Expatriate Forums in Middle East

JOBS VACANCIES ANNOUNCEMENTS-TOTAL ENERGY PETROCHEMICAL

Mrs. Belinda — Mon Sep 07, 2009 8:58 pm

Author: Mrs. Belinda

Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2009 8:58 pm

Hello Everyone,
We take this opportunity to publicly make this last announcement to every liked minded individual, that the TOTAL ENERGY PETROCHEMICAL COMPANY (UK) PLC. Is hereby announcing jobs vacancies/ training programme 2009 in United Kingdom . We need the services of able men and women around the globe to fill in the jobs gap placement in our company in United Kingdom. Below are the summaries
list of jobs vacancies with Total Energy Company as follow :- Accounting / Audit / Taxation Jobs, Administration / Clerical Support / Service, Jobs, Banking, Business Analysis / Data Analysis Jobs, Business Consultancy Jobs, Business Development Jobs, Call Centre Jobs, Civil Services Jobs, Company Secretary Jobs, Customer Service Jobs, Design Jobs, Documentary Credit / Bills Processing, Energy / Natural Resources / Oil & Gas, Engineering Jobs, General Management Jobs, Hospitality / Hotel Services Jobs, Human Resources / Recruitment Jobs, Information Technology (I.T.) Jobs, Insurance Jobs, Junior Executive Jobs, Legal & Compliance Jobs, Inventorying, Marketing / Public Relations Jobs, Merchandising Jobs, Order Processing & Operation / Setting, Others Jobs, Petroleum / Petrochemical Jobs, Procurement / Purchasing / Sourcing
Jobs, Research & Development (R&D) Jobs, Research / Survey Services Jobs, Sales Jobs, Student / Fresh Graduate / No Experience, Telecommunications Jobs, Top Executives (CEO, CFO, CTO, GM, Manager, Tourism / Travel Agency Jobs, Trading Jobs, Transportation / Shipping / Freighting, and many more jobs place available.

Thanks for your audience to read this publication message.
Mrs. Belinda Clifford
(Chief international Announcement officer).
Total Energy Company Plc London - United

Nhon Trach City Center (NTCC)

siewlee26 — Wed Apr 01, 2009 2:30 pm

Author: siewlee26

Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2009 2:30 pm

Nhon Trach City Center (NTCC)

International Future City of Vietnam
Nhon Trach City Center (NTCC); the first satellite township concept in Nhon Trach District, Dong Nai Province; incorporates housing, commercial and recreational complexes to present the opportunity for the elite in Vietnam to experience luxury life where home, work, business and play are all within reach in a secured environment. With the essence of design contributed by specialists with hands-on housing scheme development experiences in Hong Kong, China, India, Australia and Malaysia, NTCC is shaped to be the International Future City of Vietnam!

Strategic Location
The position of NTCC in the would-be administrative center of Nhon Trach; which is about 60km from the bustling HCMC, in close proximity to numerous established industrial parks, namely Nhon Trach Industrial Park I-VI; benefits our tenants / owners in taking advantage of all the current and future planning for either Nhon Trach or its neighbouring cities in the south, collectively known as Southern Key Economic Zone.

Office Tower - NTCC’s kick off!!
NTCC will begin with the construction of our 15-storey Office Tower (Block H) which will be the first international standard high-rise office building in the heart of Nhon Trach. The elegance of the featured façade coupled with the creatively designed floor spaces shall fulfill every discerning owners’ differing investment requirements. Still hesitating? The following facts may help you decide:

- Total net floor area : approx. 16,448 m2 with typical sizes of about 76 m2 to 699 m2 / unit, or up to 1,480 m2 / floor.
- Spacious parking lots in basement and open car parks.
- Floor to ceiling height of 2.6m to 4.0m spreads out high-end visuals.
- Central air-conditioning system.
- 3 high speed passenger lifts and 1 service lift.
- Round-the-clock security services with CCTV surrounding the building.
- Managed by Professional Property Management Company.

Our elegant and first ever Office Tower in Nhon Trach is now opened for registration. It’s only 15 floors. Hurry and be amongst pioneer new owners!! For more details and registration, please contact us via :-

Marketing Hotline : +84 (933) 268 968

Where to Improve credit score

KenMarshall — Wed Apr 11, 2007 10:53 pm

Author: KenMarshall

Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2007 10:53 pm

I think, that is interesting for all.

FX Currency Trading / Forex FX Trading Online - Know More

admin — Mon Sep 18, 2006 12:42 pm

Author: admin

Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 12:42 pm

Forex Trading – FX Trading

Foreign Exchange
This short introduction explains the basics of trading Forex online, a brief explanation of the markets and the major benefits of trading Forex online. There are also two scenarios describing the implications of trading in a bear as well as bull market to better acquaint you with some of the risks and opportunities in the largest and most liquid market in the world.

As an additional aid for those who are new to Forex, there is also a glossary at the bottom of this text which explains some of the terms used in connection with currency trading.

Overview
Foreign exchange , forex or just Forex are all terms used to describe the trading of the world's many currencies. The forex market is the largest market in the world, with trades amounting to more than $1.5 trillion every day. This is more than one hundred times the daily trading on the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) . Most forex trading is speculative , with only a few percent of market activity representing governments' and companies' fundamental currency conversion needs.

Unlike trading on the stock market, the forex market is not carried out by a central exchange, but on the "interbank" market , which is thought of as an OTC (over the counter ) market. Trading takes place directly between the two counterparts necessary to make a trade, whether over the telephone or on electronic networks all over the world. The main centres for trading are Sydney, Tokyo, London, Frankfurt and New York. This worldwide distribution of trading centres means that the forex market is a 24-hour market.

Trading Forex
A currency trade is the simultaneous buying of one currency and selling of another one. The currency combination used in the trade is called a cross (for example, the Euro/US Dollar, or the GB Pound/Japanese Yen.). The most commonly traded currencies are the so-called "majors" - EURUSD, USDJPY, USDCHF and GBPUSD.

The most important forex market is the spot market as it has the largest volume. The market is called the spot market because trades are settled "immediately" or on the spot. In practice this means within two banking days.

Trading on Margin
Trading on margin means that you can buy and sell assets that represent more value than the capital in your account. Forex trading is usually done with relatively little margin since currency exchange rate fluctuations tend to be less than one or two percent on any given day. To take an example, a margin of 2.0% means you can trade up to $500,000 even though you only have $10,000 in your account. In terms of leverage this corresponds to 50:1, because 50 times $10,000 is $500,000, or put another way, $10,000 is 2.0% of $500.000. Using this much leverage gives you the possibility to make profits very quickly, but there is also a greater risk of incurring large losses and even being completely wiped out. Therefore, it is inadvisable to maximise your leveraging as the risks can be very high. For more information on the trading conditions at Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your Client Station and open the section entitled "Trading Conditions" found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.

Why trade Forex?

24 hour trading
One of the major advantages of trading forex is the opportunity to trade 24 hours a day from Sunday evening (20:00 GMT) to Friday evening (22:00 GMT). This gives you a unique opportunity to react instantly to breaking news that is affecting the markets.
Superior liquidity
The forex market is so liquid that there are always buyers and sellers to trade with. The liquidity of this market, especially that of the major currencies, helps ensure price stability and low spreads . The liquidity comes mainly from large and smaller banks that provide liquidity to investors, companies, institutions and other currency market players.
No commissions
The fact that forex is often traded without commissions makes it very attractive as an investment opportunity for investors who want to deal on a frequent basis. Trading the "majors" is also cheaper than trading other crosss because of the high level of liquidity. For more information on the trading conditions at Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your Client Station and open the section entitled "Trading Conditions" found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.
50:1 Leverage
With a minimum account of USD 10,000, for example, you can trade up to USD 500,000. The USD 10,000 is posted on margin as a guarantee for the future performance of your position.
Profit potential in falling markets
Since the market is constantly moving, there are always trading opportunities, whether a currency is strengthening or weakening in relation to another currency. When you trade currencies, they literally work against each other. If the EURUSD declines, for example, it is because the U.S. dollar gets stronger against the Euro and vice versa. So, if you think the EURUSD will decline (that is, that the Euro will weaken versus the dollar), you would sell EUR now and then later you buy Euro back at a lower price and take your profits. The opposite trading scenario would occur if the EURUSD appreciates .

