Kuwait issues executive regulations for all volunteer work under new GCC Unified Law

The Official Gazette (Kuwait Alyawm) published on Sunday Ministerial Resolution No. (112) of 2025, which details the executive regulations for Decree-Law No. (49) of 2024 regarding the unified system for volunteer work across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The regulations make it illegal to carry out or organize any form of volunteer work without first obtaining a license from the competent authority.

According to the regulation, volunteer work is defined as “any activity, effort, work, time, or skill provided by a natural or legal person without stipulating or aiming to achieve a financial return.” The law aims to regulate, encourage, and promote volunteerism while protecting the integrity of volunteer teams and initiatives, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Under the new framework, individuals or groups wishing to form a volunteer team must submit a formal application to the Ministry of Social Affairs through its Community Development Department.

Each volunteer team must have at least five Kuwaiti founding members, all aged 21 or above, and free from any felony or crimes related to honor or trust unless rehabilitated. The team must also submit a written document detailing its name, mission, goals, founding members, membership criteria, structure of the administrative body, decision-making processes, and a future work plan. The founding members are required to submit valid civil IDs, criminal records, and a pledge to comply with all relevant regulations.

The application will be reviewed within 30 days. If approved, the Ministry will issue a one-year renewable registration certificate. A lack of response within the review period will be treated as a rejection, though the applicants may appeal within 30 days.

The competent administration will also maintain a register of volunteers, volunteer teams, programs, and related data. It will oversee the licensing process, monitor compliance, evaluate volunteer activities, and handle complaints or violations.

A permanent committee, formed by the Undersecretary of the Ministry, will set policies, approve licenses, supervise volunteer work, and determine any volunteer roles requiring insurance coverage. It will also be responsible for recognizing and honoring outstanding volunteer achievements.

Furthermore, the regulation outlines that volunteer teams may collaborate with recognized public benefit associations or institutions whose goals align with theirs, provided prior approval is obtained from both parties and the supervising committee.

By implementing these regulations, the Ministry seeks to foster a structured, credible, and impactful volunteer sector in Kuwait, in alignment with the broader GCC vision for unified and regulated volunteer engagement.