Kuwait amends public assistance law to improve efficiency, ensure justice

Decree-Law No. 88 of 2025 has amended Article 16 of Law No. 12 of 2011 concerning public assistance.

The revised text gives the Public Assistance Committee the authority to form multiple subcommittees made up of specialized staff to examine and approve cases, replacing the earlier framework that allowed for only a single committee.

According to the amended Article 16, the main committee will be formed by a decision from the Minister, which will define its powers, meeting protocols, and voting procedures.

The committee can now establish subcommittees comprising specialists from the relevant administration to handle cases in accordance with the law.

The explanatory memorandum highlighted that the change was made to enhance the committee’s performance, speed up the processing of assistance applications, and ensure that support reaches those who are truly eligible.

The government aims to improve service quality and promote fairness in distributing various forms of social assistance.