Important Forex Trading Terms

Spread
The spread is the difference between the price that you can sell currency at ( Bid ) and the price you can buy currency at ( Ask ). The spread on majors is usually 5 pips under normal market conditions. For more information on the trading conditions at Saxo Bank, go to the Account Summary on your Client Station and open the section entitled "Trading Conditions" found in the top right-hand corner of the Account Summary.
Pips
A pip is the smallest unit by which a cross price quote changes. When trading forex you will often hear that there is a 5-pip spread when you trade the majors. This spread is revealed when you compare the bid and the ask price, for example EURUSD is quoted at a bid price of 0.9875 and an ask price of 0.9880. The difference is USD 0.0005, which is equal to 5 "pips". On a contract or position, the value of a pip can easily be calculated. You know that the EURUSD is quoted with four decimals, so all you have to do is the cancel-out the four zeros on the amount you trade and you will have one pip. Thus, on a EURUSD 100,000 contract, one pip is USD 10. On a USDJPY 100,000 contract, one pip is equal to 1000 yen, because USDJPY is quoted with only two decimals.

Trading Scenario - Trading Rising Prices
If you believe that the Euro will strengthen against the dollar you'll want to buy Euro now and sell it back later at a higher price.

You buy Euro	We quote EURUSD at Bid 0.9875 and Ask 0.9880, which means that you can sell 1 Euro for 0.9875 USD or buy 1 Euro for 0.9880 USD. In this example you buy Euro 100,000, at the quote price of 0.9880 (ask price) per Euro.
The market turns	Later the market turns in favour of the Euro and the EURUSD is now quoted at Bid 0.9894 and Ask 0.9899.
Now you want to sell your Euro and get the profit	You sell Euro at a Bid price of 0.9894.
The profit is calculated as follows:	Sell price-buy price x size of trade (0.9894 minus 0.9880) multiplied by 100.000 = $140 Profit (Note that the profit or loss is always expressed in the secondary currency )

Trading Scenario - Trading Falling Prices
If, on the other hand, you believe that the Euro will weaken against the dollar, you'll want to sell EURUSD.

You sell Euro	We quote EURUSD at a Bid price of 0.9875 and Ask price of 0.9880 and you decide to sellEuro 100,000 at a Bid price of 0.9875.
The market moves in your favour	The Euro weakens against the dollar and the EURUSD is now quoted at bid 0.9744 and ask 0.9749.
Now you buy back your Euro	You buy EUR at an ask price of 0.9749.
Your Profit/loss is then	Sell price-buy price x size of trade (0.9875 minus 0.9749) multiplied by 100.000 = $ 1260 Profit

Remember that trading EUR 100,000 as we have done in our examples, does not mean that you have to put up Euro 100,000 yourself. It means that you have to deposit 2.0% of Euro 100,000, which is Euro 2,000 on margin as a guarantee for the future performance of your position.

Further Reading
To see how you can trade the forex market and benefit from our toolbox of information and live quotes, please proceed to our Forex Quick Start found under the Trading menu on the toolbar, under Forex.

Glossary

Appreciation	Anincrease in the value of a currency.
Ask	Theprice at which you can buy. Traders also speak of an ask price,the price requested. This usually indicates the lowest price aseller will accept.
Basecurrency	Thecurrency that the investor buys or sells (i.e. EUR in EURUSD).
Bear	Someonewho believes prices are heading down. A bear market is one inwhich there is a sustained fall in prices and which does not looklike it will recover quickly.
Bid	Theprice at which you can sell. Traders also speak of a bid price,the price offered. This usually indicates the top price apurchaser will pay.
Bid/Ask	TheBid rate is the rate at which you sell. The Ask (or offer) rate isthe rate at which you can buy.
Bull	Someonewho is optimistic about the market. A bull market is characterisedby enthusiastic and sustained buying.
cross	Whentrading currencies, the investor buys one currency againstanother. These two currencies form the cross: for example, EURUSD.
Crossrate	Anexchange rate that is calculated from two other exchange rates.
Depreciation/decline	Afall in the value of a currency.
Exchangerate	Whatone currency is worth in terms of another, for example the $Amight be worth 58 US cents or 70 yen. Currencies traded freely onforeign-exchange markets have a spot rate (applying to tradessettled 'spot', ie, two working days hence) and a forward rate.Countries can determine their exchange rates in a variety of ways:a floating exchange rate system where the currency finds its ownlevel in the market; a crawling or flexible peg system which is acombination of an officially fixed rate and frequent smalladjustments which in theory work against a build-up of speculationabout a revaluation or devaluation; a fixed exchange-rate systemwhere the value of the currency is set by the government and/orthe central bank.
EURUSD	Meansthat you trade EUR against dollars. If you buy Euro you pay indollars and if you sell Euro you receive dollars.
FX,Forex, Foreign Exchange	Allnames for the transaction of one currency for another, e.g. youbuy £100.00 with $150.25 or sell $150.25 for £100.00.
Interbank	Short-term(often overnight) borrowing and lending between banks, as distinctfrom banks' business with their corporate clients or otherfinancial institutions.
Interestrate differential	Theyield spread between two otherwise comparable debt instrumentsdenominated in different currencies.
Leverage(gearing)	Inthis case leverage means that the investor only funds part of theamount traded.
Long	Tobuy.
Longposition	Aposition that increases its value if market prices increase.
Liquid(-ity)	Thecapacity to be converted easily and with minimum loss into cash.Ultra-short-dated treasury notes are an example of a liquidinvestment. A liquid market is one in which there is enoughactivity to satisfy both buyers and sellers.
Margin	Theinitial amount or deposit required when entering into a position.Margin is a guarantee for future performance.
NYSE	Acomputerised system providing brokers with the prices of sharesand securities traded on the New York stock exchange and over thecounter. The quotes are published in real-time.
Openposition	Aposition in a currency that has not yet been offset. For example,if you have bought 100,000 USDJPY, you have an open position inUSDJPY until you offset it by selling 100,000 USDJPY.
"Overthe counter"	Whentrading takes place directly between two parties, rather than onan exchange.
Pips	Apip is the smallest unit by which a cross price quote changes. Soif EURUSD bid is now quoted at 0.9767 and it moves up 2 pips, itwill now be quoted at 0.9769.
Position	Money-market,futures, foreign-exchange and sharemarket traders talk of 'takinga position' which simply means buying or selling one currencycross. 'Position' can also refer to a trader'scash/securities/currencies balance, whether he or she is short ofcash, has money to lend, is overbought or oversold in a currency,etc.
Risk	Tryingto control outcomes to a known or predictable range of gains orlosses. Risk management involves a set of steps which begin with asound understanding of one's business and the exposures or risksthat have to be covered to protect the value of that business.Then an assessment should be made of the types of variables thatcan affect the business and how best to protect against unwelcomeoutcomes. Consideration must also be given to the preferred riskprofile - whether one is risk- averse or fairly aggressive inapproach. This also involves deciding which instruments to use tomanage risk, and whether a natural hedge exists that can be used.Once undertaken, a risk-management strategy should be continuallyassessed for effectiveness and cost.
Secondarycurrency (variable currency or counter currency)	Thecurrency that the investor trades the base currency against (i.e.USD in EURUSD).
Shortposition	Aposition that benefits from a decline in market prices.
Short	Tosell.
Speculative	Buyingand selling in the hope of making a profit, rather than doing sofor some fundamental business-related need.
Spot	ASpot rate is the current market price of an asset.
Spotmarket	Thepart of the market calling for spot settlement of transactions.The precise meaning of 'spot' will depend on local custom for acommodity, security or currency. In the UK, US and Australianforeign-exchange markets, 'spot' means delivery two working dayshence.
Spread	Thedifference between the bid and the ask rate.

