KUWAIT CITY: The one million citizens of Kuwait, where government financial assets have topped $166 billion, are to receive a grant of KD 200 dinars ($690) each, the Cabinet announced yesterday. "In accordance with directives by the Amir, the Cabinet decided to provide all Kuwaiti citizens with a grant of 200 dinars each," state minister for cabinet affairs Ismail Al-Shatti said after the cabinet weekly meeting. The two million foreign workers in the oil-rich emirate were not included. The Opec member posted a surplus in each of the past seven fiscal years, totalling more than $50 billion. Kuwait is also headed for record revenues this year. The government offered a similar grant in October 2004 and raised salaries of citizens by $170 monthly last year. MPs in the outspoken parliament have been pressing for a new hike. Kuwait provides a cradle-to-grave welfare system to its citizens who receive most public services at heavily subsidised prices and pay no income tax. Some 92 per cent of Kuwait's 300,000-strong workforce are employed in government jobs, with high wages and minimal work pressure. - AFP