Al Qabas, 3 August 2025: The Ministry of Social Affairs in Kuwait has finalised amendments to the Co-operative Societies (Kuwait Law No. 24/1979), introducing significant changes to board composition and membership requirements.

Under the new amendments, co-operative society boards will consist of nine members, with four appointed by government ministries and five elected by the general assembly. The changes also establish stricter eligibility criteria for board membership.

Key requirements for board candidates include: Minimum age of 30 years, three years of society membership, Property ownership or civil ID in the nomination area, a University degree, a clean criminal record, and completion of ministry-approved training in cooperative work.

The revised law grants the Minister of Social Affairs the authority to dissolve boards or dismiss members for serious financial or administrative violations. In such cases, the minister can appoint a temporary director for up to two months until new elections are held.

Board members found guilty of violations will be barred from running for two consecutive terms, extending to three terms for criminal offences. The law also introduces penalties, including up to two years imprisonment and fines up to 2,000 dinars for various infractions.

The amendments require boards to follow employment policies aligned with the ministry’s Kuwaitisation directives. Each society must appoint a general manager, who cannot be a board member, subject to conditions set by the Social Affairs Minister.

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