I got ready soon and we rushed to the Hospital. They admitted her in the emergency labor room and at that the time I had to complete the registration process, to my SURPRICE they asked me ‘Do you want companion pass?’ I said yes if it is possible!...I was really happy to get that offer but didn’t know whether I could handle the situation of her pain and agony….Like a happy husband I said this news to my sweetheart…believe me she was really happy and relaxed.

After her initial checkup she was shifted to the Labor room. We had entered the labor room and I had mentally and physically prepared myself to stay inside the room along with my sweetheart…after all she is my LIFE... , I was looking around the labor room, it was a well equipped room with all emergency accessories, I had never seen such costly equipments…YES indeed my wife was tensed and scared but this opportunity had really helped me to comfort her

We could hear the screaming sounds of mother and babies cry from other rooms and we were also talking about our arrival. It was a long wait almost 20 hrs …my wife was in complete labor ..nurses and Doctors running around getting into their costumes and setting the stage for the new arrival….in no time the entire room was in green and with bright light …my sweetheart was holding my hand and crying in pain…I was indeed tensed seeing the different actions of the doctors…but I was just comforting my wife.

Finally…..our bundle of JOY had Arrived ………. she came out with a cry and as a father I got the privilege to cut the umbilical cord and it was a great and an Adventurous experience for me.

I do not know the science but I have to say that after sitting with my wife inside the labor room for 20 hrs, she is the toughest human I know and YES she beard a lot.

I strongly recommend all the husbands who is going to become fathers, if the religion allows you and if the hospital gives the permission ..then PLEASE enter the labor room to hold her hand and look at her face and feel the tough journey that she has to go through…

Relatives & Friendship(أقارب والصداقة)

A relative means a person who is interconnected with another person through direct blood relation or indirect, a Friend is a person who is interconnected with another person through blood relation or indirect. That means there is no major difference between relative and friend

We are interested to set server protocol as well as formalities to a relative but we are absolutely free with a friend. As a human life which is the best, I do not understand why we are setting up these kind of criteria’s to a relative (direct or indirect) and not to a friend, to a friend we can ask anything, anytime and in any sense.

Why don’t we consider our relatives as our friend? And if any mistake happens by chance then why can’t we forget it or forgive them like we do to our friend.

I have noticed a lot in my life, there are several incidents that I have gone through and all the matters are very silly when considered to a problem faced with a friend.

Day by day it is increasing and there are cases that two relatives are not even talking to each other due to a silly matters and finally it has also affected the next generation as well as they also don’t talk to each other.

How can we overcome such situations if we have one in our family?

1. We have only a limited time frame in our life and we do not know who would be there to see tomorrow’s sunrise …..Try to compromise.

2. Consider all of them as our guests and treat them very well and take care them as your intimate friend and do not expect anything in return from them.

3. Today may be our day, we are healthy and wealthy but tomorrow may not be like today…… A friend in need is a friend in deed.

4. Do not set any protocol or criteria to anyone; we do not have any right to say that they should behave the way we like. Give them the respect and care and the same will be returned when desired.

5. Feel free to speak to all, behave to them same like u behave to your friend... Slowly they will change their mind.

6. Give a chance for others to talk first and listen what they want to tell us and reply only if needed.

7. Try to avoid arguments…after arguing we ourselves will regret... So avoid such things..

8. If a person is hyper active then do reply immediately, take some time and give the clarification.

In my life faced several incidents like this and when I compare this with some other problem, it is very silly and I can easily forget it.

We cannot live life alone we need all our dear and near ones, everything God has made and he has plans for all of us so give all your pains to him and live your life with a smile.

