13 hours ago
Kuwait Raises Age Limit for Daughters in State Custody to 30
KUWAIT CITY, June 8: In a significant move aimed at strengthening the legal framework surrounding family custody, Kuwait has issued Decree-Law No. 74 of 2025, amending key provisions of Law No. 80 of 2015. The legislative update is intended to enhance the quality and effectiveness of care provided to individuals under state custody and to improve coordination among responsible authorities.
Expanded Committee Representation
One of the primary amendments is the reconstitution of the Family Custody Committee. The updated Article 6 mandates the inclusion of two new representatives—from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs—alongside existing members from ministries including Social Affairs, Education, Interior, Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Health. This expanded composition is expected to facilitate more comprehensive oversight and decision-making, especially in addressing evolving challenges in family custody matters.
New Custody Term Limits Introduced
Under the revised Article 12, the law now stipulates that family custody for daughters shall end upon reaching the age of 30 and obtaining permanent employment. Care for both male and female beneficiaries will cease once they attain a degree of independence, including marriage or moving out of institutional housing. This provision also applies when a daughter no longer complies with the residence rules.
Temporary Foster Care and Legal Oversight
The amendment to Article 13 transfers authority for regulating the temporary fostering of children, specifically those of unknown fathers and non-Kuwaiti mothers, from the minister to the Family Custody Committee. This measure aims to streamline decision-making and ensure that foster care arrangements are legally sound and efficiently managed.
Focus on Education and Social Integration
Institutions under the competent administration are now required, under Article 14, to actively enroll children in compulsory education and implement programs to support their rehabilitation and societal integration. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering, with Article 15 allowing the Family Custody Committee to encourage fostering through measures such as promoting kinship care via breastfeeding, under regulated conditions.
Support for Transition to Independence
Recognizing the need for a smooth transition to adulthood, the revised Article 16 tasks the Ministry (with support from the public and private sectors) with securing private housing for individuals over 21 who have exited the custody system. These homes will be available at affordable rents paid by the individuals themselves.
Additionally, Article 17 mandates the Ministry to coordinate with relevant authorities to find suitable employment opportunities for former wards, based on their skills and qualifications, to foster financial and social independence.
Expanded Legal Definitions and Implementation
A new clause, Article 1(7), has been introduced to clearly define 'son/daughter/children' as individuals covered under the care provisions of the law. This inclusion provides clarity in the legal interpretation and enforcement of the law.
Finally, Article 3 of the decree-law calls for full implementation of these amendments from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette, with relevant ministers tasked with executing its provisions.
The memorandum accompanying the decree emphasizes that these amendments are the result of practical experience gathered since the law's initial enforcement in 2015. The revised framework is designed to close administrative gaps, improve care quality, and promote better integration of wards into society. It reflects the government's commitment to human dignity, legal clarity, and institutional accountability in the care and protection of vulnerable individuals.
