Arab Times, 8 June 2025: Kuwait’s government issued Kuwait Decree-Law No. 75/2025, aimed at enforcing the collection of fees for public services such as electricity, water, telecommunications, and transport.

The law introduced mechanisms to ensure timely payment and prevent fee evasion, reinforcing the principle that public utilities must be paid for under regulatory mandates.

Key provisions included automatic service suspension for debtors failing to pay within 30 days of notification, with services restored upon full payment. The law allowed installment-based repayments for those unable to pay in full, subject to creditor approval. Failure to adhere to the installment plan led to its cancellation and immediate debt recovery procedures.

Article 2 of Kuwait Decree-Law No. 75/2025 mandated a grievance process before legal action, requiring debtors to file a written complaint with the concerned authority, which must respond within 30 days. Article 3 of Kuwait Decree-Law No. 75/2025 granted government creditors a statutory lien over all debtor assets, ensuring priority in recovering dues. Article 4 of Kuwait Decree-Law No. 75/2025 elevated official debt documents to “executive instrument” status, allowing direct enforcement without lengthy court proceedings.

The law introduced a 10-year statute of limitations for fee collection, with interruptions possible through official notices from creditors. Judicial fees were exempted from the law’s provisions.

The legislation aimed to address widespread abuse of the existing system, where many beneficiaries delayed or avoided payments, burdening the state financially. It sought to restore financial discipline and ensure efficient management of public utilities, offering structured payment plans to balance enforcement with recognition of genuine financial hardship.

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