MoSA introduces new regulations to strengthen oversight of charity work
The Ministry of Social Affairs has introduced new regulations to strengthen oversight of charitable work in Kuwait. Issued by Undersecretary Dr. Khaled Al-Ajmi, the decision prohibits charity societies from creating or publishing donation links through intermediaries such as marketing firms, volunteer teams, or influencers.
Instead, according to Al-Rai daily, donation links must be published only on official websites and require prior ministry approval for specific cases. The decision also bans contracting with marketing companies, celebrities, and preachers for donation campaigns without prior approval and submission of contract details to the Ministry.
Charity societies are now required to document the administrative percentage deducted from all licensed project advertisements, whether local or international.
They must input daily donation collection data into the ministry’s automation system, including the total amount collected, sources, and net value after administrative deductions.
Devices used to collect donations at headquarters must follow existing rules regarding cash deposit and reconciliation, while monthly reports on bank deductions are mandatory within seven business days of the following month.
The decision includes detailed reporting obligations for checks and bank transfers received from donors, specifying the amount, donor name, and the relevant project.
Charity societies will be evaluated within a month and classified into three categories: committed, partially committed, and non-compliant. Organizations deemed non-compliant will be prohibited from collecting donations. Field inspection teams will be deployed to ensure adherence to these new regulations and enforce governance standards.
With regard to international relief campaigns, associations must submit detailed requests including campaign duration, deductions, and foreign partners, subject to coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
If a charitable organization already holds a license to operate in a recipient country, aid must be channeled through existing licensed projects without launching new campaigns. The same rules apply to internal or external marketing campaigns.
All associations are required to work exclusively through the Central Aid Program when assisting individual cases. They must also engage only auditors registered with the Capital Markets Authority and appoint internal auditors to review financial transactions.
Furthermore, each association must have a compliance officer and submit annual compliance reports to the Ministry, as well as disclose financial data in line with earlier circulars.
The Ministry affirmed that any violations will result in legal measures, including suspension of donations or projects under Ministerial Resolution No. (1/128) of 2016, or possible dissolution under Law No. (24) of 1962.
Compliance will be evaluated using detailed governance criteria including financial reporting, administrative efficiency, project implementation, risk management, documentation quality, and responsiveness to oversight bodies. These guidelines aim to ensure transparency, integrity, and effective governance across all charitable activities in Kuwait.
