Latest news with #NasserAl-Sumait
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait tightens grip on foreign property access
KUWAIT CITY, July 16: In a new regulatory move aimed at organizing the real estate market and improving the investment environment, Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait announced that a draft decree has been submitted to the Fatwa and Legislation Department regarding controls on real estate ownership by foreigners through companies listed on the Boursa Kuwait and real estate funds. Al-Sumait explained that the draft decree was prepared under the provisions of Decree-Law No. 7/2025, which regulates real estate ownership, and is now pending approval by the Council of Ministers. The objective is to strike a delicate balance between attracting organized real estate investment and protecting the demographic structure as well as preventing the exploitation of residential properties for purely commercial or investment purposes. The decree takes into account the legal frameworks specific to citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and preserves the privileges granted to them regarding real estate ownership in Kuwait. The decree includes the following articles: Article 1: Companies listed on the stock exchange with non-Kuwaiti shareholders, as well as licensed real estate funds with non-Kuwaiti unit holders, may own real estate if their objectives include real estate dealings. The provisions of this paragraph do not affect the right of units supervised by the Central Bank of Kuwait or others to own real estate, per the law of the Central Bank of Kuwait or any other applicable legislation. Article 2: Persons licensed by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to practice the activity of investment portfolio managers may open and manage investment portfolios for non-Kuwaiti clients. These portfolios may include securities issued by companies listed on the stock exchange whose objectives include real estate dealings or units of real estate funds. Article 3: Listed companies, real estate funds, and investment portfolios licensed by the relevant regulatory authorities in Kuwait are prohibited from engaging in any transactions involving real estate, plots, or land designated for private residential purposes, whether by sale, purchase, mortgage, transfer of rights, authorization to dispose of the property to a third party, or acceptance of such authorization on behalf of a third party, except for the exceptions granted to units supervised by the Central Bank of Kuwait or any other exceptions specified by law. Article 4: Ownership of any real estate shares in kind may not be transferred to non- Kuwaitis in the event of the liquidation of a listed company or real estate fund, without prejudice to their right to receive an amount equivalent to their share of the liquidation proceeds, unless they have legal grounds permitting such ownership following the applicable laws. Article 5: The provisions of this decree shall not affect the treatment of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens as Kuwaitis, per the relevant regulations. Nor shall they affect any provisions regulating real estate ownership contained in other laws. Such cases shall remain subject to the provisions of the laws, regulations, and decisions governing them. Article 6: Each minister, within their respective jurisdiction, shall implement this decree, which shall take effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette 'Kuwait Al-Youm'.
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait drafts 2 laws on humanitarian protection
KUWAIT CITY, July 15: Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait announced Tuesday the completion of two draft laws aimed at reinforcing Kuwait's adherence to international humanitarian law (IHL). The drafts have been submitted to the Fatwa and Legislation Department for review before their presentation to the Council of Ministers. Al-Sumait, who also chairs the Permanent National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, stated that the first draft concerns the protection of the Red Crescent emblem and other humanitarian symbols. It seeks to ensure legal safeguards for these emblems, preventing misuse during armed conflicts and natural disasters in line with the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols. The second draft addresses international crimes, empowering the Kuwaiti judiciary to prosecute serious violations under the principle of complementarity as outlined in Article 17 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move would allow national courts to handle cases typically under the jurisdiction of international tribunals, thereby strengthening Kuwait's legal capacity in this area. Al-Sumait emphasized that both drafts were prepared by a national team of legal experts in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as part of an ongoing strategic partnership with its regional office. He noted that these legislative efforts align with the priorities of the national committee, which aims to harmonize domestic laws with international humanitarian standards. The minister extended his appreciation to all local and international experts involved in the drafting process, reaffirming Kuwait's commitment to upholding and promoting international humanitarian principles within its legal and institutional frameworks.