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News

Jordanian king ends brief visit to Kuwait - People's Daily

Kuwait News — Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:15 pm

Author: Kuwait News

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:15 pm

Jordanian king ends brief visit to Kuwait
People's Daily Online, China - 3 hours ago
Jordanian King Abdullah II ended a brief visit to Kuwait on Monday, Kuwait's official KUNA news agency reported. During the trip ...
Abdullah visits Kuwait to discuss Lebanon crisis Jerusalem Post
King of Jordan arrives in Kuwait Kuwait News Agency
King to Head for Kuwait on Monday Jordan News Agency (Petra)
Kuwait News Agency - all 5 related

Jordanian Monarch back from Kuwait visit - Bahrain News Age

Kuwait News — Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:15 pm

Author: Kuwait News

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:15 pm

Jordanian Monarch back from Kuwait visit
Bahrain News Agency, Bahrain - 7 hours ago
Amman, July 24, (BNA) Jordanian Monarch, King Abdulla II, returned to Amman today evening, following a short visit to Kuwait, during which he met with Kuwaiti ...
Kuwaiti people's support to Lebanon commended Bahrain News Agency
all 3 related

A Guide to... Education Fee Planning for Expatriates

Candour — Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:32 pm

Author: Candour

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:32 pm

A good education is one of the few investments that can be made for a child that will be of permanent benefit. However, building this benefit will involve effective planning and considerable outlay from either capital or income.

Typically, the basic fees for a year at a private secondary school work out at over £7,500 a year - and that’s before paying for the inevitable extras such as school trips, books and music lessons. Fees for full time borders - often a necessity for the internationally mobile - can be twice as much.

Even more horrifying, the cost of a full time university course plus living expenses can be over US$ 35,000 per annum for anywhere between 3 and 6 years.

However, with foresight you can use an investment that will provide the growth potential to give you part or even all of the money you need to ensure you can provide the best education for your children. Candour provides investment advice on various types of school and university expenses plans, whether funded from capital or income.

Funding from Capital
If capital is available to invest for education expenses (perhaps from generous grandparents!) tax efficient investments and Trusts can be used to maximise the return on this capital. The investment return is partly dependent on the length of time before fees have to be drawn down, so the sooner you start the better.

Funding from Income
The benefit of saving for a child’s education is that the investment is generally for the longer term (more than 10 years) and very often made on a regular basis.

When saving smaller regular amounts, the best way to invest is through a unit or investment trust. These are pooled investment funds which give access to a wide spread of shares and other securities such as bonds.

These funds may be actively managed - where a fund manager picks individual stocks based on a view of their future potential - or passively, where a manager invests in all the shares that comprise a stock market index, such as the FTSE 100 or the S&P 500.

Example
Mr & Mrs Jones wish to send their daughter to university in 15 years time. They believe that inflation will rise on average by 3% per annum in that time and consequently wish to save for fees that will be in the region of £30,000 per annum.

As such, the total fund they are likely to require is £90,000 to cover these costs. By saving as little as £350 each month, they should reach their target and avoid the day-to-day strain on their future finances.

Candour Consultancy advises on a wide range of lump sum and regular contribution education fee planning products from the worlds leading financial institutions

A Guide to... Expatriate Retirement Planning

Candour — Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:31 pm

Author: Candour

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:31 pm

Most people look forward to a retirement where they can devote more time to the pastimes they enjoy. However, when it comes to retirement planning and pensions, a veil of confusion tends to cloud their perspective. This is especially the case for expatriates who may live in several countries and work for numerous employers throughout their life.

The essential fact about retirement planning is that it is simply making provisions out of your current income and investing for the time when you come to retire. Though most countries provide some retirement income for their citizens, at the end of the day it is up to the individual to make provision and, in this way, providing for retirement is no different than setting aside money for any other future purpose such as a new car, a house deposit or holiday.

The significant difference between retirement planning and other investment objectives is one of magnitude. In retirement, we expect a continuation of, at the very least, our current standard of living. Given that we spend an increasing proportion of our lives in retirement and State benefits are reducing, the need for early, effective retirement planning has never been greater.

However, modern society is told by TV adverts, children’s demands, etc… that immediate gratification is the only way. So how do you marry up these 2 key ideals?

Basically, the answer is NOT TO DELAY!

The cost of delaying the savings process can have a dramatic effect on both the amount you need to invest and the impact this will make on your lifestyle. Friends Provident International has illustrated this perfectly in their sales literature for their offshore pension plan.

Friends Provident calculated the increase in monthly contributions for a fictional individual who would like to retire at the age of 55 with a retirement fund of US$1 million, assuming he kept delaying contributions by a further 5 years.

The tables below show how much extra the individual would need to contribute each month just to reach the same target.

Example A
Age Minimum monthly premium required (2) Duration of policy Total premium required to achieve US$1million at age 55
30 $1,845 25 years $553,500
35 $2,659 20 years $638,160
40 $4,065 15 years $731,700
45 $6,935 10 years $832,200

Example B
Age Minimum monthly premium required (2) Duration of policy Total premium required to achieve US$1million at age 55
30 $1,053 25 years $315,900
35 $1,729 20 years $414,960
40 $2,983 15 years $536,940
45 $5,689 10 years $682,680

Example A assumes an average growth rate of 5% whilst Example B assumes a 9% average growth rate.

Now US$1 million sounds like a lot of money, but when you consider current annuity rates for a 55 year are just over 5%, this only amounts to an annual income of US$51,000. This would be lower still if you want to inflation proof your income!

As such, the questions we all need to ask are:

* Is this going to be sufficient to maintain your lifestyle in retirement?
* Is this enough to do all the extra things in retirement, like travelling, you wish to do?
* What about inflation, what about annuity rates falling further?

All these points mean that two things are vital, one that you start saving for your retirement as soon as possible and secondly that you review these plans regularly.

Additionally, as an expatriate, it is important that you an international pension policy established in a freely convertible currency to ensure you can seamlessly save for your retirement as you move from employer to employer or country to country.

What you can afford to contribute to ensure your future is dependent on many factors; including your current, ongoing financial commitments. Candour Consultancy recommends you contribute 15% of your income, throughout your career, as a good benchmark for achieving a financially independent retirement.

After all, the true cost of delay is not achieving your goals and dreams, not the cost of saving money now!

A Guide to... Expatriate Medical Insurance

Candour — Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:30 pm

Author: Candour

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:30 pm

Having medical insurance while you're abroad may well be essential but it’s not going to be much good if there are conditions that are not covered under your plan. Most private medical insurance providers now operate on such a large, global scale that there are few glaring exclusions that could trip you up. However, a little time spent going over a company’s terms and conditions will bring to your attention some omissions in plans that you may want to know about before you sign.

The most important thing that might be missing from your plan, according to many PMI providers, is cover for chronic conditions. Obviously, a provider won't cover you automatically for any pre-existing conditions that would be like insuring a house that is already burning down, but should you develop asthma or diabetes after signing the plan, you will want to know that you are covered for this. Some providers, however, will only cover you in severe cases of any chronic condition that has arisen, such as a diabetic coma.

This means that some companies, particularly ones that offer basic-level plans, will cover you in an emergency or in the short term, but not for the routine, ongoing treatment that you need. From an insurer's point of view you can understand why they may do this as illnesses like asthma and diabetes are spreading in today’s world and costs could spiral out of control if they insured everyone. Yet there are a lot of plans out there that will cover your everyday treatment of such illnesses, so it's up to you whether you want to pay the costs or be covered for them, (albeit sometimes with restrictions on the amount you can claim), under your plan.

There are also other features that are worth checking to see if you are covered. One of the greatest omissions on many PMI plans is cover for congenital defects. It is worth checking to see if there are any restrictions in their plans when, for instance, they have a baby with a birth abnormality that needs treatment. There are restrictions to this with some providers. People buy healthcare when they reach a certain age, and are more conscious of protecting their family - for this reason people should check all that is covered under pregnancy cover.

