The labor minister in the caretaker government, Kamil Abu Sleiman, issued a circular yesterday ordering the extension of the work and residency permits as well as clearances, for foreign workers until December 31, 2019 because of the current unstable conditions in the country. The decision aims to alleviate further burdens and additional fees on ordinary employees and citizens who could not complete the procedural papers at the labor ministry, the circular said. (Al Diyar, December 11, 2019)