ONE sign of the new era is the continued efforts to resolve one of Kuwait’s most complex and persistent problems: the Bedoun problem. This situation has long attracted everyone’s attention and has been exploited for sectarian, tribal and electoral purposes. It is well known that no challenge is insurmountable if there is a will to solve it.

Even the most difficult problems often have multiple solutions. If the government has competent, wise leaders who understand the risks of allowing unresolved problems to persist unresolved, especially those that do not involve high costs, it can turn these challenges into opportunities for success. .

All the countries that faced the Bedoun problem, such as the United States, France, Germany, Britain and many European and Western countries, as well as some Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, faced similar challenges. However, some countries have chosen to grant these individuals rights comparable to those of citizens, with the exception of full citizenship, in order to improve their national productivity and utilize all available talents for employment opportunities. and projects. Initially, the Bedoun issue was relatively minor, but due to the lack of seriousness in seeking solutions and parliamentary discussions on it in the National Assembly, it became a major problem.

In doing so, many have overlooked the fact that this tarnishes Kuwait’s reputation. In light of this, instead of finding a contemporary solution, the restrictions placed on these individuals became so severe that some turned to a life of crime, while others, particularly those who had a profession, a university degree or foreign citizenship, chose to leave. True to the Gulf proverb “A spring quenches the thirst of those who are far away, while those who are near die of thirst,” many left Kuwait, the country where they had studied and spent their entire lives.

Some became British citizens, Canadian citizens, or citizens of other countries who adopted them and benefited from them. In the 1965 census, the number of Bédoun was less than 15,000. However, they found themselves without a solution, either due to the lack of seriousness in solving the problem or due to their exploitation in electoral conflicts, as mentioned previously. Today, their numbers have increased considerably and the situation continues to worsen, particularly due to the loss of nationalities, which has caused serious social and economic problems. Their population probably exceeded 200,000 or more.

This issue concerns His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad, who aims to get rid of the crises and problems that have remained unresolved for 60 years. Even if the file is vast, determination can pave the way for solutions, particularly within the Council of Ministers. Therefore, the recent report on a roadmap for tackling the Bedoun case represents a crucial starting point not only for resolving this problem but also for addressing several others. For example, benefiting from the skills and labor of Bedoun employees in various institutions could contribute to strengthening the country’s economic activity.

Furthermore, as we read, it is necessary to recognize that Kuwait occupies a strategic position and is ready to embark on large-scale projects. To support development and enhance the national product, it is necessary to employ all young people, qualified citizens and residents of Bedoun who were born and raised in the country. This requires significant manpower for new projects. In conclusion, we would like to emphasize how happy everyone would be to see the Bedoun issue resolved. This would mark a definitive solution to a long-standing social problem that has been exploited by dishonest parties to misrepresent Kuwait. Once again we say that where there is a will, there is always a way.

By Ahmed Al-Jarallah

Editor-in-Chief, Arab Times