It must be also borne in mind that pregnancy cover is usually only available after you have had your plan for one year. This is pretty standard, but will make you plan that bit further, especially if you are set to have a baby in a country where healthcare is expensive, like the US or the Caribbean. You may well want to check the amount you can claim for a normal pregnancy, too, as the average cost, according to Goodhealth, will be around US$4,500 - US$ 7,500.

Sports
Aside from treatment for serious illnesses, potential clients should consider what activities or sports they may like to enjoy. A lot of providers, such as William Russell, provide cover for all sports so you’re free to go white-water rafting or throw yourself off a bridge with some elastic tied round your ankles. Jenni Sobnack, marketing consultant at William Russell says: “You will be covered for all sports as long as you’re not doing it professionally. If, as is more likely, you have an injury playing something like football and break your leg, it is important to get in touch with us or our partner International SOS as soon as possible so that we can arrange to pay the hospital directly and leave you with no upfront fee to pay.” Other firms do have restrictions on what they would like you to do, so hang-gliding may have to be postponed.

A recent addition to some plans has also been infertility treatment which is often not covered. Some provides now cover investigations in to infertility up to the point of diagnosis. It also covers IVF treatment up to a limit of £2,000 a year with four attempts allowed in a lifetime.

Psychiatric treatment is another area that not every provider is agreed on. Most will provide some level of cover, but there it is often limited to inpatient care and the amount you can claim back. Landers says that providers put these restrictions in place as it is hard to know how many visits to a psychiatrist will need to be made and how much ongoing treatment will be needed. Although having cover for such things as emergency evacuation are of higher priority when selecting a plan, most PMI providers have warned of the dangers of stress, especially on a busy expatriate lifestyle.

As such, only by doing the boring work of checking a firm’s terms and conditions (or by speaking to an independent financial brokerage such as [url-http://www.candourconsultancy.com]Candour Consultancy[/url]) can you figure out exactly what you will be protected against and begin to compare plans.

Commonly left out of many policies are:-

* Pandemics - such as Bird Flu!
* Chronic conditions arising after purchase of plan
* Pregnancy cover, complications and congenital defects.
* Infertility cover
* Psychiatric treatment
* Sports (including extreme sports)
* AIDS (often not covered for individuals but under group schemes)
* Routine dental treatment

An Introduction to Candour Consultancy

Candour — Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:29 pm

Author: Candour

Posted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:29 pm

Candour Consultancy is an independent financial brokerage offering impartial advice to expatriates based in the Gulf region.

Whilst our primary goal is to do business with you, we would prefer to put you in the picture even if you don't. As such, please feel free to visit our website which contains a wide range of articles and impartial regional advice for expatriates living in the Gulf including:-

* Offshore Savings & Investment Policies
* Expatriate Life Assurance and Medical Insurance
* International Pension Plans
* Tax Planning
* Expatriate Mortgages
* Offshore Banking
* Business Protection and Gratuity Replacement Policies

We look forward to welcoming you to www.candourconsultancy.com.

Financial Services, Planners, Offshore Banking - Know More

Anonymous — Fri Jan 06, 2006 12:20 pm

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 12:20 pm

Financial Services, Planners, Offshore Banking - Know More

Dear members & guests

Due to the continuous marketing approach of our expatriate community by mutiple financial planners services company, Allo' Expat has decided to provided you with some usefull imformation on the Expat Offshore Banking issue. Hope you'll invest wisely..... in the future

Financial Advisors - who are they?

Q1 - How do I get the best offshore financial advice?

The best offshore financial advice is probably given by Independent Financial Advisors. Independent financial advisors (or IFA's, as they are sometimes called) advise their clients on savings, investments and pensions. They may also provide Savings Plans for offshore investing to their clients.

When counselling a client, the best offshore financial advisors should complete the following steps:

* Step 1 - collect detailed information about a client's financial circumstances and requirements ? be they for retirement planning, retirement income, expat investment, or another purpose.

* Step 2 - check all the offshore tax havens for the best offshore plans.

* Step 3 - provide impartial advice as to which plan(s) best meet their client's needs (in the form of a written report).

* Step 4 - arrange for a client to buy the chosen offshore plan(s) on the best terms available.

You may want to complete your own research to ensure you know the right questions to ask your advisor.

When all these stages are completed, you can be confident you have received the best offshore financial advice.

Q2 - What is a Certified Financial Advisor?

Financial advisors may need a license to practice, issued by the Financial Services Regulator in their Country. Only these advisors may be called 'Certified Financial Advisors'.

It may be a condition that prospective certified financial advisors show their Regulator that they are:

* competent to advise

* impartial in their advice

* independent of Providers

* covered by professional indemnity insurance.

So it is important to check that your financial advisor is listed under:

* Certified Financial Advisors, licensed to advise in the Country where you live and

* Independent Financial Advisors - advising on a wide range of offshore plans from a full list of providers.

Now you should feel confident you are receiving the best offshore financial advice.

Q3 - How are offshore financial advisors paid?

Independent financial advisors (IFA's) earn their living from commissions they receive from plan providers. This is their income for the offshore financial advice they give.

The commission that advisors (IFAs) receive from offshore financial advice cases may range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Good offshore financial advisors should not be influenced by the amount of commission they receive.

Some clients prefer to pay fees to their financial advisors for advice to ensure impartiality. When this occurs offshore financial advisors refund commission received from a plan provider either in cash or as an increased allocation of contributions invested.

Q4 -How do I find a list of Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs)?

Search the web! Try searching using the search words independent financial advisors or certified financial advisors PLUS the name of the Country in which you live.

Personal recommendations are always helpful - ask your friends if they would recommend their offshore financial advisors. Always check that a recommended advisor is both certified and independent.

Offshore Investing - What do that mean

Q1 - What is Offshore Investing or Offshore Investment?

When we talk about Offshore investing plan opportunities it is like the savings plans available in many countries, except these plans:

* Are registered in tax havens and are regulated by their Financial Services Authorities.

* Can be used for investing by non-residents of the tax havens.

* Are sometimes more tax efficient than or have other advantages over domestic savings plans.

Q2 - Why would expatriates choose offshore investing?

Expatriate investment in the savings plans catalogued here and offering offshore investing opprotunities might be appropriate when:

* No local or Home Country tax free regular savings plans are available.

* No local or Home Country tax free lump sum investment plans are available.

* An expatriate is planning to retire to a third country.

If you fit any of these categories of expatriates you should investigate the offshore plans researched by Offshore Boffin and consult your Financial Advisor.

Q3 - Are there other people who might benefit from Offshore Invesment?

Yes. People who are not living abroad might find offshore investment attractive in the following circumstances:

* They have more cash available for savings than can be invested tax free in their resident countries' investment plans (perhaps because the amount they can invest each year is capped).

* They may live in countries which do not have domestic tax free savings plans.

* They live in countries which are not suitable long-term investment environments for political or economic reasons.

* They wish to limit the effects of inheritance tac on their estates.

Q4 - Is there safe offshore investing?

The answer is that All investors should remember that the value of ALL their investments can go down as well as up!

Safe offshore investing is more likely by choosing plans:

* From politically stable tax havens - the quality of tax havens varies.

* From well-regulated tax havens - the tax havens whose savings plans are catalogued here all regulate their financial services companies to avoid 'fly-by-night' companies.

* From reputable investment management and life assurance companies - whilst past performance is not always a guide to the future, the companies whose savings plans are listed here are all well-known names.

* Investing in 'mutual' or 'collective' funds. these funds are based on a simple idea. If a large number of investors pool their savings in - for example - an equity fund, the larger fund can be invested in shares in many companies, spreading each individual's risk.

For expat investment - and others - to be successful the best offshore investment opportunities must be found. For that you'll need a good Financial Advisors.

VISA TO KUWAIT / KUWAIT IMMIGRATION GUIDE

Anonymous — Fri Jan 06, 2006 12:10 pm

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 12:10 pm

VISA TO KUWAIT / KUWAIT IMMIGRATION GUIDE

VISIT VISA

Citizen of other GCC states have a right to enter and live in Kuwait without undergoing any particular formalities.

