Kuwait tightens charity laws, new rules ban political involvement
Only Kuwaitis over 21 can found associations; charities must stay clear of sectarianism, politics; the number of founders must be no less than 10
In a significant step toward streamlining the charity sector, Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of Family and Childhood Affairs, Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah, has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 183 of 2025, establishing new organizational regulations for charity societies.
The resolution, published today in the Official Gazette (Kuwait Alyawm), repeals the former regulations outlined in Resolution No. 48/A of 2015.
The updated regulations comprehensively govern the formation, structure, management, and oversight of charitable associations across Kuwait. They emphasize transparency, integrity, and national unity, aiming to prevent sectarian or political influence within the nonprofit sphere.
Under Article 5, ‘Conditions and Procedures for Publicity,’ the resolution outlines the following seven key conditions that must be met for the official registration and operation of any charitable organization:
- Kuwaiti citizenship is mandatory for all founders and general assembly members, who must be at least 21 years old. Members of the board of directors must be 30 or older.
- The number of founders must be no fewer than 10, and all must have a clean legal record, particularly regarding crimes of honor or trust—unless their legal status has been rehabilitated.
- Founders must submit a declaration of commitment to the association’s charitable objectives.
- Founders must waive any demand for government-provided headquarters, rent payments, or annual financial support from the Ministry.
- The association must serve to fill a real gap in community care within Kuwait.
- Founders are required to uphold national unity, avoiding sectarianism, tribalism, and any involvement in religious or political disputes.
- The organization must be strictly charitable and non-profit, with no intent to generate material gain.
The new regulations reinforce the government’s commitment to community cohesion, responsible civic engagement, and accountability in charitable work, ensuring these entities operate with a clear public interest focus.