Hope if any of my family member has any problem with me, please forget my mistakes and I am ready to be a friend with you… we have only a short period and wish to see you in smiling face.
Google translate

أقارب والصداقة

أحد أقاربي، يعني الشخص الذي مترابطة مع شخص آخر من خلال علاقة مباشرة أو غير مباشرة في الدم، وهو صديق هو الشخص الذي يتم مترابطة مع شخص آخر من خلال علاقة الدم أو غير مباشر. وهذا يعني ليس هناك فرق كبير بين النسبية والأصدقاء

ونحن مهتمون لوضع بروتوكول الخادم فضلا عن الشكليات لأحد الأقارب ولكن نحن بكل حرية مع صديق. كما في حياة الإنسان الذي هو أفضل، وأنا لا أفهم لماذا نحن بصدد إعداد هذا النوع من لمعايير لقريب (المباشر أو غير المباشر) وليس لأحد الأصدقاء، إلى أحد الأصدقاء يمكننا أن نطلب أي شيء، في أي وقت وبأي معنى.

لماذا لا نعتبر أقاربنا كما صديقنا؟ وإذا كان أي خطأ يحدث عن طريق الصدفة ويمكن بعد ذلك لماذا لا يمكننا أن ننسى ذلك أو يغفر لهم كما نفعل نحن لصديقنا.

لقد لاحظت كثيرا في حياتي، وهناك العديد من الحوادث التي كنت قد ذهبت من خلال وجميع الأمور سخيفة جدا عند النظر إلى المشكلة التي تواجهها مع أحد الأصدقاء.

يوما بعد يوم هو في ازدياد وهناك حالات أن اثنين من أقاربه حتى لا نتحدث إلى بعضنا البعض بسبب أمور سخيفة وأخيرا فقد أثرت أيضا على الجيل القادم، فضلا عن أنها أيضا لا يتحدثون مع بعضهم البعض.

كيف يمكننا التغلب على مثل هذه الحالات اذا كان لدينا احد في عائلتنا؟

1. ليس لدينا سوى فترة زمنية محدودة في حياتنا، ونحن لا نعرف من سيكون هناك لرؤية شروق الشمس غدا ..... محاولة التوصل الى حل وسط.

2. نظر كل منهم كما ضيوفنا ومعاملتهم معاملة حسنة للغاية والعناية بهم وصديقك الحميم ولا نتوقع أي شيء في المقابل منهم.

3. اليوم قد يكون اليوم دينا، ونحن في صحة جيدة وغنية ولكن غدا قد لا يكون مثل هذا اليوم ...... وقال صديق في حاجة هو صديق في الفعل.

4. لا تضع أي بروتوكول أو معايير لأحد، ونحن ليس لدينا أي الحق في أن يقول أنه ينبغي أن تتصرف بالطريقة نحب. منحهم الاحترام والرعاية، وسوف تعاد نفس عندما المرجوة.

5. لا تتردد في التحدث إلى كل شيء، تصرف لهم نفس مثل يو تتصرف لصديقك ... ببطء ويغيرون رأيهم.

6. اعطاء فرصة للآخرين للحديث الأول واستمع ماذا يريدون أن يقول لنا والرد عليها فقط إذا لزم الأمر.

7. في محاولة لتجنب الحجج ... بعد مجادلة نحن أنفسنا سوف يندم ... لذا تجنب مثل هذه الأشياء ..

8. إذا كان الشخص المفرط نشط ثم القيام الرد فورا، سيستغرق بعض الوقت واعطاء توضيحات.

في حياتي واجهت عدة حوادث من هذا القبيل، وعندما نقارن هذا مع بعض المشاكل الأخرى، فهي سخيفة جدا، وأستطيع أن ينسى بسهولة.

لا يمكننا العيش في الحياة وحده ونحن بحاجة إلى كل الأعزاء وبالقرب منها، والله كل شيء وجعلت لديه خطط بالنسبة لنا جميعا حتى تعطي كل ما تبذلونه من آلام له وتعيش حياتك مع ابتسامة.

نأمل إذا كان أي من أفراد عائلتي لديها أي مشكلة معي، انسوا أخطائي وأنا مستعد ليكون صديقا معك ... ليس لدينا سوى فترة قصيرة، وأتمنى أن أراك في وجه مبتسم.

