For workers who rely on their monthly salaries to pay rent, meet household expenses and support families back home, going without wages for months can mean mounting debts and growing uncertainty. Kuwait is stepping up action against employers who fail to pay salaries, with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah warning that labour violations will no longer be tolerated and that the law will apply equally to all.

Authorities are examining the files of around 10,000 companies over unpaid wages. In some cases, workers reportedly went as long as 18 months without receiving their salaries. In response, the government is suspending company files, checking salary payments more closely and taking steps to hold employers accountable across the private sector.

Speaking at a meeting with company owners and representatives of the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), Sheikh Fahad stressed that employers must fulfil their obligations to workers, regardless of nationality or the ownership of the business. He warned that companies found violating the rules could face the suspension of all related files and licences, rather than action being limited to the specific file in which the violation occurred.

The minister also raised concerns about questionable company arrangements, the misuse of commercial licences and suspected money laundering. Citing cases discussed during the meeting, he said 70 million dinars had circulated through three companies, one of which operated under a restaurant licence with only one registered employee. He also highlighted a case in which a Kuwaiti citizen was officially registered as earning 3,000 dinars a month but reportedly received only 180 dinars.

Such practices, he warned, could expose workers and citizens to exploitation while damaging Kuwait’s international standing and raising concerns over financial transparency.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has launched a new electronic service allowing expatriates to report lost passports and obtain official loss certificates through the government’s unified Sahel application.

The service, titled “Certificate of Loss of Passport,” is available under the Security Services section of the Sahel app, enabling foreign residents to complete the procedure electronically without having to visit government offices.

According to the ministry, expatriates can use the service to report missing passports and obtain an official certificate to submit to the relevant authorities.

The initiative aims to simplify administrative procedures, reduce paperwork and improve access to government services for expatriate residents.

The Ministry of Interior announced the launch through its official Sahel account as part of ongoing efforts to expand digital services and streamline procedures for residents.

The new service forms part of Kuwait’s broader push to strengthen digital government services and enable residents to complete official transactions through a unified electronic platform.

Companies that fail to pay their workers’ salaries regularly could be barred from government tenders and contracts under tougher enforcement measures being pursued by Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), as authorities intensify efforts to protect rights of workers including payment of salaries on regular basis and strengthen compliance across the private sector.

According to a report published by Al-Jarida, PAM will submit the names of companies that fail to meet their monthly wage-payment obligations to the Central Agency for Public Tenders, paving the way for their exclusion from government bidding until they pay salaries of workers on regular basis

The move forms part of the drive by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef to achieve “zero” violations involving salary transfers. Although authorities have reported progress in monitoring wage payments, the stated objective is to eliminate delays and ensure employers fulfil their obligations to workers every month.

Figures cited in the report show that companies submitted 93,865 applications through the Wage Collection System between January and September, representing an increase of 195.6 percent compared with 31,757 applications during the corresponding period a year earlier. The figures indicate a substantial increase in the use of the system, although the number of applications alone does not establish the overall rate of compliance.

Under the requirements outlined by the authority, private-sector companies must collect and transfer at least 90 percent of the total salaries of workers registered on their files each month, in addition to transferring and collecting the wages due to registered workers for the preceding month.

Companies that fail to satisfy these conditions face restrictions on a range of government services. These include the issuance of new work permits and authorizations, except renewals, the registration of government contracts, assessments of manpower requirements, the issuance of certificates needed by entities concerned with tenders, and the registration of company-owned vehicles.

The measures are intended to make timely wage payments a key condition for maintaining access to essential administrative services and participating in government business. Companies that fall short of the requirements will have to address their compliance deficiencies to restore their standing.

In a related development, PAM reviewed its electronic integration with the Wage Protection Platform at the Central Bank of Kuwait, a mechanism designed to improve oversight of salary transfers and strengthen the monitoring of employers’ compliance.

Under the system, employers upload wage files to their banks, which transmit the data through the Central Bank’s platform to PAM. The authority checks the information against the details of workers registered under the employer’s file before the payment process proceeds. Once the bank executes the transfers, the results are sent electronically to the authority.

The automated process is designed to verify wage data before disbursement, eliminate manual correspondence between banks and the authority, and enable faster detection of cases in which employers fail to comply with wage-payment requirements.

PAM is also compiling monthly compliance records to distinguish companies that consistently pay salaries on time from those that repeatedly delay payments. The authority is preparing a framework under which compliant companies could receive advantages based on their compliance levels.