Arab Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait finalizes 2 draft laws to enhance international humanitarian law compliance
KUWAIT CITY, July 15: Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait announced Tuesday the completion of two draft laws aimed at reinforcing Kuwait's adherence to international humanitarian law (IHL). The drafts have been submitted to the Fatwa and Legislation Department for review before their presentation to the Council of Ministers. Al-Sumait, who also chairs the Permanent National Committee for International Humanitarian Law, stated that the first draft concerns the protection of the Red Crescent emblem and other humanitarian symbols. It seeks to ensure legal safeguards for these emblems, preventing misuse during armed conflicts and natural disasters in line with the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols. The second draft addresses international crimes, empowering the Kuwaiti judiciary to prosecute serious violations under the principle of complementarity as outlined in Article 17 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This move would allow national courts to handle cases typically under the jurisdiction of international tribunals, thereby strengthening Kuwait's legal capacity in this area. Al-Sumait emphasized that both drafts were prepared by a national team of legal experts in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as part of an ongoing strategic partnership with its regional office. He noted that these legislative efforts align with the priorities of the national committee, which aims to harmonize domestic laws with international humanitarian standards. The minister extended his appreciation to all local and international experts involved in the drafting process, reaffirming Kuwait's commitment to upholding and promoting international humanitarian principles within its legal and institutional frameworks.
Arab Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Jail For Carrying Weapons In Kuwait Schools, Mosques, Markets
KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait announced Tuesday that the Cabinet has approved a draft decree-law amending several provisions of Decree-Law No. 13 of 1991 concerning weapons and ammunition. The legislative update is part of the government's broader efforts to enhance public safety, curb intimidation, and respond to evolving security challenges within society. Speaking to KUNA following the weekly Cabinet session, Minister Al-Sumait stated that the amendments specifically criminalize the possession or carrying of bladed weapons or air guns (with a caliber of 6mm or higher) in public spaces—such as schools, mosques, and markets—without valid justification. Violators will face imprisonment ranging from six months to one year, a fine between KD 500 and KD 1,000, or both. Furthermore, individuals who deliberately use such weapons to intimidate others in public places will be subject to imprisonment ranging from one to two years and fines between KD 1,000 and KD 2,000. The amendments also prohibit the unlicensed sale, importation, or marketing of these weapons. According to the proposed changes, the Minister of Interior will be authorized to define the specific types of weapons covered by the ban and to determine the public areas where the restrictions will apply. Minister Al-Sumait emphasized that these legal revisions aim to close a significant legislative gap by criminalizing actions that threaten public security. 'The amendment addresses a legislative loophole that has long needed attention,' he said. 'It reinforces the authority of the law and reflects legislative awareness in confronting emerging behaviors that endanger societal peace.'
Arab Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Jail terms, fines for unauthorized weapon possession in Kuwait
KUWAIT CITY, July 2: Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait announced Tuesday that the Cabinet has approved a draft decree-law amending several provisions of Decree-Law No. 13 of 1991 concerning weapons and ammunition. The legislative update is part of the government's broader efforts to enhance public safety, curb intimidation, and respond to evolving security challenges within society. Speaking to KUNA following the weekly Cabinet session, Minister Al-Sumait stated that the amendments specifically criminalize the possession or carrying of bladed weapons or air guns (with a caliber of 6mm or higher) in public spaces—such as schools, mosques, and markets—without valid justification. Violators will face imprisonment ranging from six months to one year, a fine between KD 500 and KD 1,000, or both. Furthermore, individuals who deliberately use such weapons to intimidate others in public places will be subject to imprisonment ranging from one to two years and fines between KD 1,000 and KD 2,000. The amendments also prohibit the unlicensed sale, importation, or marketing of these weapons. According to the proposed changes, the Minister of Interior will be authorized to define the specific types of weapons covered by the ban and to determine the public areas where the restrictions will apply. Minister Al-Sumait emphasized that these legal revisions aim to close a significant legislative gap by criminalizing actions that threaten public security. 'The amendment addresses a legislative loophole that has long needed attention,' he said. 'It reinforces the authority of the law and reflects legislative awareness in confronting emerging behaviors that endanger societal peace.'
