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Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait's new law sets deadline, penalties for unpaid service fees
Kuwait - In a move aimed at tightening fiscal discipline and ensuring the effective recovery of dues, the Kuwaiti government has issued Decree-Law No. 75 of 2025 concerning the collection of fees and financial costs for the use of public facilities and services. The law introduces a framework to govern the financial relationship between ministries, public institutions, and beneficiaries of state-provided services, reinforcing the principle that public utilities—ranging from electricity and water to telecommunications and transport—are not free but must be paid for under regulatory and administrative mandates. Core Provisions and Mechanisms Automatic Service Suspension and Installment Flexibility Under Article 1, if a debtor (whether an individual or a private legal entity) fails to pay dues within 30 days of notification, the concerned ministry or public body may temporarily suspend services. This suspension is lifted automatically through the government's digital systems once the outstanding amounts are paid. The law allows for installment-based repayments for those financially unable to settle the dues in one go, pending approval from the creditor. However, failure to adhere to the installment plan leads to its cancellation and the immediate initiation of debt recovery procedures. Mandatory Grievance Process Before Legal Action To prevent unnecessary litigation, Article 2 mandates that any individual disputing the suspension of services or the calculation of dues must first file a written grievance with the concerned authority. A response must be issued within 30 days. If no response is given, it is considered a rejection. Only after this process can a lawsuit be filed—within 30 days of either the rejection notice or the lapse of the response period, whichever comes first. Priority Lien on Debtor's Assets In a bold move to secure state revenues, Article 3 grants government creditors a statutory lien over all assets—movable and immovable—owned by the debtor. This gives the state legal priority in recovering its dues ahead of other creditors. Immediate Enforcement of Debt Recovery Article 4 elevates any official debt document or collection decision issued by a government entity to the status of an 'executive instrument.' This means the state can enforce collection directly without the need to go through lengthy court proceedings, following the procedures of Kuwait's Civil and Commercial Procedures Law. Ten-Year Statute of Limitations with Interruptions Article 5 introduces a 10-year statute of limitations for fee collection, starting from the due date or the end of the relevant fiscal year for annual fees. Crucially, this limitation can be interrupted by any official notice from the creditor that includes the outstanding amount and a request for payment, effectively restarting the clock on the limitation period. Judicial Fees Exempted Article 6 clearly states that the new law does not apply to judicial fees, which remain governed by Kuwait's Judicial Fees Law No. 17 of 1973. Rationale Behind the Legislation The explanatory note accompanying the law clarifies that the government's decision stems from widespread abuse of the existing system. Many beneficiaries of public services—including water, electricity, communications, and municipal services—have delayed or avoided payments, thereby burdening the state financially. This law is not meant to serve merely as a budgetary resource measure, but as a strategic tool for ensuring the efficient management of public utilities and discouraging negligence by debtors. It aims to restore the financial discipline required for a sustainable public service framework. Moreover, the government recognizes that some debts have accumulated to levels beyond immediate payment. By permitting structured payment plans, the law seeks to offer a balanced approach—enforcing payment obligations while recognizing genuine financial hardship. Implementation Timeline Article 7 mandates that ministers shall enforce the law within their jurisdictions, and it will come into effect three months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Decree-Law No. 75 of 2025 marks a pivotal shift in Kuwait's approach to public service fee collection. By combining legal enforcement with digital automation, flexible repayment options, and judicial safeguards, the law positions the state to better protect public funds while promoting accountability among service users. It's a clear message that the era of unchecked fee evasion is coming to an end. Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab Times
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Drug Offenders Face Death in Kuwait's New Crackdown
KUWAIT CITY, April 21: The committee tasked to address procedural loopholes in the Anti-Narcotics Law has submitted its report; which includes a draft law containing amendments aimed at rectifying deficiencies, curbing the spread of drugs, and increasing penalties for related crimes. Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah formed the committee with Advisor Mohammad Rashid Al-Duaij as chairman. The following are the important amendments in the draft law: * Trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances is punishable by death penalty and a fine of up to KD2 million, increased from the previous maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment. * The death penalty applies to individuals who trade in drugs within a prison, as well as those who facilitate or contribute to the introduction of these substances into a prison. * The death penalty extends to any employee who exploits his professional position to engage in the trafficking of narcotics or psychotropic substances. * Distribution of narcotics or psychotropic substances to two or more individuals, without compensation, for the purpose of consumption or promotion, warrants the death penalty. * Soliciting a service or benefitwhether lawful or unlawful — in exchange for delivering narcotics or psychotropic substances to another for consumption, or promising to do so, is punishable by death. * Drug and psychotropic substance testing is now mandated for prospective spouses, driving license applicants and public job candidates. * Random drug and psychotropic substance testing will be conducted for all military personnel, regardless of rank, in the ministries of Interior and Defense, National Guard and Kuwait Fire Force (KFF). * Random testing for drugs and psychotropic substances will be carried out on all students in schools, institutes and universities. * Refusal to undergo testing without a valid reason, excluding marriage applicants and students, is punishable by up to four years imprisonment. * Penalties for drug use within prisons, schools and health clubs have been increased. * Penalties for individuals who commit violent crimes or cause harm while under the infl uence of drugs or psychotropic substances have been increased. * Police officers are authorized to make immediate arrests upon suspicion of drug use. * Association with drug users, even without personal use, is punishable by three years imprisonment. * Incitement of others to use drugs warrants a three-year prison sentence. * Physicians who dispense psychotropic substances without legitimate medical justification are subject to three years imprisonment. * Pharmacies that fail to secure psychotropic substances will be fined up to KD100,000. The court may order the closure of a violating pharmacy for up to five years. * Confidential reporting of drug users is available through modern electronic channels, with the potential for involuntary placement in a rehabilitation center for up to six months. * Criminal proceedings will not be initiated against individuals who voluntarily seek treatment for addiction. * The Minister of Health retains the authority to suspend any physician who violates regulations concerning the handling of narcotics or psychotropic substances. * Financial rewards will be given to those who report information regarding drug users. * Wearing apparel or carrying publications that promote the use of narcotics or psychotropic substances will result in a fine. * All judgments rendered in drugrelated cases are subject to immediate execution. * Coercing another individual or providing another with narcotics or psychotropic substances without their consent warrants a 15-year prison sentence, with the possibility of the death penalty if the victim is convicted.
