In connection with the implementation of a new automated immigration system, there was a brief period (March 30 to April 4, 2010), during which Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor did not process transactions related to the issuance of work permits or the transference of expatriate residence, reports Arab Times. The new system, which has been delayed since 2007, took effect on April 4, 2010. The system aims to ease the exchange of information between the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor and other ministries, reduce paper usage, and connect the government with local banks, according to KuwaitSamachar.com.