According to sources, about 196 expatriate employees of Oil sector Companies are stuck outside after the closure of air space between a number of countries due to the covid-19 pandemic and the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation had paid about 1.2 million Dinar as salaries to these employees during April, May and June while they were stuck outside the country.

According to Al-Anba Arabic newspaper report, this includes ten employees from Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (administrative building), and 121 employees from the Kuwait Oil Company, including 67 doctors and medical support jobs in Al-Ahmadi Hospital, about 49 employees from the Kuwait National Petroleum Company, four employees from the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company, two employees from the Petroleum Chemical Industry Company, three from the International Petroleum Company, three from KUFPEC and four from KIPIC.

As per the above data, Kuwait Oil Company spend the highest amount for the expatriate employees outside the country with a value of 820,000 dinars.

Depending on the jobs and tasks they occupy, the absence of these employees affects the performance and progress of their operations, the report added quoting sources. The report, quoting sources, also mentioned that the companies are following the directions issued by competent authorities on whether to retain or terminate the service of these employees. Authorities have not issued any such directives in this regard. Termination of those who occupy marginal and semi-marginal jobs could be considered while it is not possible to terminate the service of those who occupy a specialized, professional or technical position, the report said.