Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs has introduced new regulations aimed at reforming the country’s charitable sector, emphasizing increased support for domestic needs and enhanced transparency. Speaking on Monday, Minister Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah urged charity organizations to allocate their resources primarily within Kuwait to address local social demands.
The new legislative framework, enacted last month, seeks to regulate and organize charitable activities rather than restrict them or divert resources improperly. Dr. Al-Huwailah emphasized that the reform intends to develop the sector sustainably while preserving Kuwait’s reputation for integrity in humanitarian work. This, in turn, is expected to improve the standing of Kuwaiti charities with international evaluators.
A key provision of the law requires all workers in the charitable field to undergo security background checks similar to those applied to government employees, ensuring that only qualified individuals are engaged in these sensitive roles. The legislation also addresses concerns about misuse of charity resources, responding to reports of individuals exploiting charity names for unauthorized operations.
To oversee and support the sector, the law establishes the National Center for Charitable and Humanitarian Work, which will supervise all charity-related activities, and the Kuwait Fund for Humanitarian Work, tasked with backing development, training, and research initiatives within the sector.
Fundraising efforts are now subject to stricter controls, including a requirement that all donation campaigns receive prior approval from the ministry. This measure aims to ensure donations are collected and utilized transparently and for their designated purposes.
Dr. Al-Huwailah’s remarks were delivered during a meeting with representatives of charity organizations, highlighting the government’s intent to balance regulatory oversight with fostering a robust charitable environment responsive to Kuwait’s social needs.