An effective monitoring mechanism is in place to ensure workers receive their full wages on time, a minister said yesterday.
Acting Labour Minister and acting Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) board chairman and Legal Affairs Minister Yousif Khalaf said LMRA and Social Insurance Organisation had signed an agreement in 2023 to set up a joint database for registered wages, which is being upgraded.
“This enables comparisons and ensures that actual numbers are given,” Mr Khalaf said.
“If any difference is spotted, legal action is taken on behalf of the worker,” he added.
“Workers are also given administrative assistance prior to the scheduled court hearings and sessions.
“This comes as we continuously upgrade scrutiny, monitoring and follow-up measures.”
Mr Khalaf revealed the mechanism in a written response to a question by Shura Council member Dr Nancy Khadoury, which was read out to MPs during the Parliament session yesterday.
Meanwhile, Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Yasser Humaidan said the ministry was charting out policies, in partnership with the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), to achieve fiscal balancing, revamp the sector’s infrastructure, improve the quality of operations and consumer services, and attract national professionals and manpower.
Mr Humaidan clarified that the government was not working to privatise the sector, but rather organise it better, through a new legislation that would regulate work.
He added that an independent body would be launched to monitor all services as the sector opens its door to investments.
“There won’t be any social or economic impact on citizens, who will continue to be provided with subsidised electricity and water in the households through a government commitment,” he said, in response to a question by MP Dr Mariam Al Dhaen.
Meanwhile, responding to another question by MP Dr Mahdi Al Shuwaikh on the newly-formed Electricity and Water Holding Company, Mr Humaidan said the firm has been set up to allow the government, or the EWA, to own shares in production companies that would enter the sector in future.
Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda also responded to questions by three MPs on religious affairs.
“There are 21 mosques in Capital Governorate constituency one, out of which 17 don’t need extensive maintenance. Three are in need of maintenance, with budget for two allocated this year. One mosque has to be demolished and reconstructed,” he said.
He also revealed that 13 locations have been earmarked for worship places in the new East Sitra Housing Town.
Meanwhile, MPs unanimously approved issuing a statement on International Women’s Day, observed on Saturday. They have directed Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam to issue it on their behalf.
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