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: KFH Expands Digital Money Transfer Services

Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has enhanced its money‑transfer services by expanding its digital partnership with Western Union, enabling customers to conduct fast, secure local and international transfers directly through the KFHOnline app.

Through this integration, customers can send funds in cash, to bank accounts or to digital wallets across Western Union’s global network of over 200 countries, supported by KFH’s strengthened e‑banking framework. The collaboration forms part of KFH’s broader digital‑transformation strategy, which includes virtual card issuance, online account opening, and real‑time currency‑exchange tools.

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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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Kuwait: New Laws to Protect Military Interests

Kuwait Times, 18 March 2026: Two new laws designed to protect military interests in Kuwait and combat terrorism have been published in the official gazette with immediate effect.

Kuwait Decree-Law No. 47/2026 is on combating terrorism crimes and Kuwait Decree-Law No 13/2026 covers securing and protecting the supreme interests of military entities. The new legislation aims to respond to evolving security threats, which have become organised, complex, and transnational, and now require an integrated legal framework which combines prevention, deterence and protection.

Kuwait Decree-Law No. 47/2026 defines ‘terrorist acts’ as offenses targeting individuals, property, public facilities, transportation, or cyberspace, which are aimed at spreading fear, undermining societal security, or influencing authorities.

It distinguishes between a ‘terrorist organisation’, ‘terrorist’, and a ‘state of terrorist danger’, and applies to acts committed inside or outside Kuwait if related to its security or interests. Penalties for these crimes are severe, and include life imprisonment or the death penalty in certain cases. The law criminalises assisting perpetrators, failing to report crimes, and provides for incentives for cooperation with authorities, such as immunity if the crime is reported before execution or if help is provided in identifying an offender.

It also criminalises attacks on vital facilities, diplomatic premises, recruitment, training, or affiliation with terrorist entities, and introduces precautionary measures under judicial supervision through the ‘state of terrorist danger’ concept, which include monitoring and rehabilitation programmes. In addition, the law establishes a National Committee for Combating Terrorism which will set national strategy, coordinate efforts, and ensure compliance with international obligations.

Meanwhile Kuwait Decree-Law No. 13/2026 provides a comprehensive framework to protect military interests, enabling efficient operations by regulating access to military sites, safeguarding classified information, and managing security procedures.

It criminalises unauthorised entry, dissemination of false information affecting military morale, and exploitation of military assets, with penalties of up to life imprisonment for severe violations. The Public Prosecution will have exclusive authority to investigate and prosecute crimes under these laws, strengthening procedural efficiency while balancing security and legal safeguards.

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Kuwait: Eid gatherings and weddings banned over security concerns

Khaleej Times, 12 March 2026: Kuwait has imposed a temporary ban on Eid Al Fitr gatherings, weddings, concerts and theatre events as a precaution amid heightened regional security tensions.

The Ministry of Interior announced that all public celebrations including plays, concerts, parties and wedding events are prohibited until further notice. The decision aims to limit large gatherings and reduce security risks linked to the current domestic and regional situation following Iran’s recent attacks.

Authorities said the restrictions are intended to enhance public safety, ensure readiness to respond to potential emergencies and support the stability of the country during what it described as a “sensitive period.”

The ministry urged citizens and residents to cooperate fully, warning that violations will result in legal action. It also called on the public to demonstrate national responsibility and prioritise the wider public interest.

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Kuwait: KPC declares force majeure

Times Kuwait, 7 March 2026: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has declared force majeure and begun reducing crude‑oil output due to severe disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

KPC has initiated precautionary production cuts after explicit threats against vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and a near‑absence of available tankers in the Arabian Gulf. The company has explained in a trade notice that safe maritime passage is compromised, prompting the declaration of force majeure.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil and LNG supplies, and ongoing disruptions have already led to output cuts in Iraq and Qatar, with analysts warning that the UAE and Saudi Arabia may also face reductions if storage capacity tightens. KPC has not specified the exact scale of its reduction but noted that Kuwait had produced about 2.6 million barrels per day in February and that production levels will be reviewed as conditions evolve.

The corporation remains prepared to restore output once maritime conditions allow, highlighting its significant role as a major exporter of naphtha to Asia and jet fuel to north‑west Europe. Complementary reports indicate that the force majeure notice cites explicit threats and the absence of shipping capacity as the primary legal grounds for the declaration.

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