Saudi Banks Increase Contribution to Health Fund Amid Virus Crisis

Saudi Arabia has closed holy sites to stop the spread of coronavirus Covid-19 (File photo: Reuters)
Saudi Arabia has closed holy sites to stop the spread of coronavirus Covid-19 (File photo: Reuters)
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Saudi Banks Increase Contribution to Health Fund Amid Virus Crisis

Saudi Arabia has closed holy sites to stop the spread of coronavirus Covid-19 (File photo: Reuters)
Saudi Arabia has closed holy sites to stop the spread of coronavirus Covid-19 (File photo: Reuters)

Saudi banks now have a stronger and more influential social responsibility in the Kingdom especially after 11 banks have announced supporting the Health Endowment Fund, confirming their important role in alleviating the burdens of the coronavirus pandemic.

The global crisis sheds new light on Saudi banks, which announced the donation of approximately SR158.7 million to enhance public health in the country and counter COVID - 19.

The banks' contribution to support the health sector in the face of the novel virus shows their initiative and sense of responsibility.

In detail, the banks’ donations were distributed as follows: the National Commercial Bank came in first with a donation of SR33 million, followed by al-Rajhi Bank with SR25 million, the Riyadh Bank with SR17 million, Saudi Arabian British Bank put forward SR17 million, Samba Bank donated SR16.5 million, Arab National Bank SR12 million, Banque Saudi Fransi SR12 million, Saudi Investment Bank SR6.5 million, al-Jazira Bank with SR5.6 million, Bilad Bank SR5.6 million, and Gulf International Bank gave SR2 million.

The Health Endowment Fund was established by the Ministry of Health in 2008 as the first specialized endowment fund in Saudi Arabia. It is chaired by the Minister of Health and it aims to contribute effectively to health development, cater to needs of patients, and finance preventive programs and health research.



Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of 1,145 Women, 13 Men

The Supreme Committee to Investigate the Kuwaiti Citizenship has decided to revoke and annul the Kuwaiti citizenship of 1,145 women and 13 men. (KUNA)
The Supreme Committee to Investigate the Kuwaiti Citizenship has decided to revoke and annul the Kuwaiti citizenship of 1,145 women and 13 men. (KUNA)
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Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of 1,145 Women, 13 Men

The Supreme Committee to Investigate the Kuwaiti Citizenship has decided to revoke and annul the Kuwaiti citizenship of 1,145 women and 13 men. (KUNA)
The Supreme Committee to Investigate the Kuwaiti Citizenship has decided to revoke and annul the Kuwaiti citizenship of 1,145 women and 13 men. (KUNA)

Kuwait issued seven new decrees on Saturday, revoking the Kuwaiti nationality of 1,145 women and 13 men, along with any individuals who may have acquired citizenship through affiliation.
The decrees, which are set to be published in the official Kuwaiti gazette on Sunday, stated that the decision followed a review of the Constitution, the Kuwaiti Nationality Law, and the recommendation of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister.
The decrees include the revocation of Kuwaiti nationality from 1,145 women, as well as individuals who may have acquired it through affiliation.
Additionally, the citizenship of certain individuals was rescinded under Article 21 of the Nationality Law, which permits the withdrawal of nationality if it was granted based on fraud, false statements, or incorrect documentation.
Under Kuwaiti law, the cabinet, acting on a proposal from the Interior Minister, has the authority to revoke citizenship in such cases. This also applies to individuals who acquired Kuwaiti nationality through affiliation with the original certificate holder.
Last Thursday, the Supreme Committee for Citizenship Affairs convened a meeting, chaired by the Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, who also serves as the committee's chairman.

The committee decided to revoke and annul the Kuwaiti citizenship of 1,647 individuals, with plans to present their cases to the Cabinet for further review.
This brings the total number of cases to 4,601 since October 31, a span of just three weeks.
The Committee began its work in early March, when Kuwaiti authorities launched a campaign to revoke citizenships for various reasons, primarily linked to fraud.
The Kuwaiti government states that the revocation of citizenship from forgers and dual nationals is intended to "preserve national identity, ensure stability, and protect the national fabric," as well as to remove the records of individuals who obtained citizenship through illegal means.