Kuwait moves to scrap housing law critics say created unequal access
KUWAIT: Kuwait's Cabinet has taken steps to repeal a controversial housing law that critics say unfairly granted a second chance at public housing to a select group of citizens, while thousands of others remained on waiting lists. The decision follows a detailed briefing by Abdullatif Al-Mishari, Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs, during Wednesday's Cabinet session, chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. At the meeting, Al-Mihsari said the law had deepened social inequities in the country's public housing system.
The legislation in question—Law No 2 of 2015, commonly known as the 'Who Sold His House' law—amended Kuwait's foundational housing care legislation by adding Article 29 (repeated) to Law No 47 of 1993. Originally intended to assist families that sold their homes due to changing needs, the law allowed certain citizens to reapply for housing on a one-time basis, provided they had repaid a loan from the Kuwait Credit Bank and no longer owned property.
According to the law's explanatory note, it sought to accommodate families 'who sold their allocated housing units under pressure from social changes affecting the family structure, such as urgent needs for more space or a different type of housing better suited to their evolving requirements.'
But from its inception, the law sparked criticism for applying only to a narrow group: citizens who sold their homes between 1992 and 2015, and only certain types of state-allocated housing. It excluded those who sold homes or did so outside the specified time frame. Some lawmakers went further, calling for the law's expansion to include those who had sold multiple times—a proposal that never gained traction.
In his remarks to the Cabinet, Minister Al-Mishari argued that the law had inadvertently created a dual-track housing system, offering multiple chances to a select few while thousands of first-time applicants remained underserved. 'This law granted preferential treatment to a specific segment of citizens, which undermines the principles of social justice and equality enshrined in Kuwait's Constitution,' Al-Mishari said, according to an official statement. He noted that the problem was especially pressing given the growing backlog of housing applications from citizens who have never received government support.
Origins and limitations
Under Article 29 (repeated), families who had received loans from the Kuwait Credit Bank to build or buy homes could apply again for state-assisted housing—on a usufruct or rental basis—if they had sold their property between 1992 and 2015, repaid the loan in full, and did not currently own a home. The law gave the Housing Welfare Authority discretion, through ministerial regulation, to set eligibility conditions and prioritize applicants based on family need, housing type, and location—though not beyond a three-year window. However, the narrow scope of the law excluded many in similar situations, raising questions about fairness and consistency in how public housing resources were distributed. In response, the Cabinet has now instructed Minister Al-Mishari to begin legal and administrative procedures to repeal the law. Officials say the move is part of a broader effort to reinforce principles of justice and to ensure that housing resources—already under strain—are allocated based on need, not circumstance or timing.
But they have not clarified how the repeal will affect the thousands of citizens still waiting to benefit from the law. While several hundred families have already received homes under the program, many more remain in limbo, awaiting allocations promised under its provisions. In East Sabah Al-Ahmad, over 1,100 homes were designated for eligible citizens who sold their homes within the approved timeframe. According to the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, the first phase of the project, comprising 587 homes, has been fully completed. The second phase, which covers the remaining units, was 91.64 percent complete as of the end of February. It was expected that benefeciaries would receive their homes by the end of the year. — Agencies
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait Times
8 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Zionists continue stalling, killing after Hamas backs truce
GAZA: A senior Zionist official on Tuesday said the government stood firm on its call for the release of all captives in any future Gaza ceasefire deal, after Hamas accepted a new truce proposal. Mediators are awaiting an official Zionist response to the plan, a day after Hamas signaled its readiness for a fresh round of talks aimed at ending nearly two years of war. Mediator Qatar expressed guarded optimism for the new proposal, noting that it was 'almost identical' to an earlier version agreed to by the Zionist entity. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a senior Zionist official told AFP the government's stance had not changed and demanded the release of all captives in any deal. The two foes have held on-and-off indirect negotiations throughout the war, resulting in two short truces during which Zionist hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but they have ultimately failed to broker a lasting ceasefire. Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, have mediated the frequent rounds of shuttle diplomacy. Egypt said Monday that it and Qatar had sent the new proposal to the Zionist entity, adding 'the ball is now in its court'. Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said on Tuesday that Hamas had given a 'very positive response, and it truly was almost identical to what the (Zionist) side had previously agreed to'. 