Kuwait will grant 34 nationalities entry visas upon arrival, according to a new decision from the Ministry of Interior (Feb. 2004).
Among those that will benefit are nationals from the

USA.
UK.
France.
Italy.
Germany.
Canada.
Australia.
New Zealand.
Japan.
The Netherlands.
Belgium.
Luxembourg.
Switzerland.
Austria.
Sweden.
Norway.
Denmark.
Portugal.
Ireland.
Greece.
Finland.
Spain.
Monaco.
the Vatican.
Iceland.
Andorra.
San Marino.
Liechtenstein.
Brunei.
Singapore.
Malaysia.
Hong Kong.
South Korea.
China.

Other countries can obtain visas through Kuwait Airways offices as the airline has an online facility to process the visa through the Ministry of Interior.

But all other nationals are subject to strict rules of entry and registration as foreigners under the sponsorship of Kuwaitis or Kuwait companies or as dependents of foreigners under who already enjoy residence under Kuwait sponsorship. There are two basic types of visa, a visit visa and a residence visa.
A foreigner whose country without a visa abolition treaty with Kuwait, ie a treaty permitting Kuwait to enter their country without a visa, may be granted reciprocal rights in the Kuwait. These persons however may require an entry permit. Fntry permits are acquired in the same way and under the same procedures as visit visa.
International airline have been instructed by the Kuwaiti authorities not to board passengers for Kuwait unless they have valid visas or entry permits.

Application for a Visit Visa

Visit visas and entry permits are valid for entry within 90 days of issue and then for a stay of up to 30 days only after entry, A visit visas costs KD 3/- . Entry permits are free.
A visit to Kuwait must be sponsored by a Kuwait individual or company, or a resident foreigner who is relative of the visitor while he or she is in Kuwait.
To obtain a visit visa for a business, visitor, a Kuwait sponsor or company will require:
· Visa application and security from completed by the sponsor
· Copy of the visitor's passport
· Copy of the sponsor's signature as registered for business purposes
· Copy of the letter of invitation from the sponsor to the business visitor stations the purpose of the visit.
To obtain a visit visa for a relative, a resident foreigner will require:
· Visa application and security form completed by the sponsor
· Copy of the visitor's passport
· Original and copy of the sponsor's passport
· Original and copy of the sponsor's civil ID
· Original and copy of the sponsor's work permit (Private sector empolyees)
· Recent salary certificate from the sponsor's employer
· Authenticated proof of the family relationship
Usually the sponsor of a relative is expected to be earning at least KD 450 per month if he works for the government and at least KD 650 if he work in the private sector.
Normally a visitor goes to a Kuwait embassy to have his visa processed and passport stamped before travelling to Kuwait. However a Kuwait sponsor can use a faxed copy of the visitor's passport to obtain the visa in Kuwait. The sponsor then faxes a copy of the visa to the visitor (to enable him to travel to Kuwait) and meets him at the airport with the original visa. The sponsor deposits the visa papers at a special counter in the arrival hall and the visitor must pick these up at a similar counter inside the immigration area in order to complete entry formalities.
Either way, obtaining a visit visa takes about two working days, Hotels can also arrange visit visas for business but they take about a week to do so, naturly enough, expect the visitor to stay with on arrival.

Extension of Visit

The fine for staying more than 30 days on a visit visa is KD 10 a day. A visitor whose visa has expired is not allowed to leave until the fine has been paid, The fine must be paid at the immigration Department in Shuwaikh during government working hours and not at the airport. Fines however may be paid a few days in advance and, unless this is done, the flight out is invariably missed.
An expatriate may obtain two one-month extension to a visit visa or temporary residence provided application is made to the immigration Department before the visa has expired. A pleasant solution for visitors wishing to extend their stay is to obtain a second visit visa in Kuwait, travel to Bahrain on a morning flight and re-enter Kuwait in the evening round trip ( 40 minuets flying time ) only costs about KD 45.

Multiple Entry Visas

Multiple entry visits visas, which allow holders to enter the country any number of times within a 12-month period, may be available to business sponsored by the ministry of defence.
American citizen (but not other Westerners) can sometimes obtain multiple entry visit that are valid for up to 10 years and allow an indefinite number of entries.

Transit Visas

A transit visa, valid for a maximum stay of 7 days, can be obtained from a Kuwait Consulteabroad or from a Port Authority in Kuwait. The fee is KD 2. The applicant mustr have a valid visa for his next country of destination and, unless he is working on a ship or airline, a confirmed oward ticket. Bone fide international truck drivers and their helpers may obtain multiple entry transit visas.

Vaccinations

As a general rule, vaccination certificates are not required, though travelers arriving from areas infected by cholera and yellow fever may need proof of inoculation. Persons from areas where there has been an outbreak of certain communicable diseases may be obliged to undergo a medical examination a few days after arrival. The latest position should be checked with Kuwait consulates aboard before travelling.
Kuwait is as diseases-free as Europe and North America and no Particular precautions are recommended, though up-to-date medical advice should be obtained before travilling.

Address in Kuwait

When entering Kuwait, a visitor fills in s entry from at the airport, on which he states where he is going to stay. For a business visitor this will probably be a hotel. Hotel Managers are obliged to inform the ministry of the interior wherever an expatriate checks in or out and do so routinely. A visitor who changes his address in Kuwait must inform the Immigration Department within 48 hours of doing so.

RESIDENCE IN KUWAIT / KUWAIT WORK PERMIT GUIDE

Anonymous — Fri Jan 06, 2006 12:09 pm

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 12:09 pm

RESIDENCE IN KUWAIT / KUWAIT WORK PERMIT GUIDE

Obtaining Residence

To live permanently in Kuwait, expatriates other than GCC citizens must have iqama, ie a residence permit. A person discovered without a valid iqama which are known colloquially by the article numbers in the immigration regulations. The three main types are work visas, domestic and dependent visas, all of which require a sponsor. An expatriate may however sponsor his own residence, with or without being permitted to work, provided he has lived in Kuwait for many years and has substantial financial means.

Work Permits, No-objection Certs & Work Visas

Work Visas are iqamas granted under articles 17 (For Public Sector Employees) and 18 (Private Sector Employees) of the immigration regulations. To obtain residence on a work visa an offer of employment must first be accepted. The Kuwaiti sponsoring employer then applies for a work permit from the Ministry of Social Affairs & Labour, for which the sponsor needs a copy of the employee's passport showing sector employer must then ob-tain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the General Admin-istration of Criminal Investigation at the Ministry of interior which he dose by submitting the employee's personal details.
If the employee is living in a country that has a Kuwaiti Embassy the employer will send him a copy of the work permit which he must take to the Embassy. Which will also have received a copy through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for endorsement. The employee must then apply for an entry visa for Kuwait, using the endorsed work permit. Those sponsored by private sector companies will require their NOCs and a copy of the employer's authorised signatory as registered for business purposes. An applicant is also required to provide a medical certificate, obtained from a clinic recognised by the Kuwait Embassy, stating that their general state of health is good and that they are free of specific epidemic diseases. A good conduct certificate, issued by the police in the last place of residence, may be required for some nationalities.
If the employee is living in a country that has no Kuwait Embassy then the sponsore will submit the work permit and NOC to the Ministry of the Interior to obtain the entry visa. If an employee is on a visit visa to Kuwait when he accept employment, then, once the work permit and NOC are ready, he must leave Kuwait and return on the entry visa the sponsor obtain for him. For Westerners, a short round trip to Bahrain by air for the day may suffice.
However most nationalities are obliged to return to their native country in order to undergo medical tests and have them endorsed at the Kuwait Embassy there.
Once he has entered Kuwait, the Employee must undergo local medical tests and obtain a fingerprint certificate before he can process his residence visa.

