Kuwait advances legislative reforms to strengthen justice and transparency
Recently, the Council of Ministers approved a set of laws that modernize the country's legal framework. These reforms mark a qualitative enhancement in Kuwait's judicial system, offering stronger protection of public funds, bolstering anti-corruption efforts, aligning with rapid technological developments, and broadening the scope of digital judicial services.
As part of these reforms, the Council of Ministers approved a draft decree-law to amend specific provisions of the Penal Code, originally enacted under Law No. 16 of 1960. The goal is to strengthen public rights, increase deterrence, and close legal loopholes revealed through practical application. The amendments target the decline in public caution that has led to injuries and fatalities. They increase the fines for manslaughter and unintentional injuries and introduce two new articles that enhance penalties when certain aggravating circumstances are present.
Additionally, the amendments introduce a new provision to protect the financial system from debtors who falsely claim insolvency. It criminalizes the transfer of assets by debtors to third parties who are aware of their debts, thereby preventing intentional evasion of debt repayment.
The government also proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure and Trials. These revisions provide practical solutions to existing challenges in the justice process. A notable change includes the electronic notification of in-absentia judgments under Article 188, alongside traditional methods. This aims to expedite judgment delivery and ensure convicts are properly informed. It also helps reduce litigation delays and limits instances where verdicts expire due to the inability to locate the convict using traditional means.
Moreover, Article 230 was amended to facilitate the collection of criminal fines. The Public Prosecution is now authorized to collect fines directly from the convict or deduct up to 25% of their salary. It also allows for installment payments over a period of up to five years, taking into account humanitarian and financial circumstances. These changes aim to safeguard public funds, ensure enforcement of court judgments, and prevent convicts from evading justice, while maintaining a fair balance between the rights of individuals and the interests of society.
In response to practical observations where solvent debtors avoided repayment through legal loopholes, the Council of Ministers approved a draft law amending Article 5 of Law No. 71 of 2020 on Bankruptcy. This amendment reinstates the possibility of arrest and detention for debtors who deliberately evade their financial obligations. It also grants the General Administration of Enforcement enhanced authority to act against defaulting debtors by enabling it to request full financial disclosures, including real estate, movable assets, bank accounts, and details of asset transfers.
Another key development includes a draft decree-law amending certain provisions of the Civil and Commercial Procedures Law (Decree No. 38 of 1980). This amendment permits the Enforcement Department to notify the Credit Information Company of any non-payment, which will then be reflected in the debtor's credit record, offering legal entities a clearer view of the individual's financial credibility.
In tandem with these efforts, Kuwait also reinforced the mandate of the Public Authority for Combating Corruption (Nazaha) through a draft decree-law amending Law No. 2 of 2016. The amendments broaden the definition of corruption to include embezzlement of cooperative societies' funds, thereby protecting shareholders and increasing oversight of these entities. Furthermore, the changes mandate that dismissals of corruption reports be justified, and they allow financial disclosures to be submitted electronically — particularly helpful for diplomatic and consular staff abroad. These updates also include procedural safeguards to protect Nazaha's employees.
Decree-Law No. 94 of 2024 further amends Decree-Law No. 20 of 1981 by defining the quorum for the Court of Cassation in administrative matters. This ensures the court focuses on significant issues, thus enhancing its role in unifying legal principles and ensuring proper application of the law.
To support equality in criminal, civil, and commercial cases, Decree-Law No. 104 of 2024 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure and Trials by extending the appeal period to 30 days. This change accommodates the real-world delays litigants often face in obtaining copies of judgments. It also introduces a new article (22 bis) allowing summons in criminal cases to be served through modern communication methods, as permitted under the Civil and Commercial Procedures Law.
In another important development, Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait issued Resolution No. 194 of 2025 to regulate payment procedures for all official documents, contracts, debt statements, and mortgages issued by the Ministry of Justice. Under this regulation, payment must be proven through bank transfers or certified checks. This measure is part of broader efforts to combat money laundering, eliminate fraudulent debt claims, and close legal loopholes that have enabled illegal real estate transactions. It is expected to enhance transparency in the real estate market, protect buyers and sellers from fraud, and strengthen financial oversight.
Furthering Kuwait's vision for reform, a new decision — issued by Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah following directives from the Amiri Diwan — reduces life imprisonment sentences to 20 years. The move aims to balance punishment with the principles of justice, giving inmates a chance to reintegrate into society after serving their sentence.
In February, Kuwait also inaugurated the new Palace of Justice, marking a significant cultural and infrastructural milestone. This modern facility integrates digital technologies across all litigation processes, creating an ideal judicial environment.