A Beautiful Golden Sunset in Kuwait (الغروب جميلا الذهبي في الكويت)

The wonder of nature, a beautiful evening with a view of sunset and warm breeze, Sunset texture may vary from place to place but it shows the real beauty and has a meaningful explanation ….. The bright day says a GOOD BYE , taking off all the pain..We should thank God for such a beautiful day, its beauty and inspiration makes us feel that tomorrow would be more beautiful than today. Tomorrow we might be at another place and would see the sunset and enjoy its beauty in another angle and texture…. It is a great feeling to wait and see tomorrow’s sunset.

This picture I taken from Salmiya marina beach (Kuwait)

Google translate 

الغروب جميلا الذهبي في الكويت

من عجائب الطبيعة، أمسية جميلة مع وجهة نظر من غروب الشمس ونسيم دافئ، قد غروب نسيج تختلف من مكان لآخر ولكنه يوضح الجمال الحقيقي ويحتوي على تفسير معنى ..... يوم مشرق يقول وداعا جيد، تقلع كل الألم .. وعلينا أن نشكر الله لمثل هذا اليوم جميل وجمال وإلهام يجعلنا نشعر بأن الغد سيكون أجمل من اليوم. غدا قد نكون في مكان آخر، وسوف نرى غروب الشمس والتمتع بجمالها في زاوية أخرى والملمس .... انه شعور عظيم ان ننتظر ونرى غروب الشمس في الغد.

هذه الصورة مأخوذة من أنا السالمية مارينا شاطئ (الكويت)

Traffic Signals in Kuwait Roads(إشارات المرور في الطرق الكويت(

Why can’t we use time display at Kuwait traffic signals to alert the drivers the next action of the signal light, it is very helpful to the public and we can reduce  crossing red signals as well as accidents.

I am too scared to pass traffic signals, I am in a dilemma whether to cross or not when the Green signal is 'ON' as there is no time display to show me the change to Red signal, .At some instances If we are at  a condition near to traffic signals  many  vehicles at the  back rush to cross signals as fast as they can and will honk as well which will force us to cross or else get a big bang at the back  of the car.

I have noticed the time display in several countries except in Kuwait... Why we cannot?


Google Translation


إشارات المرور في الطرق الكويت



لماذا لا نستخدم عرض الوقت عند الإشارات المرورية الكويت لتنبيه السائقين العمل المقبل للضوء إشارة، فإنه من المفيد جدا للجمهور، ونحن يمكن أن تقلل من عبور الإشارات الحمراء، وكذلك الحوادث.
أنا خائفة جدا لتمرير إشارات المرور، وأنا في مأزق سواء لعبور أم لا عند الإشارة الخضراء على "تشغيل" لعدم وجود عرض من الوقت لتظهر لي التغيير إلى إشارة حمراء،. في بعض الحالات، وإذا كنا في شرط بالقرب من إشارات المرور في كثير من المركبات الاندفاع الخلفي لعبور الإشارات بأسرع ما يمكن، وسوف التزمير وكذلك التي سوف تجبرنا على عبور أو الحصول على آخر انفجار كبير في الجزء الخلفي من السيارة.




لقد لاحظت على الشاشة مرة في العديد من البلدان ما عدا في الكويت ... لماذا لا نستطيع؟

Newborn baby registration and Residence stamping in Kuwait.

It is very happy to become a father because GOD has blessed us but in another side we are in a loop to get a registration and visa for our baby within 60 days. I did not face much difficulty during the visa process I could complete all the procedures within 30-35 working days, the below steps might help and guide you through the whole process as a father that we are going to…..


