Kuwait: Authorities Warn Against Bribery and Illegal Photography

Times Kuwait, 29 March 2026: Kuwaiti authorities have issued a public legal warning against accepting money or bribes in exchange for providing information or taking unauthorised photographs, stressing that such conduct constitutes a serious criminal offence that may endanger national security.

The warning, published in multiple languages to reach the expatriate community, stated that receiving payment to share information or capture images of locations inside Kuwait without permission was strictly prohibited. Officials emphasised that these actions were not minor violations but offences that could compromise sensitive sites and state security interests.

Authorities confirmed that anyone found engaging in such activities will face immediate legal action under applicable laws. Potential consequences include criminal prosecution, severe penalties, and deportation for non‑citizens. The statement made clear that zero tolerance would be shown toward individuals who knowingly cooperate in the unlawful collection or transmission of information.

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Kuwait: Draft Law to Fast‑Track Terrorism and State‑Security Cases

Arab Times, 25 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Justice introduces a draft decree‑law creating specialised courts to expedite terrorism and state‑security cases while preserving judicial safeguards.

The Ministry has reviewed delays in high‑risk cases before proposing a new judicial structure dedicated to internal and external security offences. Under the draft, litigation will be limited to two stages: an initial hearing before a specialised criminal court at the Court of First Instance, followed by a single appeal before a specialised chamber at the Court of Appeal. Decisions issued at the appeal stage will be final and not subject to further challenge.

Only Kuwaiti judges will preside over these matters, and the specialised courts will hold exclusive authority to review and renew pretrial detention orders. The draft further requires existing courts to transfer all pending terrorism‑related and state‑security cases to the new specialised circuits for completion. Officials stated that the initiative is intended to enhance national security, streamline proceedings, and ensure that sensitive cases are handled efficiently within a focused judicial framework.

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Kuwait: Health Ministry Orders Overseas Employees to Return to Duty

Arab Times, 26 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Health issued a circular instructing employees currently abroad to take the necessary steps to return to work due to exceptional circumstances and the need to maintain uninterrupted healthcare services.

The Ministry has reassessed its staffing needs before directing all employees abroad to submit official documentation confirming their return to duty. Staff were instructed to file either a formal letter of return or a notice of return from leave, each requiring approval from both the immediate supervisor and the next level of management, along with all required supporting papers.

Employees on annual leave must also attach a copy of their pre‑approved leave authorisation and submit entry and exit records generated through the Ministry of Interior’s Sahel application. The Ministry emphasised that all paperwork must be submitted to the Administrative Affairs – Leave Department at the employee’s designated workplace to ensure proper and expedited processing of administrative procedures.

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Kuwait: MoCI urges public to report overcharging amid intensified market inspections

Arab Times, 26 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry urges consumers to report shopkeepers who overcharge, as inspection teams continued large‑scale monitoring campaigns to enforce price regulations and protect consumer rights.

The Ministry has expanded its field campaigns in shops and markets to address violations affecting market transparency and price stability. Inspectors uncovered breaches in the gold market, including refusal to sell, selling at prices different from those advertised, and demanding large‑quantity purchases. Five violation reports were issued in the Capital Governorate’s gold market alone.

Officials stated that these measures were prompted by public complaints about shops refusing to sell gold except in large quantities. The Ministry confirmed that legal action was taken against violators under applicable commercial‑regulation laws as part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance and prevent unlawful practices. Consumers were urged to report any overcharging or sales irregularities through official channels.

According to official data, inspectors recorded 322 violations since the outbreak of the war in Iran, covering sectors such as gold shops, supermarkets, meat markets, juice outlets, and water‑tanker services. Violations ranged from inflated prices and commercial fraud to underweight products and improper storage. Ten closure orders were issued, including against central markets and shops, and an unlicensed warehouse was immediately shut. The campaigns were conducted in coordination with the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, particularly in the Capital Governorate, where food‑safety violations were also identified.

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Kuwait: Civil Aviation orders full ticket refunds within 15 days

Kuwait Times, 24 March 2026: Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated all airlines and travel agencies to issue full refunds for cancelled or unused tickets within 15 working days, following the suspension of commercial flights since 28 February.

Under the directive, passengers are entitled to a full refund for unused tickets, and a full refund for the unused portion of partially used tickets—even if originally classified as non‑refundable. Airlines and agents are prohibited from forcing passengers to accept vouchers, reschedule flights, or convert bookings into credit without consent. The refund requirement also extends to unused hotel bookings and other travel services such as car rentals, extra baggage, and travel insurance.

Refunds must be processed using the original payment method unless another arrangement is voluntarily agreed, and only pre‑disclosed service fees may be deducted. Violations may result in legal action before the competent complaints and arbitration committee under Kuwait’s air‑transport regulatory framework.

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