In alignment with royal directives, the Ministry of Justice has set strategic goals to enhance the justice system. These include reviewing existing laws, simplifying litigation procedures, reducing case resolution times, and expanding digital judicial services to ensure efficient and accessible justice for all. The Ministry is also working on legislative changes to transform the judicial system into a fully electronic one, aiming to reduce case backlogs, speed up court procedures, and improve access to legal services for all citizens.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
15 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
22 killed in Angola fuel hike unrest
LUANDA: Two days of unrest and looting in Angola during a protest against a fuel price hike claimed the lives of 22 people, the government said Wednesday, as a tense calm returned to the capital. Violence erupted on Monday, the first day of a strike called by taxi drivers to protest the July 1 increase in fuel costs in the oil-rich nation where millions live in poverty. It was some of the worst unrest in several years in the Portuguese-speaking southern African country, which has been governed by the MPLA party since 1975. Sporadic gunfire was heard across Luanda and several other cities on Monday and Tuesday as people looted shops and clashed with police. 'We regret 22 deaths, including one police officer,' Interior Minister Manuel Homem told reporters on the sidelines of a Council of Ministers meeting chaired by President Joao Lourenco. Nearly 200 people were injured in the violence, he said, and more than 1,200 people had been arrested. The unrest was marked by massive looting in which people raided supermarkets and warehouses, making off with food and other supplies. Sixty-six shops were damaged, Homem said. The streets of Luanda were tense and largely empty Wednesday, although there were some queues outside petrol stations and shops, AFP reporters said. There was a heavy presence of security forces. Many shops remained closed, but public transport had slowly resumed in some areas after a two-day standstill. With the protests having spread outside the capital, a statement after the ministers' meeting said vandalism and rioting had 'triggered a climate of widespread insecurity'. It said 'elements with criminal intentions' had turned the demonstration into a 'threat to security'. Police in the southern city of Lubango confirmed separately that a police officer had shot and killed a 16-year-old on Tuesday. The teenager was part of a group attempting to invade the headquarters of the ruling MPLA party, a statement said. The strike was the latest in a series of protests this month after the price of fuel was hiked from 300 to 400 kwanzas ($0.33 to $0.43) a liter on July 1. The government's move to lower its heavy fuel subsidies reportedly followed International Monetary Fund calls for more public money for health and education. But it has angered many in the country of 36 million people, already under pressure from inflation of around 20 percent while nearly 30 percent are unemployed. High inflation and limited growth 'are likely to keep poverty rates high, around 36 percent by 2026, underscoring the need for a stronger social safety net and more development spending', according to the World Bank. At a demonstration of around 2,000 people in Luanda on Saturday, protesters condemned the fuel price hike but also brandished signs denouncing MPLA 'corruption' or discontent with the rule of Lourenco, who was re-elected for a second five-year term in 2022. There had been similar protests the two previous weekends. In a joint statement Wednesday, the opposition UNITA and Bloco Democratico parties said Angola was in a 'severe economic and social crisis' that was a result of government policies 'disconnected from the country's reality'. Amnesty International and other rights groups have accused the police of using excessive force against protesters in Angola, which suffered through a 1975-2002 civil war and almost four decades of repression under former president Jose Eduardo dos Santos. - AFP
Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
The Power Behind Kuwait's Growth? Its Diverse Expat Workforce
KUWAIT CITY, July 30: 'The State of Kuwait hosts expatriate workers of more than 150 nationalities from around the world – all of whom contribute to the progress of the country and its development in all fields,' says Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Human Rights Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah. In a statement to the press when she attended the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons event organized by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) at the Avenues Mall on Wednesday, Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah emphasized that the expatriate workers are guests on Kuwaiti soil, and they must protect their rights and preserve their dignity, in the same manner that employers have rights and duties that must be preserved and protected. She said Kuwait firmly believes in the need to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, and that it focuses on the issue in the context of its international and humanitarian obligations. She affirmed that Kuwait commends and appreciates the efforts of all those working hard to combat this human crime. She disclosed that Kuwait formed the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, headed by the Minister of Justice and with the membership of several government agencies, including the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Information, Health, and the Public Prosecution. She pointed out that Law No. 91/2013 on combating this crime was passed, along with a comprehensive national plan and a national system for monitoring and responding to cases. She stated that Kuwait's efforts in this area stem from its effective partnership with friendly countries, as well as close coordination with the United Nations and its specialized agencies – International Organization for Migration (IOM), International Labor Organization (ILO), and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). She added these efforts aim to develop training plans and programs and build the capacity of nationals specialized in this field to enhance the ability of the country to combat this phenomenon. Meanwhile, acting Deputy Director General for Labor Affairs at PAM Musaed Al-Mutairi confirmed that Kuwait is moving forward in combating human trafficking by developing its national legislation and activating prevention mechanisms and measures necessary to provide protection and early detection, according to a comprehensive approach in line with international standards. Al-Mutairi said PAM has been keen on building an integrated work system that includes continuous training for labor inspectors and strengthening cooperation with local and international bodies. 