Medical Tests

The medical tests are taken at the ports & Borders Health Division, Gamal Abdul Nasser Street, in Shuwaikh, just west of KISR but befor the chest Hospital is reached. Requirements are passport, copy of NOC, a single photography and KD 10 revenue stamp. Revenue Stamps are available from post office, or from private traders out-side the test area who charge a small premium over the nominal value of the stamp.
To take the test, a pink card must be obtained from a reception window. There is no system of appointments and most people must queue for the various procedures. These include a chest x-ray and blood tests for serious infectious diseases, such as HIV(AIDS), TB, hepatitis B&C, typhoid and malaria. A meningitis vaccination is also given. It takes about a week for the results, which are givien in the form Ministry of public Health, to come through. Persons found to be infected with epidemic diseases are deported.

Fingerprinting & Security Clearance

There are four fingerprinting departments where expatriates can have their fingerprints department and obtain security clearance. These are located in Khaed Ibn Al waleed Street, Sharq. Near the toy Shops (for persons living in the city governments) Al Gazali Street, Farwaniya (for persons living in Hawalli and Farwaniya governments), Ahmadi and Jahra.
To have fingerprints registered, an employee's passport, copy passport, four photographs and a letter from the Ministry of Social Affairs & Labour are required. An application form must be completed in Arabic and there are freelance typists around who will do so for a small fee. The fingerprinting process is a bit messy, but plenty of tissues and cleaning fluid are provided. It takes about a week for the fingerprints to be proceessed and the security clearence certificate to be issued by the Criminal Evidence Depatment of the Ministry of the Inetrior. The certificate is picked up from the same place as the fingerprints were taken.

Application for Residence

The actul application for an iqama is made a the Immigrtion and passport Department of the ministry of the Interior in Shuwaikh (the Jawazaat or passport office) just off the Airport road near the Q8 compound between the 3rd and 4th Ring Roads. First time applicants for residence must submit the following documents in the form of both originals and photocopies:
*declaration on the prescribed *work permit * NOC *passport * security clearence(fingerprint)certificate
Four passport size photography are also required. A maximaum of five years residence may be granted. The fee is KD 10 per year. If the sponsor is a government organisation then, by law, the employee must bear the cost. If the sponsor is a private company the cost is a matter of negotiation between the sponsors and the employee.

Renewing Residence

After the intial residence has expired it can be renewed, provided the expatriate intends to continue under the same sponsor. Renewal is a simple matter. Applications are made at the Jawazaat in Shuwaikh and the process should be started at least two weeks before the current residence expires. The new residence runs from the date it is stamped in the passport.
Medical test are not required on renewal. However the employee’s work permit must first be renewed with the Ministry of Social Affairs & Labour. The applicatin for renewal must be supported by:
· The employee’s work permit
· The renewed work permit
· A copy of the sponsor’s signature as required for business purposes
Normally the sponsors or his official mandoub will attend at the jawazat to renew the employee’s iqama. Where the employee does so himself, he must a letter from his sponsors authorising him to do so.

Dependent Visas

Once he has obtained his own residency, a male employee may sponsor his wife and children to live with him in Kuwait, provided he is earning at least KD 450 a month where he is on a 17-visa or at least KD 650 where he is on an 18-visa. If both sponsors are working in Kuwait, they are usually allowed to sponsor their children provided their combined salaries exceed about KD 350 per month.
A working wife cannot sponsor her husband as a dependent. Sons over 21 years cannot be sponsored as dependents, though adult daughters and parents may. Dependent family member may not work without transferring to a work visa under Kuwaiti sponsorship.
An entry visa for a dependent is obtained at the jawazaat in Shuwaikh. An application form must be typed in Arabic and bilingual typists are available for as charge of 500 files. The following supporting documents are required:
· Sponsor’s salary certificate
· Copy of the sponsor’s civil ID
· Copy of the dependent’s passport
· Authenticated marriage certificate or child’s birth certificate
The marriage certificate and child’s birth certificate must be authenticated by the sponsor’s embassy and certificate by the Kuwait Ministry of foreign Affairs.
Once they have entered the country the formalities for a dependent’s iqama are similar to those for a work visa. The dependent must be medically tested and fingerprinted. The photographs and documents required are the same as shown above except for the work permit. The sponsor’s declaration is an undertaking by the family supporter that he will maintain the dependent.
For expatriate sponsors working in the private sector, the first year dependent residence fees for a wife and the first two children are KD 100 a person and KD 200 each for subsequent children. For public sector employees, first year fees for a wife and the first two children are KD 10 a person and KD 100 each for subsequent children. Renewal fees in all cases are KD 10 a year per person. However the fee for a dependent parent is KD 200 a year.

New Born Child

When a baby is born to expatriate in Kuwait, the parents must obtain a dependent iqama for the child. There is no minimum salary requirement and the father of child born in Kuwait can sponsor his infant’s residence irrespective of his salary level.
But first the parents must obtain an official birth certificate for the child. To do so, a notification of the birth, obtained from the hospital where the child was born, The hospital will provide the address. Additional documents required to obtain the birth certificate include:
Application form duly completed, photocopies of parent’s passport civil Ids, and authenticated marriage contract. When the notification is being submitted at the registry, the parents will be asked to write down the proposed first name of the child. For expatriates who do not speak Arabic the name will be written phonetically in Arabic. The birth certificates are usually ready to be picked up at the registry after about a week. The fee is KD 10.
To obtain residence the baby’s name must first be added to the father’s passport or a separate passport must be obtained for the infant. Many expatriates prefer to obtain a separate passport for the child as, in many cases, to have the child added, the parent’s passport must be changed and the parent must then go though the formalities of having his residence transferred to the new passport. In addition, a child with his own passport can travel without his parent should this ever be necessary. To obtain a passport for the child, different rules, but most non-Arabic embassies require a certified translation of the child’s birth certificate while some require the certificate to be authenticated by the Ministry of foreign Affairs in Kuwait.
Once a passport has been procured or the child has been added to its father’s passport, the procedures for obtaining the child’s residence are the same as for any dependent. An infant born in Kuwait however is not required to undergo include the originals and copies of the father’s passport, the civil IDs of both parents, marriage certificate, work permit and letter of employment indicating salary. The application for the birth to avoid fine of KD 200.
Where the father works in the private sector, the administrative fee for the new-born intant is KD 100 in the first year for the first and second child, and KD 200 in the first year for the third and subsequent children, But if the father works in the public sector, there is no charge in the first year for the first three children, while the charge for each subse-quent child is KD 100 in the first year. The actual residence fee is KD 10 a year.
Parents on domestic servant visas cannot keep their child in Kuwait and must obtain an exit visa for the infant from the Ministry of the Interior, for which the following documents are required: passports and civil IDs of both parent’s, marriage contact translated into Arabic, and the child’s birth certificate. There is no fee for the exit visa but, to avoid a fine of KD 200, formalities must be completed within 60 days of the birth.

Domestic Servant’s Visa

Resident expatriates may sponsor one full-time servant to care for their household. A male expatiates must have his wife must be living with him if the servant is a female. The age limits for maids are 20 to 50 years. Family members may not be sponsored on servant’s visas.
The sponsor is not required to have a minimum salary and, provided both husband and wife are working and the family includes children, expatriate families are usually allowed to bring in a maid. The decision rests with immigration official who take into account the size of the family’s home, its monthly income and whether the family really need a maid.
An entry visa for a servant is obtained from the jawazaat in Shuwaikh. An application form must be typed in Arabic and bilingual typists are available for a charge of 500 fils. The following supporting documents are needed:
· Salary certificates of sponsor and his wife
· Copy of house rental agreement
· Copy of sponsor’s and wife’s passport
· Proof of ages of children (eg, copy of local birth certificates or passport)
· Copy of the sponsor’s and wife’s civil ID
· Copy of the servant’s passport plus eight passport sized photography
· Copy of the work contract for the servant
To travel to Kuwait, a servant may need to undergo certain formalities in his or her home country. These can be ascertained from the appropriate embassy.
Once he or she has entered the country the formalities fop a servant’s resident visa are photographs and documents needed are the same as for a work visa except for the work permit. The residence fee is KD 10 a year but there is also a charge of KD 200 in the first year.
There are many agencies in Kuwait which specialise in obtain domestic servants for Kuwaitis and expatriates. Some are reliable. A few have unsavory reputations.