'We cannot make any claims that a breakthrough has been made. But we do believe it is a positive point,' he added. According to a report in Egyptian state-linked outlet Al-Qahera News, the latest deal proposes an initial 60-day truce, a partial hostage release, the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners and provisions allowing for the entry of aid. Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to publicly comment on the plan, but said last week that his country would accept 'an agreement in which all the hostages are released at once and according to our conditions for ending the war'. Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said on social media that his group had 'opened the door wide to the possibility of reaching an agreement, but the question remains whether Netanyahu will once again close it, as he has done in the past'. Hamas' acceptance of the proposal came as Netanyahu faced increasing pressure at home and abroad to end the war. The new proposal also comes after the Zionist security cabinet approved plans to conquer Gaza City, fanning fears the new offensive will worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the devastated territory. Zionist far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir – who has staunchly opposed ending the war – slammed the plan, warning of a 'tragedy' if Netanyahu 'gives in to Hamas'. Gaza's civil defense agency reported that 45 people were killed on Tuesday by Zionist strikes and fire across the territory. Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP the situation was 'very dangerous and unbearable' in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighborhoods of Gaza City, where he said 'artillery shelling continues intermittently'. Tanks completed taking control of Zeitoun and continued to pound Sabra, killing two women and a man, medics said. Local health authorities said dozens of people had been trapped in their houses because of the shelling. Thousands of people are estimated to have fled the area in the past few days. Sabra resident Hussein Al-Dairi, 44, said 'tanks are firing shells and mortars, and drones are firing bullets and missiles' in the neighborhood. 'We heard on the news that Hamas had agreed to a truce, but the occupation is escalating the war against us, the civilians,' he added. The Zionist offensive has killed at least 62,064 Palestinians, most of them civilians. At a shelter in Khan Yunis, in the south of the enclave, displaced people had mixed feelings over whether a deal would be reached this time. 'I expect - every time the (Zionist) occupation would be obstinate, reject and receive proposals with negative responses - I expect the same for this proposal as well,' said Abdallah Al-Khawaja. Women sat by wood fires cooking meals for their families, while men filled plastic gallons with water; many hoped the Zionist entity would approve the proposal. 'What I say and expect as a member of the Palestinian people living in the Gaza Strip, one of the bereaved and displaced, is that I expect a positive response (from the Zionist entity),' said Awad Labde. Hamas official Izzat El-Reshiq said that the truce proposal it has agreed to is an interim accord that would pave the way for negotiations on ending the war. A source close to the talks said that, unlike previous rounds, Hamas accepted the proposal with no further demands. – Agencies
Arab Times
11 hours ago
- Arab Times
Historic Ahmadi market, cinema revival highlights UNESCO goals
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 19: Al-Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Hamoud Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah affirmed on Tuesday, that the project to restore the old Al-Ahmadi Market and Al-Ahmadi Cinema reflects Kuwait's keenness to preserve its heritage and cultural identity, appreciating the support of the esteemed Council of Ministers, the Ministers of Information and Oil, and all relevant entities. Sheikh Hamoud Al-Sabah told KUNA, following the signing of the supervision agreement for the implementation of the project between the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) and the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), that the initiative comes in implementation of Cabinet Resolution No. (927) issued on July 8, 2025. For his part, the CEO of KOC, Ahmad Al-Aidan, told KUNA that the company's participation in this project stems from its national and social role in preserving Kuwaiti heritage and promoting sustainable development. He explained that the work on this project will span four years and will be carried out in phases, aiming to implement an integrated project that will elevate the name of the country. Meanwhile, Secretary-General of NCCAL, Dr. Mohammad Al-Jassar, said that the restoration and rehabilitation project of the old Al-Ahmadi Market and Al-Ahmadi Cinema is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in the governorate. He indicated that partial operation of some buildings will begin next year, with work progressing through the following stages (Zone 2 and Zone 3) toward full and sustainable operation. Al-Jassar added that the project reflects Kuwait's commitment to preserving its architectural heritage and enhancing Al-Ahmadi's status as a cultural and civilizational landmark, supporting efforts to nominate Al-Ahmadi City for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In turn, the Architect and Development Project Manager at the Al-Ahmadi Cultural Platform within the Council, Engineer Batool Ashour, told KUNA that the project represents documentation of a phase that marks the beginning of a comprehensive cultural, social, and heritage city project in a modern form. This is being achieved through collaboration with experts, specialists, and the support of official Kuwaiti institutions, she noted, stating that one of the Council's roles is to determine the historical value of the buildings, as well as to assess museums and other components. She noted that the Council had contacted the UN and UNESCO two years ago to nominate the city of Al-Ahmadi for its historical buildings and landmarks. A visit to the city by representatives of these organizations has already taken place as a step preceding the nomination. (KUNA)