Birth Certificate

1. The steps are same if the delivery was in private or Government Hospital. Within two days after delivery you have to collect a pink color Arabic paper from the hospital Office. Once you get the pink color Arabic paper then check the religion mentioned and also remember to collect the blood group certificate from lab(this is required when you apply for Civil ID).
2. Type your baby’s name in English and Arabic(You can approach any Translation centre) NB: Don’t not Mention Three names, Your name will come automatically as third name so mention only first name and second name.(Eg: Selected name for ur son/daughter= X Y (X=First name Y=Second name)Father name=Z and surname Ur baby name will be=XYZ)
3. Take copies of Civil ID’s(Husband and Wife) + Passport copies (Husband and Wife ) + Marriage certificate+ Pink Paper +Baby’s name Print and apply for registration with in 7days to Your Birth Registration Office(in my case it was in Maiden Hawally- Near American International School). Once the registration is complete then they will give back the pink color paper and will inform to come after 7 days.
4. If possible check with in four days time, it might be ready. You will get two cards –one is Birth certificate and the other one for the Vaccination record. (it is light blue color), check the name written in Arabic,civil ID number (mothers and fathers)
5. Attest the Birth certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Shuwaikh with KWD 5 stamp, just near Red Cressent building and Kuwait News agency (KUNA). (Go behind Zain building – Opp. City Centre & follow the road, as the road turns the building will be on your right hand side with the entrance of the building slightly recessed.) or liberation tower government mall Murgab (2nd floor ) which is open in evenings as well.



Passport

1. Now Type for Baby’s Passport and you can mention the third name also in your baby’s passport -take the attested Birth certificate and Copies (two side) +Civil ids + passport copies of Mom & Dad + Baby’s 3 photos + KWD17.300 + Marriage certificate to the BLS International (Note: 1. you will have to get the thumb imprint of the baby at 3 places on this form and submit to issue a new passport, it will be ready within 3 days time. For the child’s photograph you could take the photo at home if you have a digital camera provided you make sure the child’s eye’s are open and he/she is looking straight – just to ensure both ears are visible preferably white background. Later take it to a studio and they’ll change the background of the photo for you. 2. They will take your forms and copies as well as original Birth certificate, Once it is ready and check the following documents: Original Passport name and address + Birth certificate (Kuwait ministry) with Embassy stamp + Birth certificate/Affidavit (Indian Embassy))


Insurance

1. Take photocopies of all documents I e: baby’s new passport+ birth certificate(Kuwait ministry) + father’s passport, mothers’ passport, father’s civil i.d, mother’s civil i.d, marriage certificate, baby’s photos & copy of affidavit issued from Indian Embassy and go to a known typing center.
2. Take all the papers and go early morning to the Insurance office (for my case it was in Kaithan near Ministry of health clinic)to get your child’s health insurance done – preferably by 6.45am!!. To pay the health insurance money, it’s KWD.30 per year and they will take KWD 1 for the health card. Note: 1. Remember Do Not Give child’s photo for the health card as it’s not required for the first five years.2. They will give insurance card and insurance details document(make sure to get the seal from the insurance office)


Residence

Take a copy of insurance paper(Just for your reference) and go early morning to the your Passport Office (Immigration), submit the form + all the papers + id copies etc. and get it registered with their number to be put on the printed form – you will need the original birth certificate + passport of the baby for this, then pay for the visa at the cashier = KWD.100 for 1st year + KWD10 for every year after that, for the 3rd baby its KWD.200 for the 1st year. After this wait for your number to be called, submit all the papers along with the original passport and let them process these and stamp the visa on the passport – Cross check for both child’s name and the number of years.


Civil ID

Type Civil ID form from a well known typing centre +Blood Group Certificate and submit into the machine at PACI office- South Surra on the 6th ring road, get a receipt and check for the same within 7 - 10 days time on tel: 1889988 or you can also check for the civil id status on line at: http://www.paci.gov.kw/en/
Once its ready, go back to PACI Office, get the machine #, go to the counter with your papers and get a Dummy id from the counter, insert it into the machine, pay KWD.2 and get the new civil id and cross check the CIVIL ID name and details.