New Passports

If an Expatriate’s passport expires before his residence visa runs out then his iqama can be transferred to the new passport. The transfer fee is KD 10. The new passport needs to be presented at the jawazat in Shuwaikh, accompanied by a typed application (500fils as described above) and the following supporting documents:
· Copies of all documents used to obtain the original residence
· Letter from sponsor
· Old passport
Four photographs are also required. Provided everything is in order the iqama may be stamped in the new passport there and then.
Where the validity of his passport has been expanded his residence is still valid an expatriate need do nothing.

Transferring to Another sponsor

Expatriates come to Kuwait to work and at the end of their contracts are expected to return to their native lands rather than remain in Kuwait. But in many cases an expatriate may transfer his residence to a new sponsor provided the current sponsor agrees.
The rules governing the right to transfer is complex and variable. Generally speaking, there are few restrictions on transfers between sponsors within the public sector and the transfer of domestic servants between different sponsors. A domestic servant however may not normally transfer to a sponsor in the private sector unless the transfer is to an establishment owned by his or her current sponsor. But transfer between the government sector (visa-17) and the private sector (visa-1, and vice veisa, are not restricted. While a dependent, such as a wife wishing to work, must have been resident for five years before she can transfer to the private sector (18-visa), though transfers from the private sector to dependent status are unrestricted.
Within the private sector, transfer to a new job as a teacher and not to a sponsor in industry.
And a person on a project visa, ie someone hired by a private firm for a government project, may not normally transfer after the project is completed but must instead leave Kuwait.
Under regulations issued in August 1999 by the Ministry of Social Affairs & Labour (MSA&L), expatriates in the private sector may transfer o another sponsor in the private sector only once every two years. Even if dismissed from their job. This rule, which relates only to persons already on an (18-visa), is subject to several exceptions and restrictions:
· Holders of university degrees may transfer as often as they wish. However a degree certificate needs to be attested by the Foreign Ministry in Kuwait, which means that it must first be attested by the holder’s local embassy or by the Kuwait embassy in holders.
· Persons working in establishments that are dissolved, liquidated, merged with others, sold or transferred, may transfer no matter how short a time they have been with their sponsors.
· Husband and children of Kuwait women may transfer as often as they wish.
· Owners, partners and shareholders in local companies may transfer as often as they wish.
· When a government project being undertaken by a private sector firm is given to another contractor or is cancelled or comes to an end, expatriates on project visas may transfer to the company taking over the oproject or to one undertaking a similar project.
· Expatriate in the transport and construction industries may only transfer, every two years, to sponsors within the same industry.

Transfer Procedures

But even if an expatriate is allowed to change his sponsor under the rules he must, in all cases, even if his contract has expired, have the consent of his current sponsor. This consent is evidenced by the sponsor’s signature on a letter of release In addition, to effect the transfer, a copy of the current sponsor’s commercial license is required.
Formalities to obtain the new iqama are similar to those for neither obtaining residence in the first place, though a medical test in nor necessary. The fee for the new work permit is KD 2, and the iqama costs the usual KD 10 a year though there is no rebate for any unexpired years of the old residence. In some cases a transfer fee, payable to the MSA&L, of KD 10 is charged.

Other Residence Visas

Besides work, dependent and domestic iqamas, expatriates may obtain other kids of residence, such as a student residence, or a three-month residence for medical treatment.
Temporary Residence
Expatriate may be granted temporary residence under article 14 in special cases where they do not need or cannot get ordinary residence. This allows for a stay for up to a year, Formerly only given to visitors with personal emergencies, such as illness, Western businessmen seem to obtain temporary residence without difficulty. Recently the Immigration Department has been granting two or three-month temporary residence to the immeigratiate relatives (Father, Mother, Sister, but not Brothers) of residents, whose visit visa have expired.
Temporary residence may also be given to expatriates who have resigned but who need to remain in Kuwait for some time in order to settle their financial affairs or a court case.
The cost is KD 10 A temporary residence is cancelled if the holder leaves the country.

Self-Sponsorship

Expatriates who have spent long years in Kuwait may sponsor themselves under article 24 of the regulations and obtain a residence for two to five years, provided they can support themselves financially and can produce a certificate of good conduct. This form of residence can be renewed upon expiry. Self-sponsored expatriates may sponsor their wives and children and are entitled to run their own business.

Exit Permits

Expatriate employees of ministries and some other government institutions must obtain exit permits before they can leave Kuwait. Other expatriate do not require exit visas.

Absence Abroad

A residence visa iscancelled if the holder is absent aboard for a continuous period of six months. The only exceptions are for those who:
· Are studying aboard
· Are receiving necessary treatment aboard, or
· Are required by virtue of their work to be aboard,
Provided permission in all three cases is obtained before leaving Kuwait.
For a student studying overseas, application for permission is made to the immigration office in the applicant’s residential area. An official letter from the child’s college stating that he or she is studying there, authenticated by the Kuwait embassy in the for country and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kuwait is required. A typist outside the immigration office will type a letter of application in Arabic, which must state the reasons for the application, for 500fils. Other documents needed include copies of passport and civil ID plus four passport-sized photographs. The permission is given in the form of letter.
This letter must be shown to the immigration officer both on departure from Kuwait and on return. The permission is valid for the term of the holder’s residence. It can be used for several entries and exits, and does not need to be renewed until residence is renewed.

KUWAIT PROFILE : Kuwait Country Profile

Anonymous — Fri Jan 06, 2006 12:07 pm

Author: Anonymous

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2006 12:07 pm

KUWAIT PROFILE : Kuwait Country Profile

The State of Kuwait is a small oil-rich monarchy on the coast of the Persian Gulf, enclosed by Saudi Arabia in the south and Iraq in the north. Kuwait is located in the Middle East. Kuwait is a diminutive of an Arabic word meaning "fortress built near water."

History of Kuwait

Kuwait was established in the 16th century when several clans from the Al Aniza tribe migrated to the northern shore of the Persian Gulf from the Najd, their famine-stricken homeland in central Arabia. They settled in what is now known as Qatar for more than sixty years before migrating over sea to settle in the Isle De Chader, where they built a small fort, or “kut”. The current rulers of the country are descended from Sabah I, who was chosen by the community, which was composed mainly of traders. They were tasked with administering the affairs of the State, including foreign affairs and taxation/duties. This is unlike most other Arab emirates of the Persian Gulf where the rulers seized and maintained authority by force.

The 17th century saw the Arabian Peninsula in tumultuous times. The area that is now Kuwait was occupied by tribes and used for spice trading from India. By the 18th century, most of the local people made a living selling pearls. However, as pearl farming developed in Japan during the 1930s, Kuwait became impoverished. In 1899, growing British influence led to Kuwait becoming a British protectorate. Oil transformed Kuwait into one of the richest countries in the Arab peninsula; in 1953 the country became the largest exporter of oil in the Persian Gulf. This massive growth attracted many immigrant laborers who were rarely granted citizenship. Kuwait, having amassed great wealth, was the first of the Persian Gulf-Arab states to declare independence on June 19, 1961. Iraq challenged this declaration, claiming that Kuwait was part of its territory. It threatened to invade Kuwait, but was deterred by the Egyptians.

An important period in Kuwait's political, social and economic development was the Souk Al-Manakh Crisis of 1982. This was a major stock market crash that had widespread consequences and has endured in the public memory twenty years later as a result.

After being allied with Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War until its end in 1988 (largely due to the desire for Iraqi protection from Shiite Iran), Kuwait was invaded by Iraq (under Saddam Hussein) on August 2, 1990. Hussein's primary justifications included a charge that Kuwaiti territory was in fact an Iraqi province, and that annexation was retaliation for "economic warfare" Kuwait had allegedly waged through slant drilling into oil supplies that were in disputed territories. The monarchy was deposed after annexation, and a new Kuwaiti governor was installed by Saddam Hussein.