Arab Times
13 hours ago
- Arab Times
‘Radiant era unfolds for Kuwait'
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 19: The courageous steps that Kuwait has taken in the current era demonstrated many positive aspects that were hidden under the veil of parliamentary-governmental conflict. Today, we are witnessing the achievements that will restore the leading position of the country through openness. In an interview with Editor-in-Chief of the Arab Times and Al-Seyassah newspapers, Ahmed Al-Jarallah, Minister of Information and Culture Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi asserted that 'supervision is strict during this era to ensure speedy completion of projects. The measures taken as per the instructions of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah regarding the development projects and dusting off whatever was delayed is the foundation of the work of the incumbent government. Consequently, the workshop to develop laws and legislation according to a modern perspective is ongoing.' He affirmed that the leadership is 'keen on developing for the better, overcoming obstacles, and preventing self-interest or the return to the tug-of-war that prevailed over the past years.' He explained 'Kuwait has lagged far behind the Gulf community, and even behind positive developments in the world. It is now time for the country to emerge from the tunnel where it was forcibly placed.' He said, 'The acceleration of projects taking place today, especially the development projects, is well thought out and proceeding with the right steps. As a result, we will witness next year, Allah willing, the opening of the new airport, which will provide the highest level of modern services and accommodate more than 25 million passengers.' He pointed out that 'the goal is not only to attract tourists, investors and businesspersons; but also to create an environment conducive to the investment of foreign capital in the country and to open the way for local investors to participate in this.' He confirmed that 'the government received Amiri orders to overcome the obstacles to modernization – whether in the legislative aspect or in the overlapping responsibilities among official institutions; including the awarding of tenders for infrastructure projects which, from now on, will be done directly with companies proven to have the relevant experience and remarkable achievements.' He stressed that the government, under high directives, is working hard to amend the laws; away from the existing controversy that hinders achievements, as well as to prevent self-interest and combat corruption, because the goal is to restore the radiance that distinguished Kuwait in the past.' He revealed that 'His Highness is following up the desert greening project using new technology. So far, Kuwait has received a specialized Chinese delegation and work is underway in several nature reserves, according to the highest modern standards. Funds allocated after the liberation of Kuwait for the environmental damage it incurred and are currently with the United Nations will be used for the implementation of these projects. These funds are almost obsolete or abandoned. The time has come to release these funds. The government received orders to use the funds to repair the environmental damage and for the greening project.' Regarding tourism that falls under his jurisdiction, Al-Mutairi asserted that 'working on entertainment projects and promoting tourism are daily activities for us. We work diligently to make the most of the tourism season, which begins in September and ends in May, for the benefit of the country. Previously, there was only one tourism month.' He added 'utilizing entertainment projects is essential to boost the gross domestic product (GDP) on one hand; and transforming Kuwait into a tourist destination for its people, residents and visitors, so it does not become a deterrent – as it was in past years – to citizens and residents who usually take advantage of any opportunity to travel abroad to enjoy what is available in other countries.' He stressed 'there will be no overlap in issuing licenses in this regard, as this falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information and Culture, which is responsible for tourism; and the private sector can participate.' He emphasized that 'there is much to be gained from Kuwait in terms of tourism; including its sea coasts and land, which can be attractive to visitors, citizens and residents.' He stated 'we will promote these projects through conferences starting in September, especially since the 'Visa Kuwait' platform has begun to bear fruit. It is a step that the State will not back down from; it will rather work hard to develop the platform.' Towards the end of the interview, Al-Mutairi asserted, 'We are witnessing an era that pushes Kuwait to be a pioneer in the region and to regain its former glory. Thus, the leadership's oversight in this area is tight to ensure tangible and rapid achievements.'
