Arab Times, 26 April 2025: The Kuwait Council of Ministers approved amendments to the Penal Code, originally enacted under Kuwait Law No. 16/1960.

The amendments have increased fines for manslaughter and unintentional injuries and introduced new articles which alter penalties under aggravating circumstances. A provision was also added to protect the financial system from debtors falsely claiming insolvency.

In addition, amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure and Trials Kuwait Law No. 17/1960 found in Kuwait Decree-Law No. 62/2025 have included electronic notification of in-absentia judgments to expedite delivery and ensure convicts are informed, reducing litigation delays. Article 230 of Kuwait Law No. 17/1960 has been was amended to facilitate the collection of criminal fines, allowing the Public Prosecution to deduct fines from salaries or arrange instalment payments.

The Council has also approved amendments to Article 5 of Kuwait Law No. 71/2020 on Bankruptcy, reinstating arrest and detention for debtors who evade financial obligations and enhancing enforcement authority for financial disclosures.

A draft decree-law amending the Civil and Commercial Procedures Law ,Kuwait Decree-Law No. 38/1980, has been introduced, which will allow the Enforcement Department to notify a Credit Information Company of non-payment, impacting the debtor’s credit record.

The Public Authority for Combating Corruption (Nazaha) was reinforced through amendments to Kuwait Law No. 2/2016 On the Establishment of the Public Authority for Anti-Corruption and the Provisions Related to Financial Disclosure, broadening the definition of corruption and mandating electronic submission of financial disclosures.

Kuwait Ministerial Decision No. 194/2025 to have also been issued to regulate payment procedures for official documents, in order to combat money laundering and enhance transparency in the real estate market.

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