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.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Kuwait: Banks announce temporary closures

Arab Times, 8 March 2026: Major banks in Kuwait have temporarily closed their headquarters as a safety measure following recent security developments.

Several leading institutions have confirmed the precautionary suspension of operations at their main offices. The National Bank of Kuwait has closed its headquarters from 8 March until further notice, citing the need to ensure safety and maintain business continuity. Boubyan Bank has also suspended operations at its headquarters and affiliated branches, stating that the measure aims to protect employees and customers.

Kuwait Finance House has announced a one‑day suspension of work at its main buildings and departments located in Baitak Tower. All banks have reaffirmed that they remain operational through electronic channels and alternative services. Complementary reports indicate that nationwide banking services continue, with digital platforms and ATMs remaining available to customers.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Kuwait: Market monitoring tightens

Times Kuwait, 8 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has intensified market inspections to stabilise food prices and protect consumers.

The ministry’s monitoring teams have begun extensive inspection tours across central markets and cooperative societies to ensure compliance with the ministerial decision fixing food commodity prices. According to the Director of the Commercial Control and Consumer Protection Department, inspections have not shown any price increases, and cooperatives are adhering to the pricing instructions.

Teams will continue monitoring outlets to ensure full compliance, with any violations being referred to the relevant legal authorities. In parallel, government entities have completed the supply of all 92 food distribution centres with essential commodities and are facilitating smooth delivery to central markets.

The ministry notes ongoing coordination with Kuwait Flour Mills and Bakeries Company to boost bread production and ensure continuous availability across distribution points. These measures aim to secure essential goods, maintain stable supply chains, and reinforce Kuwait’s food security, particularly during peak‑consumption periods.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Kuwait: Government exempts stranded employees from work during airspace closure

Arab Times, 8 March 2026: Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission has exempted government employees who are stranded abroad from work duties after regional airspace closures disrupted travel.

The Commission has announced that the period of absence will be counted as actual working time until employees are able to return. The Commission has coordinated with ministries, public bodies, and institutions to ensure that affected staff are covered under the established administrative procedures.

Under the directive, the exemption period will begin after the end of each employee’s authorised leave or holiday, during which they had been scheduled to resume duties. Supervisors will determine the duration and will refer the case to the relevant administrative department. Employees will be required to provide documentation confirming they were abroad during the disruption so the absence can be recorded as official service time.

The Commission will ensure the exemption remains in place until airspace reopens or return travel becomes available.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Kuwait: Visit visas extended and three‑month absence permit granted to residents abroad

5 March 2026: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced an automatic one‑month extension for all visit visas, along with a three‑month absence permit for residents currently abroad.

The Ministry has confirmed all visit entry visas expiring or nearing expiry from 28 February 2026 will be automatically extended for one month through the electronic system, with all fees and fines waived during the period. Residents outside Kuwait who have exceeded the permitted absence duration will receive an automatic three‑month absence permit, which will also be issued electronically and will be exempt from fees. Authorities have also stated these measures may be extended depending on developments.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Kuwait: Government sets maximum prices for all food commodities

Arab Times, 2 March 2026: Kuwait has issued a ministerial decree fixing maximum selling prices for all food commodities based on rates in effect before 28 February 2026.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry had announced a decree establishing that prevailing retail prices for all food items prior to 28 February 2026 constitute the maximum permissible rates. Any increase above these levels requires ministerial approval. The measure will take effect one month from issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette. Violations will be subject to penalties under Kuwait Decree-Law No. 10/1979 on Supervision on trade In Goods and Defining Certain Prices, with relevant authorities instructed to enforce the pricing controls and monitor local markets to prevent unjustified price hikes.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Kuwait: National Service Law Amended by New Decree

Kuwait has issued a new decree amending the national military service framework, updating eligibility rules, exemptions and procedural requirements.

Kuwait Decree‑Law No. 9/2026 introduced amendments to Kuwait Law No. 20/2015 on Military National Service. The Armed Forces said the update aims to resolve legislative and procedural gaps that had caused delays in processing cases and handling situations not covered under the original law. Under the amendments, national service will apply to all Kuwaiti males turning 18, starting with those born on 1 January 2012, while those born before that date are exempt. Any procedures taken in violation of this cutoff will be cancelled.

The amendments also ensure that employed conscripts retain their salaries, allowances and bonuses throughout their service, with the service period counted toward total employment years. Additional provisions include exempting an only son, extending the registration deadline from 60 to 180 days, and granting firefighters employed by Kuwait Oil Company the same exemptions as those given to the Kuwait Fire Force. The National Military Service Authority is now authorised to assign conscripts to the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Interior, the National Guard and the Kuwait Fire Force.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Kuwait: New Freelance Residency Scheme

Arab Times, 16 February 2026: Kuwait has announced a new freelance residency category, set to launch within two months, with fees ranging between KD 750 and KD 1,000.

Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior announced a broad package of labour‑market reforms, including the introduction of a new freelancer residency permit designed to curb visa trading and offer a regulated framework for independent workers. The permit will carry government fees ranging between KD 750 and KD 1,000, and is expected to be implemented within the next two months.

Strict penalties would be imposed for labour‑law violations, especially where workers are found operating outside their authorised sponsorship. Employers were warned that violations could trigger criminal action, and authorities have been directed to streamline procedures and expand communication channels to support compliant companies.

Last year, 39,000 illegal workers were deported following intensified inspections targeting unlawful employment and residency breaches. Parallel measures were also announced, including inspections of nurseries, delivery‑app companies, and health institutes operating in violation of labour rules, as well as upcoming regulations for subcontracting arrangements involving foreign entities.

For more news and content, try Lexis Middle East. Click on lexis.ae/demo to begin your free trial of Lexis® Middle East platform.

You can also explore the legal landscape by subscribing to our Weekly Newsletter.

Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.