The Ministry of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs said Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah carried out the unannounced inspection of the Al-Riqqa social unit as part of a series of performance monitoring visits. The minister found several employees absent from their posts and not complying with official working hours. She instructed that those involved be referred for legal and administrative measures to address the violations.
According to the ministry the minister stressed the importance of discipline and directed officials to correct the shortcomings without delay while continuing similar surprise visits to other facilities. This action represents the latest example of direct oversight by the minister in 2026. Kuwait Times reported that Al-Huwailah began the year with a field tour of multiple ministry departments on Jan. 4.
The visit follows an April 2026 directive from the ministry that set physical attendance at 50 percent of the workforce during official hours in response to regional circumstances. That adjustment amended an earlier circular and exempted employees on shift systems. A report from People Matters Global detailed the policy change.
Al-Riqqa social unit provides community services including family support and social welfare programs under the ministry. Disruptions from non-attendance can delay assistance to local residents. The minister’s directive requires follow-up to maintain consistent service standards.
Kuwait’s Civil Service Bureau has issued circulars guiding attendance across public entities in recent months. The ministry has called on all units to uphold strict compliance with working schedules. Further information on the exact number of referred employees was not disclosed in the announcement.