The approach combines stricter enforcement against persistent violations with incentives for employers that maintain a reliable wage-payment record. It also gives companies an opportunity to complete their procedures and rectify shortcomings before their files are suspended.

With tender eligibility and access to key government services potentially at stake, the measures place greater emphasis on regular salary transfers as a fundamental responsibility of private-sector employers. PAM’s stated objective is to build on the progress achieved so far and eliminate wage-payment violations through continuous monitoring, electronic verification and stronger accountability.

Kuwait’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all airlines and travel and tourism agencies operating in Kuwait to clearly display fee codes for Kuwait International Airport and their corresponding amounts on travel tickets, according to an official statement issued by the authority.

DGCA official spokesperson Abdullah Al-Rajhi said Circular No. 58/2026, issued on October 19, 2026, aims to enhance transparency and ensure that travelers are fully informed of the applicable fees and their respective amounts.

Al-Rajhi clarified that the fees mentioned in the circular are not all new, as some have been applied for a previous period, while others were introduced recently. He explained that the circular seeks to standardize the disclosure of these fees and ensure that they are itemized on travel tickets, enabling passengers to understand the components of the costs they incur when booking flights.

The measure is part of the authority’s efforts to protect travelers’ rights and strengthen transparency in dealings between passengers, airlines, travel agencies and tourism companies.

Al-Rajhi added that providing detailed fee information will allow travelers to refer to the charges when necessary, including when cancelling bookings or requesting refunds for ticket values, subject to the terms and conditions applicable to the ticket and the regulations governing the transaction.

He stressed that all airlines and travel and tourism agencies operating in Kuwait must comply with the circular by displaying the relevant fee codes and their corresponding amounts clearly and separately. The requirement is intended to reduce confusion and improve the clarity of information provided to passengers.

Al-Rajhi reaffirmed that the DGCA will continue to carry out its regulatory and supervisory responsibilities to ensure clarity in travel-related procedures, safeguard travelers’ rights, and promote transparency and compliance with the regulations governing Kuwait’s aviation sector.

Preventive health physician Dr. Abdullah Behbehani said seasonal weather fluctuations could irritate the respiratory system and worsen symptoms among children, older adults and people with chronic respiratory conditions. He advised patients to follow prescribed treatments, monitor their health and seek medical attention if symptoms become unusual or worsen.

Recommended precautions include avoiding direct exposure to dust, ensuring proper indoor ventilation, washing hands regularly, limiting contact with people who have respiratory illnesses and taking recommended vaccinations, particularly seasonal influenza and pneumonia vaccines for eligible groups. Dr Behbehani also warned against taking antibiotics or other medicines without medical advice, urging prompt evaluation in cases of breathing difficulties, persistent high fever or deteriorating health.

Internal medicine consultant Dr. Ghanem Al-Salem said seasonal changes were often accompanied by more cases of colds, influenza, nasal and sinus allergies, asthma symptoms and some intestinal infections. Temperature fluctuations, dust, humidity changes and increased contact in enclosed spaces could contribute to these health problems.

Al-Salem stressed that cold weather itself does not cause influenza, which requires transmission of the virus. Poor ventilation and crowded indoor environments can, however, facilitate the spread of respiratory infections, including the common cold, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19.

He emphasised the importance of distinguishing between non-communicable conditions, such as allergies and asthma, and viral infections that can spread between people. Symptoms alone may not reliably identify the virus, and medical assessment or testing may be necessary.

Older adults, young children, pregnant women, people with diabetes or heart, lung and kidney diseases, and those with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of complications. Dr Al-Salem advised vulnerable patients to seek medical advice early when flu symptoms appear, noting that antiviral treatment is generally most effective when started within the first 48 hours, although later treatment may be considered in some severe cases.

Consultant in internal and infectious diseases Dr. Ghanem Al-Hujailan said respiratory infections could spread more readily during autumn as students returned to schools and people resumed close contact in crowded settings. Returning travellers may also introduce respiratory viruses that subsequently spread within the community.

Dr Al-Hujailan urged the public to follow health guidelines and stressed the importance of seasonal influenza vaccination, particularly for vulnerable groups and people who regularly interact with older adults or patients with chronic illnesses.

Dr Behbehani said attendance at health centres and preventive health centres remained within normal levels, with no unusual increase in visits linked to seasonal changes. He encouraged the public to maintain a healthy lifestyle through balanced nutrition, adequate sleep and regular physical activity, while seeking medical care for severe or persistent symptoms.

