Kuwait: Public Outrage as Retired Citizens Find Benefits Cut Off
Thousands of retirees in Kuwait have reportedly taken to social media to demand their rights and call for the government to re-evaluate their needs in light of the high cost of living in the country, according to reports.
Under the hashtag “Retirees_want_their_rights_in_full”, Kuwaiti retirees have demanded that the government drop the benefits of salary replacements from insurance and ensure that the share of the annual insurance profits is not less than 10 per cent.
Retirees are also calling for repetitive interest-free loans, provided they have fully paid off their previous loans. The retirees’ situation has drawn emotional responses on social media, with many calling on the government to recognise the difficulties retirees face in making ends meet. Many retirees are struggling to support their families and pay for basic expenses, such as electricity and water bills, bank installments, and rent.
Retirees have reportedly asked for an increase in their pensions to meet Kuwait‘s rising cost of living. They have also expressed frustration, the report said, as they did not receive any grants or raises, particularly during Eid and Ramadan.
Kuwaiti citizens can retire at the age of 60 after at least 15 years of service in the public sector, with retirement eligibility and benefits subject to change based on government policies and regulations. If a citizen has a chronic illness or disability, they could be qualified to retire earlier than usual and receive a pension that is less than the standard amount. However, the rules and benefits of retirement could change as per government policies and regulations.
