Kuwait to overhaul disability law with 31 major amendments and additions

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Community Development is preparing comprehensive amendments to Law No. 8 of 2010 concerning the rights of persons with disabilities, in line with government efforts to enhance social justice and equality.

The reform aims to create a qualitative shift in empowering persons with disabilities, ensuring their integration into society on equal terms.

The proposed changes involve replacing 24 articles, repealing 4, and adding 3 new ones. The amendments cover penalties, financial entitlements, grievance procedures, education, healthcare, housing, and integration.

Key proposed additions include:

• Penalty Clause: Imprisonment (3–6 months) or a fine (500–1,000 KD) for exploiting disabled persons for workplace or commercial gain.
• Disability Allowance: A new monthly disability allowance to be added to salaries, with the Civil Service Bureau setting the value. Double allowances are prohibited.
• Classification Mechanism: A new article mandates a technical committee to classify disabilities per clear criteria, with decisions appealable to the Medical Liability Authority.

Significant amended articles include:

• Article 26: Authorizes government bodies to appoint judicial officers to monitor violations, expanding beyond the Authority’s staff.
• Article 27: Requires caregivers to report death, absence, illness, or relocation of the person with a disability. The Authority may reclaim funds disbursed after death.
• Article 28: Allows the Authority to replace caregivers if convicted or if the disabled person remains in care facilities for over 30 days.
• Article 29: Maintains monthly allowances for those up to 21 years of age (or 28 if studying) and for unemployed women caring for severely disabled individuals. Adds suspension cases such as full recovery or high alternative state support.
• Article 32: Housing grants are to be disbursed once—KD 10,000 for severe disability, KD 5,000 for minor cases. Loan repayment deductions raised from 5% (max KD 50) to 10% (max KD 100/month).

The Ministry is currently consulting with government bodies before finalizing and submitting the draft decree to the Cabinet for approval.