Artificial intelligence is transforming India’s workplaces, helping employees complete tasks faster and improve productivity while raising important questions about employment, professional skills and the future of entry-level jobs.

From journalism and business management to law and software development, AI tools are increasingly being used to research information, translate content, analyse data, organise documents, prepare drafts and process large volumes of material. By automating repetitive tasks, the technology is allowing professionals to devote more time to analysis, problem-solving and decision-making.

However, its growing use also highlights the need for human oversight, as inaccurate information and errors can undermine the quality of the final output. The shift is particularly significant for young professionals entering the workforce. Tasks traditionally assigned to junior employees, including basic research, document preparation, data processing and initial drafting, can increasingly be performed with the assistance of AI, dw.com reports.

This is changing how companies organise teams, allocate responsibilities and assess the capabilities expected of new recruits. AI adoption among younger Indians is already widespread. A Deloitte survey cited in the source report found that 93 percent of Generation Z respondents and 95 percent of millennial respondents used AI in their day-to-day work

An Emeritus survey found that 82 percent of respondents aged 15 to 28 used AI tools at least weekly to learn or develop new skills. The findings point to the growing role of AI not only in professional tasks but also in learning and skills development. Employers are increasingly looking for workers who can use AI effectively while demonstrating critical thinking, sound judgement and the ability to verify information.

Rather than relying solely on technical knowledge or the ability to complete routine assignments, employees are expected to assess AI-generated results, identify errors, apply professional expertise and turn information into practical solutions. This transition is also influencing recruitment and workforce planning.

AI can allow smaller teams to handle workloads that previously required more employees, particularly in areas involving routine writing, research, data analysis and administrative support. While this can improve efficiency, it may also reduce demand for some traditional junior-level tasks and make it more difficult for newcomers to gain experience through work that was once an important entry point into a profession.

A 2025 report by NITI Aayog, citing data from the Center of Advanced Study in India, said more than 60 percent of formal-sector jobs could be susceptible to automation by 2030, particularly in information technology and business-process services. The report also warned of slower hiring for entry-level software engineers and identified junior quality-assurance and Level 1 support roles as vulnerable.

The implications extend beyond the technology industry. In journalism, AI can accelerate research and translation, but it cannot remove the need for accurate reporting and verification. In law, it can help organise case documents and prepare preliminary drafts, while legal analysis and responsibility for the work remain critical. In business, AI can streamline data processing and presentations, but its conclusions still require scrutiny and an understanding of the commercial context.

India’s technology sector is also integrating AI more deeply into its operations. Tata Consultancy Services said in its 2025-26 annual report that it had expanded its “Human+AI” operating model and was embedding AI across services and software development. In software engineering, the growing use of AI-generated code is shifting part of the workload towards testing.

The Ministry of Education is coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the proposed initiative, which aims to broaden students’ exposure to foreign languages and international educational experiences, according to a report published by Al-Rai on October 19.

Under the proposal, Chinese would be offered as an optional subject within the curriculum and incorporated into a dedicated foreign-language track under the new secondary school system, giving students greater choice in their studies.

The proposed cooperation also includes incorporating information about the history and geography of Kuwait and China into educational curricula. The initiative is intended to strengthen students’ understanding of the two countries’ historical, geographical and cultural backgrounds while promoting knowledge exchange.

The move reflects efforts to expand educational engagement between Kuwait and China while equipping students with additional language skills relevant to an increasingly interconnected world.

The unit also established specific requirements governing insurance brokers’ access to the updated system. Registered insurance companies may grant contracted brokers a sub-user account to issue policies, provided the arrangement is explicitly included in their contract and all regulatory requirements are met.

Insurance brokers must identify the employees registered under the company’s residency sponsorship who are authorized to use the sub-account. They must also submit a declaration and undertaking on the company’s official letterhead, signed by the general manager, confirming that the account will be used exclusively by authorized employees.

Policy issuance must take place within the broker’s licensed premises. Issuing documents from any other location is prohibited, and insurance companies may not activate sub-accounts until the contractual requirements, authorized employee details and required declaration have been completed.

o ensure brokers are prepared for the transition, insurance companies have been instructed to conduct introductory workshops on using the Beema system, beginning from the date of the circular. They must maintain records identifying the participants and provide them to the unit whenever requested.

The unit stressed that premiums for insurance policies must be paid exclusively through electronic payment channels. Cash payments are prohibited under all circumstances, in line with regulations governing entities supervised by the unit.
The circular’s provisions will remain in force without prejudice to Resolution No. 32 of 2025 until a relevant regulatory decision is issued.

