Kuwait suspends charity drives to curb unauthorized fundraising
Organizations have two weeks to remove unlicensed advertisements and must seek the approval from the Ministry of Social Affairs at least two weeks in advance for any local events to secure necessary clearances.
• The Ministry of Social Affairs said advertising through social media, classified ads, or billboards in public spaces, shopping malls, cooperative societies, or similar venues is strictly prohibited unless prior written approval is obtained from the ministry in coordination with the relevant authorities.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has announced a temporary suspension of all charitable donation collections following the discovery of unauthorized and anonymous websites soliciting donations without a license, in violation of national fundraising laws, Arabic daily Al Jarida reported.
The decision, which also follows Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah’s criticism of the poor performance of some organizations in a recent national debt relief campaign, aims to protect the reputation of Kuwaiti charitable work and safeguard donor funds from misuse.
The ministry stressed that irresponsible individual practices could damage the long-standing humanitarian image of Kuwait and its charitable institutions both locally and internationally.
To enhance transparency and credibility, the ministry will reorganize donation collection mechanisms by standardizing procedures and improving oversight of operating entities.
A circular was also issued requiring charitable organizations to advertise only licensed projects through their official websites or approved apps. Advertising on social media, billboards, malls, public spaces, and cooperative societies is now prohibited without prior written approval and coordination with relevant authorities.
Organizations have been given two weeks to remove all unlicensed advertisements. Additionally, they must seek ministry approval at least two weeks in advance for any local events or activities—such as workshops, campaigns, seminars, Quranic circles, or charity markets—so that security and foreign affairs approvals can be obtained.The ministry warned that regulatory authorities will take legal action against violators.
She explained that the temporary suspension aims to reorganize and restructure the mechanisms for collecting donations by standardizing procedures and strengthening oversight of the entities operating in this field, thereby enhancing transparency and credibility in charitable work.
The ministry urged citizens and residents to donate only through official, approved channels to avoid fraud or the misuse of their goodwill. It also affirmed its continued efforts to organize and develop charitable work in line with international standards, reflecting Kuwait’s leading role in global humanitarian efforts.
Meanwhile, the ministry issued a circular to the boards of directors of charitable associations and foundations, stressing the need to suspend all electronic links related to fundraising campaigns and projects—whether on official websites or social media accounts—until further notice. It warned that violators would face legal accountability, noting that the decision follows Minister Al-Huwailah’sdirective to serve the public interest.
The circular also instructed registered charitable organizations to advertise only licensed projects through their websites or official apps, if available. Advertising through social media, classified ads, or billboards in public spaces, shopping malls, cooperative societies, or similar venues is strictly prohibited unless prior written approval is obtained from the ministry in coordination with the relevant authorities.
Register with the ‘Safe Traveler’ Program
The Ministry of Social Affairs has emphasized the need for charitable organizations and foundations to coordinate with the ministry before signing any contracts, agreements, or cooperation protocols with accredited foreign entities or UN organizations. This coordination allows the ministry to liaise with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and obtain the necessary approvals.
Additionally, organizations must register through the ‘Safe Traveler’ system and secure approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before sending any representatives abroad.
The ministry stated, “This measure reflects our commitment to fulfilling our supervisory and oversight role over charitable work and to regulating the activities of charitable societies and organizations in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 24/1962 on clubs and public benefit societies.”