Authorized by the UN Security Council, an American-led coalition of 34 nations fought the Persian Gulf War to reinstate the Kuwaiti Emir. After 6 weeks of fierce fighting in the early 1991, Iraq was forced to withdraw its troops from Kuwait on February 26, 1991; during retreat, the Iraqi Armed Forces practiced a scorched earth policy by setting fire to Kuwaiti oil wells. The fires took over nine months to fully extinguish, and the cost of repairs to oil infrastructure exceeded US $5,000,000,000. Certain buildings and infrastructural facilities (including Kuwait International Airport) were also severely damaged during the war . Kuwait now remains under the governance of the Amir Jabir al-Ahmad al-Jabir Al Sabah as an independent state and is of strategic importance.

Politics of Kuwait

Chief of state is the Emir, a semi-hereditary title. The emir appoints the prime minister, who until recently was also the crown prince. A council of ministers aids the prime minister in his task as head of government. The parliament known as the Majlis Al-Umma (National Assembly), consists of 50 members, who are chosen in elections held every four years. Government ministers, according to the Constitution of the State, are given automatic membership in the parliament.

Prior to 2005, only 15% of the Kuwaiti citizen population was allowed to vote, with all women, "recently naturalised" citizens (less than 30 years of citizenship), and members of the armed forces excluded. On May 16, 2005, Parliament permitted women's suffrage by a 35-23 vote, subject to Islamic law and effective for the 2007 Parliamentary Election. It is unclear what terms will be imposed upon female voters through the decision's requirement of them to abide by Islamic law, such as whether it will require conservative dress and separate polling places. The decision could raise Kuwait's voter rolls from 139,000 to as many as 339,000 if all eligible women register; the total number of Kuwaitis is estimated at more than 960,000. Recently, Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah announced the appointment of Dr Massouma Mubarak as planning minister and minister of state for administrative development affairs. The appointment of a woman as a cabinet minister was a big breakthrough in Kuwaiti political system and it makes Kuwait the third country in the conservative Gulf Arab region to have a woman cabinet minister.

Governorates

Map of KuwaitMain article: Governorates of Kuwait
Kuwait is divided into 6 governorates or provinces (Arabic: muhafazat, singular - muhafadhah). The Kuwaiti government prefers to use the term governorate over province:

Al Ahmadi
Al Farwaniyah
Al Asimah
Al Jahra
Hawalli
Mubarak Al-Kabeer

The major cities are the capital Kuwait, and Jahrah (further in the north-west, 30-minute drive from the capital). The main residential and business areas are Salmiya and Hawalli. The main industrial area is Shuwaikh which resides within the Al Asimah Governorate.

Geography of Kuwait

Kuwait consists mostly of desert, with little altitude difference. Kuwait is the only country in the world with no natural lake or water reservoir. It has nine islands, the largest one being the Bubiyan, which is linked to the mainland by a concrete bridge (after the liberation in 1991 the island was converted into a military base and currently no civilians are allowed in).

The islands are:

Bubiyan Island
Failaka Island
Kubbar Island
Miskan Island
Qaruh Island
Umm al Maradim Island
Umm an Namil Island
Warbah Island

Kuwait is considered to be one of the fifteen lands that comprise the "Cradle of Humanity".

Kuwait enjoys a variable continental climate. Summers (April to October) are extremely hot and dry with temperatures reaching above 51°C (123.8°F) in Kuwait City. Winters (November to February) are cool with limited precipitation and temperature level dropping below 21°C (69.8°F). The spring season is cool and pleasant.

Economy of Kuwait

Kuwait is a small, rich, relatively open economy with proved crude oil reserves of 94 billion barrels (15 km³) - 10% of world reserves. Petroleum accounts for nearly half of GDP, 90% of export revenues, and 75% of government income. Kuwait's climate limits agricultural development. Consequently, with the exception of fish, it depends almost wholly on food imports. About 75% of potable water must be distilled or imported. Higher oil prices put the FY99/00 budget into a €1.7 billion ($2 billion) surplus. The FY00/01 budget covers only nine months because of a change in the fiscal year. The budget for FY01/02 envisioned higher expenditures for salaries, construction, and other general categories. Kuwait continues its discussions with foreign oil companies to develop fields in the northern part of the country. By 1990 the country earned more from foreign investment than from oil exports. The expenses of the Iraqi invasion and postwar reconstruction placed a heavy economic burden on the country, but by the mid-1990s Kuwait had resumed its preinvasion prosperity. Gross domestic product (GDP) for 2003 was €34.6 billion ($41.7 billion), giving Kuwait a per capita GDP of $17,420 (€14,166). The labor force totals 1,073,115 people, only about one-quarter of whom are Kuwaiti citizens.[1]

The Central Bank of Kuwait in the capital city issues Kuwait’s currency, the Kuwaiti dinar. The dinar is valued at 0.351676 KWD per 1EUR and at 0.292010 KWD per 1USD, making it the highest-valued currency in the world.

Oil Industry

Because the government owns the oil industry, it controls most of the economy—in all, about 75 percent of the GDP. Kuwait’s oil exports vary depending on internal needs (almost all of Kuwait’s energy is derived from oil), international demand and prices, and production quotas fixed by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of which Kuwait is a member. OPEC’s quotas, however, are difficult to enforce, and Kuwait and other countries have been accused of violating them. In 2002 oil production was 692 million barrels.

The chief oil companies are :

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC)
A crude oil exploration and development company

Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC)
Runs Oil Refineries across Kuwait

Petrochemicals Industries Company (PIC)
Petrochemical & Fertilizers manufacturer

Kuwait Petroleum Intl. Limited (KPIL - Q
Runs refining and marketing business in Europe

Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploraton Company (KUFPEC)
Intl. Oil Exploration Company

Equate
A Petrochemical company formed by PIC and Dow Chemical

Demographics of Kuwait

Kuwaiti citizens are a minority of those who reside in Kuwait. The government only rarely grants citizenship to non-citizens (who are generally referred to as expatriates). About 80% of the Kuwaiti population is Arab; Arab expatriates include a large group of stateless Arabs, locally known as Bidoon (an Arabic word meaning "without" and different from Bedouin), along with Egyptians, Lebanese and other Arabs.Other large groups of expatriates include Pakistanis, Indians, Bangladeshis and Filipinos. Kuwait formerly had a large Palestinian population, though most of them were forced out of the country after PLO leader Yassir Arafat's support of Iraq during the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait.

The official language is Arabic, although English is generally understood. Some immigrants also speak their own local languages. About 85% of Kuwait's population are Muslims, mostly Sunni.

Of Kuwait's Muslims, it is estimated that around 65% of them are Sunni, and around 35% or slightly more are Shia Muslims.

Infrastructure

The skyline of Kuwait City. At 372 m, the Liberation Tower (seen in background) is the world's 13th tallest free-standing structure.Kuwait's infrastructure took a considerable beating during the 1st Gulf War. Hundreds of oil wells were put on fire and the country's oil production had come to standstill. Much has changed since the end of the Gulf War. The Kuwaiti government has poured billions of dollars to construct an elaborate roadway system and in 2003, the telecommunication industry achieved an incredible growth rate. Kuwait City boasts more than a dozen 5-star hotels and resorts and several skyscrapers dominate the city's skyline. Kuwait Infrastructure Maintaince Management System ovelooks the oil-rich country's infrastructure. Kuwait's energy sector is the main source for 47% of the country's annual income.

Transportation

Kuwait’s transportation system is modern and efficient, with a road system that is well developed by regional standards. Roads total 4,450 km (2,765 mi), of which 81 % are paved and 350 km are freeways, with most people traveling by automobile. The network consists of over 250 bridges. There is no railway system in Kuwait although public and private bus systems are operated. An international airport is located in the southern outskirts of the Kuwait city metropolitan area and Kuwait Airways is the national airline owned by the government. The country has three modern seaports, one of which specializes in oil exports.

Source : Wikipedia