August 04, 2008	Monday	Sha'aban 1 429

KUWAIT, Aug 3: Kuwait wants to limit work permits for some nationalities, a government minister said on Sunday, following violent protests over pay that led the Gulf Arab state to deport hundreds of Bangladeshi workers

Bangladeshi airport officials said on Friday more than 1,000 Bangladeshis had been deported from Kuwait, with hundreds more facing a similar fate. Social Affairs and Labour Minister Bader al-Duwaila said on Sunday several hundreds had been deported.

“The number did not reach 1,000,” he told reporters after briefing parliament’s human rights committee.

“There are decisions to limit some nationalities,” he added.

“When a certain nationality surpasses others there must be a fair distribution among working nationalities in the country.” Expatriates make up two-thirds of Kuwait’s population of 3.2 million.

Duwaila said the cabinet would discuss a proposal to introduce a monthly minimum wage of 40 dinars ($151) for cleaners and 70 dinars for civilian security staff to improve workers’ pay.

Some of the protesting workers had said they were asking for 50 dinars without deductions for visa fees.—Reuters