Kuwaiti Speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim revealed Sunday that Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has ordered to resolve the issue of illegal residents (Bidoun) by the end of summer.
“The Kuwaiti government is working closely with parliament to find a comprehensive solution to the situation involving the country’s illegal residents, in a way that would not inhibit their national identity rights,” said Al-Ghanim.
Their problem is the oldest and most complicated issue in the country.
This month, Kuwait’s State Security agency arrested 15 activists from the Bidoun community, after they organized a sit-in at al-Hurriya Square in al-Jahra town near Kuwait City on July 12.
According to Al-Ghanim, “The solution will be set in motion by legislation the parliament seeks to approve in its forthcoming term, or in an emergency session if need be.”
He confirmed a government initiative to solve the illegal residents’ issue, saying it was not announced in order to ensure its success and to prevent parties with ill intentions from benefiting from the process or result.
He also explained that he cannot divulge details because talks and deliberations are underway between the parliament, government and other concerned authorities on several points.
The speaker promised that the solution would be just and conclusive, taking into account all humanitarian aspects without any effect on national identity.
“We neither created nor started this problem as it was inherited by every sector in the country,” Al-Ghanim said.