'This is achieved through the unwavering support of Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah, as well as the provision of safe and confidential channels for receiving complaints and reports,' he elaborated. He revealed that PAM works in close partnership with IOM to enhance the capabilities of workers in the field and provide a decent work environment that respects rights and combats exploitation. He stressed that combating human trafficking is a national and humanitarian responsibility, indicating that PAM continues to develop its oversight and regulatory policies to ensure a safe working environment that protects the dignity of all residents and workers. Director of the Public Relations and Media Department at PAM Mohammad Al-Muzaini emphasized that the authority is keen on commemorating the World Day against Trafficking in Persons by holding a special event, pointing out that awareness and community assessment are the focus of this year's event. He said the event includes a survey to measure community awareness, describing the day as an awareness-raising event par excellence. He highlighted State efforts to combat human trafficking, particularly in terms of the methods of dealing with such cases, shelters for the victims and public awareness programs. He said PAM operates two shelters-one for women and the other for men, stressing these shelters are not crowded. He affirmed that the shelters are accommodating all the very limited cases. Regarding the mechanism for dealing with suspected trafficking cases, he explained, 'We handle these cases in cooperation with the embassies, or whenever a worker reaches out to us directly, or even through reports of suspected trafficking or the need for assistance. We have a field team capable of reaching the workers and assisting them immediately. They are admitted to the center, and then we communicate with the relevant parties to resolve the problem and settle the worker's situation -- whether for reintegration into the labor market or in preparation for their departure from the country.' Asked about the possibility of transferring the workers to another sponsor, he said this depends on their legal status, and it is carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior. Ali Al-Hussien, Director of the Industry and Labor Department at Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), stated that the chamber's participation affirms its full support for the efforts of PAM in combating human trafficking. He underscored the importance of partnership between the public and private sectors to promote the principles of decent work and combat all forms of exploitation, including human trafficking. Secretary General of Kuwait Trade Union Federation Nasser Al-Azmi reiterated the firm position of the federation in confronting this heinous crime, which violates human dignity, religious values, ethical principles, and international human rights agreements and treaties. He stated that human trafficking, particularly the exploitation of forced labor, is a direct and blatant threat to the rights and dignity of workers; hence, the need for a collective, integrated, and coordinated response at the national and international levels, based on legal tools and a comprehensive humanitarian approach. Also on Wednesday, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling, Nasser Al-Sumait affirmed that protecting individuals from human trafficking is a national responsibility requiring year-round institutional collaboration. Speaking to KUNA on the occasion of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed annually on July 30, Al-Sumait said Kuwait has adopted a comprehensive approach combining prevention, legislation, and victim care, grounded in transparency and accountability. He emphasized that Kuwait continues to develop modern tools to address trafficking crimes, in line with international changes and digital challenges, and highlighted the importance of social partnerships and responsible media, noting that public awareness is the first line of defense. Al-Sumait expressed confidence that Kuwait's national efforts, aligned with international standards, will foster a safe environment where human rights are protected without discrimination. Kuwait established its National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling in 2018, aiming for a society free of trafficking, raising awareness of its dangers, and working toward its eradication. The UN General Assembly designated July 30 as World Day Against Trafficking in Persons to raise awareness of human trafficking, highlight victims' suffering, and protect their rights. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed on Wednesday Kuwait's firm commitment to combating the crime of human trafficking, describing it as a blatant violation of human rights. In a statement posted on (X), the Ministry emphasized Kuwait's keenness to strengthen both its national and international efforts to prevent this crime, protect its victims, and take all necessary measures, in line with its legal and human rights responsibilities.
Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Truant Kuwaiti doctor jailed for 5 years
KUWAIT CITY, July 30: The court has rejected the appeal filed against the ruling to sentence a Kuwaiti doctor to five years in prison for embezzling KD 115,000 in undue salaries due to prolonged absence from work. The doctor was also fined KD 345,000, and dismissed from his position. According to details obtained from the Ministry of Health's Legal Department, the doctor had been absent from the hospital for five years, residing abroad while continuing to receive his full salary in collusion with another employee. A complaint against the doctor was filed with the Public Prosecution, and criminal investigations revealed that the doctor had stayed outside Kuwait for the entire five-year period, confirming his absence and unauthorized salary payments.
