Latest news with #KuwaitiCouncilofMinisters


Arab Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait targets exam fraud, frivolous lawsuits with new reforms
KUWAIT CITY, June 5: The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, convened its weekly session on Wednesday at Bayan Palace, reviewing significant local, regional, and international developments while approving major legal and institutional reforms. At the outset, the Cabinet extended Eid Al-Adha greetings to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the people and residents of Kuwait. It also congratulated the Crown Prince on the first anniversary of assuming office, praising his national achievements and leadership. As part of its legislative agenda, the Cabinet approved two draft decree-laws. The first introduces Articles 259 bis and 259 bis (A) to Penal Code No. 16 of 1960, criminalizing acts related to cheating and manipulation in intermediate and secondary school exams. Violations are punishable by imprisonment of up to seven years and fines ranging from KD 1,000 to KD 10,000. The second draft law amends Judicial Fees Law No. 17 of 1973, aiming to discourage frivolous lawsuits and promote alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and conciliation. These measures seek to preserve the integrity of the educational system and improve the effectiveness of the judiciary. The Cabinet commended the recent speech delivered by His Highness the Crown Prince at the Second GCC–ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where he represented His Highness the Amir in his capacity as President of the Gulf Cooperation Council. In his address, His Highness emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation and building strategic partnerships rooted in mutual respect, sustainable development, and integration. Highlighting the combined economic strength of the GCC and ASEAN — with a total GDP nearing USD 6 trillion — His Highness called for enhanced cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and food security, especially through sustainable agricultural investment. The Cabinet also praised the Crown Prince's participation in the GCC–ASEAN–China Tripartite Summit, where he welcomed the launch of the 2023–2027 strategic dialogue action plan. The plan outlines collaboration across sectors including renewable energy, education, health, technology, and scientific research. The Cabinet reviewed the results of the Crown Prince's official visit to Japan from May 28 to 31. During the visit, His Highness met with Emperor Naruhito, Crown Prince Fumihito, and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to discuss elevating bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Minister of Information, Culture, and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi presented a detailed report on the Crown Prince's visit to Kuwait's pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, His Highness toured the pavilion, which showcases Kuwait's achievements in economy, energy, environment, education, and cultural heritage. He expressed appreciation for the organizers' efforts in presenting Kuwait's identity to the global audience. The Cabinet also discussed the outcomes of the recent official visit by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara. The talks, chaired by His Highness the Amir on the Kuwaiti side and President Al-Shara on the Syrian side, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors and addressing the latest developments in Syria. Both parties emphasized the need for intensified international efforts to ensure Syria's sovereignty, security, and stability. Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed high-level visits from the leaders of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Talks with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the strength of fraternal relations. These meetings led to the signing of several memoranda of understanding in sectors such as energy, advanced technology, education, law, health, investment, and cybersecurity. The Council received a presentation from Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem, who outlined progress on several strategic infrastructure projects. These include the Shagaya and Abdaliyah Renewable Energy Projects, Az-Zour North Phases II and III, Khairan and Nuwaiseeb Phase I, and the Subiya Plant expansion phases. Combined, these projects will add 14,050 megawatts of electricity and 228 million gallons of daily water production. The Cabinet commended the ministry's efforts and stressed the importance of addressing implementation challenges to meet the nation's growing energy demands. The session concluded with the Cabinet approving several items on the agenda and referring others to specialized ministerial committees for further review and action. Through these comprehensive discussions and decisions, the Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to national development, regional cooperation, and institutional integrity.


Gulf Insider
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait To Restore Rights Of Women Stripped Of Nationality
Women whose Kuwaiti nationality was previously revoked under Article 8 of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 will now be recognised as Kuwaiti female citizens, according to an administrative circular issued by Tariq Al Asfour, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice. Administrative Circular No. 9 of 2025 mandates all sectors of the Ministry of Justice to comply with its provisions, which take effect immediately. Additionally, the Kuwaiti Council of Ministers has approved the formation of a grievance committee to oversee cases of nationality withdrawal and revocation. The committee will be led by Counselor Ali Musaed Al Dhubaibi, with Abdul Wahab Abdul Rahman Al Muzaini serving as Vice President. Other members include Counselor Khalid Abdulrahman Al Bakr from the Fatwa and Legislation Department, Jamal Khalifa Al Rish, the former Deputy Director General of the General Department of Investigations, and Fawaz Suleiman Al Mishaan, former Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Nationality and Travel Documents Affairs. The new committee has been tasked with reviewing cases related to nationality revocation and ensuring compliance with Decree-Law No. 15 of 1959 and its amendments. This decision follows the approval of minutes from the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Nationality, which has been assessing cases of citizenship loss and withdrawal from certain individuals.


Arab Times
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait forms new grievance committee to handle citizenship withdrawal cases
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19: During its weekly meeting, chaired by Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti Council of Ministers approved the formation of a grievance committee to handle the withdrawal and revocation of Kuwaiti citizenship. The new committee will be led by Counselor Ali Musaed Al-Dhubaibi, with Abdul Wahab Abdul Rahman Al-Muzaini serving as Vice President. Other members include Counselor Khaled Abdulrahman Al-Bakr from the Fatwa and Legislation Department, Jamal Khalifa Al-Rish, the former Deputy Director General of the General Department of Investigations, and Fawaz Suleiman Al-Mishaan, former Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Nationality and Travel Documents Affairs. The Council also approved the minutes from the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Nationality, which involved reviewing cases related to the loss and withdrawal of nationality from certain individuals, in line with the provisions of Decree-Law No. 15 of 1959 regarding Kuwaiti nationality and its amendments.


Gulf Insider
13-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Local Farm Produce Mandatory At Food Outlets In Kuwait
Kuwait has made it obligatory for food cooperatives across the country to buy local farm produce, in a new step aimed to promote national products. Minister of Social Affairs Amthal Al Huwailah, issued a related decree to support the promotion of local agricultural produce, support Kuwaiti farmers, and boost food security, Kuwaiti media reported. The ministry said in a statement that the decree obligates cooperative societies to purchase no less than 75% of their needs of local agricultural produce, provided that the purchase is made directly through approved auctions to ensure transparency and enhance the efficiency of buying and selling operations. The decree stipulates appointing a representative from each cooperative's staff to attend the daily auctions, with priority in appointment given to Kuwaitis in support of national labour in this sector. In addition, the decree requires cooperatives to allocate 30% of their total area of central markets to display local agricultural products to guarantee constant availability of the items to consumers. Accordingly, these outlets are obligated to put up clear price lists for all local products to ascertain transparency between consumers and farmers. The ministry sets a profit margin of no more than 20% on local farm products to ensure they are provided at fair prices to consumers. Local products will also be exempted from all conditions and restrictions imposed on other products to facilitate their marketing. In December, the Kuwaiti government ordered relief groups in the country to make sure that their humanitarian assistance is confined to products made at home. Under royal directives, the Kuwaiti Council of Ministers issued a decree mandating the Red Crescent Society, civil society groups, and all government institutions concerned with providing in-kind aid to ensure that their assistance of all types must be national products manufactured inside Kuwait and bearing the state's emblem, according to Al Jarida newspaper. The measure 'contributes to strengthening the role and position of the State of Kuwait in humanitarian work and leaving a positive impression on the beneficiaries of this aid,' a government circular was quoted as saying.