On the road... Kuwait is first, Ministry of Education

I truly do not understand the reason behind this manufactured uproar regarding the Ministry of Education’s decision to terminate the services of a number of teaching staff from various nationalities in certain specializations, in accordance with the policy of replacement and opening opportunities for Kuwaiti youth, and in implementation of the state’s directives to prioritize nationals in employment opportunities. This is a trend the ministry has followed every academic year.

Do those from some sisterly and friendly countries who have been contracted by the Ministry of Education believe that their contracts have become perpetual and unending? Employment contracts are inherently linked to the needs of the employing entity. Even a Kuwaiti hired by certain ministries under a contract sees his relationship with that entity end upon the expiration of his contract.

Since the Ministry of Education has followed legal procedures in terminating their services, notified them in advance through the “Sahl” program, and will disburse their dues in accordance with established procedures, I see no justification for all this uproar and objections.

It is only natural for any state to strive to provide employment opportunities for its citizens. A citizen is first in line for job opportunities in his own country, especially given the large number of Kuwaiti youth graduates who have waited for years to secure positions commensurate with their qualifications and specializations.

How many Kuwaiti young men and women are still waiting for employment opportunities? How many graduates registered with the Civil Service Bureau are waiting for their turn to obtain a job, while there are specializations needed by the Ministry of Education and other state ministries?

Here, it must be clarified that the replacement policy was not a decision taken by the Minister of Education on his own initiative; rather, it is a general state and political leadership directive aimed at providing employment opportunities for Kuwaiti youth and harnessing national capacities, so that we do not reach a day when we find queues of graduates waiting for years for a job opportunity.

As for some writers accustomed to writing according to certain agendas and interests, I say to them: Why this objection to giving Kuwaiti citizens priority in their own country? Is this not a policy practiced in many sisterly and friendly countries? Would those who criticize the replacement policy in Kuwait accept being asked by those countries to prioritize foreigners over their own citizens in employment opportunities?