Social Affairs sets strict Ramadan donation rules; ban cash collections

The Ministry of Social Affairs has issued a circular to charity societies outlining controls and procedures for collecting donations during the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH (2026), to ensure safe donation processes, proper allocation of funds, and full compliance with Kuwaiti laws governing charitable work.

The ministry stressed a ban on collecting donations inside mosques or placing advertisements encouraging donations within mosque premises or on their walls.

It also warned that collecting donations in unlicensed locations, including shopping malls and public squares, constitutes a violation unless prior approval is obtained, reports Al-Rai daily.

The circular, issued by Assistant Undersecretary for Social Welfare and Development Iman Al-Anzi, sets out mandatory regulations for charities, most notably the prohibition of cash donation collection in any form, whether at association headquarters or in public places.

Charities must instead use licensed channels approved under Ministerial Resolution No. (1/128) of 2016 and its amendments, including KNET payments, bank transfers and deductions, smartphone applications, electronic collection devices, and telecom text-message services.

The ministry further emphasized that:

• Donations of any type are prohibited in mosques and unlicensed venues without prior approval.
• Associations must obtain ministry approval before receiving donations from outside Kuwait, in accordance with Law No. 24 of 1962.
• Only official bank accounts registered with the ministry may be used.
• Representatives must carry identification, record donor details clearly, and provide donors with copies of transaction receipts, including KNET slips.
• Non-cash donations such as gold, silver, vehicles, or valuables must be documented by type and value in Kuwaiti dinars, with supporting sales invoices or multiple price quotations to ensure fair valuation.
• All recorded amounts must be written in figures and words.
• Charities are required to submit a detailed Ramadan revenue report to the ministry covering electronic and banking donation channels.

The measures form part of the ministry’s efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and regulatory oversight of charitable fundraising during the peak donation season.