The Insurance Regulatory Unit urged all concerned companies to comply fully with the new requirements, warning that violations could result in accountability measures and legal action under Law No. 125 of 2019 on Insurance Regulation, its Executive Regulations and amendments, as well as the unit’s decisions and circulars and other applicable legislation.

From dog registration and rabies vaccinations to importing pets and operating animal shelters, Kuwait’s regulatory framework places responsibility on owners and animal-care operators to protect public health, ensure proper care and prevent neglect. Kuwait’s renewed focus on animal ownership and care has brought licensing, veterinary compliance and animal welfare into sharper focus, particularly following the dog-ownership guidelines publicised by authorities in October 2026. The requirements underline that keeping an animal is not simply a private choice but a responsibility that carries public-health, safety and welfare obligations.

For pet owners, expatriate residents, breeders, animal rescuers and shelter operators, understanding the distinction between an individual animal ownership licence, a veterinary health certificate, an import permit and a licence to operate an animal-related establishment is essential. These documents serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Kuwait’s framework includes the longstanding legislation governing dog ownership and rabies prevention, the animal-welfare legislation adopted in 2015 and its executive regulations issued in 2017, alongside requirements administered by the relevant veterinary and government authorities.

Dog ownership licences: What the law requires

Kuwait’s Law No. 9 of 1969 concerning dog ownership and preventive measures against rabies establishes a licensing system for dogs. The legislation is listed as in force in a Kuwaiti legal database and sets out requirements for registration, veterinary examination, vaccination and identification.

The framework was brought back into public focus in October 2026, when the Ministry of Interior publicised guidance requiring dog owners to obtain official licences and comply with identification and veterinary requirements.

Under the legislation, the application process includes the following:

• Owner information: The applicant’s name, age, nationality and residential address.
• Place of accommodation: The address where the dog will be kept.
• Animal identification: The dog’s type, colour and distinguishing marks.
• Ownership history: Information about the source from which the dog was obtained, including the importing source or previous owner.
• Veterinary examination: The dog must be presented to the competent veterinary centre for examination and rabies vaccination.
• Registration and identification: The dog is entered in the relevant veterinary register and receives a serial number linked to a metal identification tag attached to its collar.

These requirements are set out in Articles 1–5 of the 1969 legislation.

Owners should approach the competent veterinary authority to establish the currently designated application office, required forms, appointment arrangements and any applicable fees. Although the legislation describes the registration process, a complete, up-to-date online application procedure was not independently verified for this report.

Rabies vaccination and veterinary checks

Vaccination is a central element of Kuwait’s dog-ownership framework. The 1969 law requires dogs to be presented for rabies vaccination annually and in accordance with the prescribed veterinary schedule.
The October 2026 guidance also emphasises health examinations at authorised veterinary centres and annual rabies booster vaccinations.

Owners should therefore maintain a veterinary record containing:

• The animal’s identifying details.
• Vaccination dates and the next required booster.
• Examination and treatment records.
• Any relevant health certificates.
• The ownership licence and registration number.

These records are particularly important when an animal is transported, transferred to another owner or taken abroad.

What happens if rabies is suspected?

Under the existing law, owners must immediately notify the nearest competent veterinary centre if a dog is suspected of having rabies. The legislation also addresses animals that bite people or other animals, including veterinary observation and public-health precautions.

It prohibits the improper disposal or burial of carcasses of animals infected with, or suspected of having, rabies before the veterinary authorities have been notified. Owners should not attempt to handle a potentially rabid animal or dispose of its carcass themselves. They should contact the competent veterinary authority and follow its instructions.

Leashes, muzzles and identification in public

The October 2026 guidelines make public control another important responsibility for dog owners. Owners are required to ensure that their dogs wear collars carrying metal identification tags with their registration numbers. When taking dogs onto public roads, pavements and other public spaces, they must use a leash and muzzle in accordance with the announced guidance.

The 1969 legislation also addresses the use of muzzles or leads in public places and provides for the seizure of dogs found without the prescribed identification tag under its provisions.

These requirements serve several purposes:

• Helping authorities identify an animal and trace it to its registered owner.
• Reducing the risk of bites and other injuries.
• Supporting the enforcement of vaccination requirements.
• Protecting pedestrians, children and other animals.
• Making it easier to reunite lost dogs with their owners.

Owners should confirm the applicable requirements with the veterinary authorities, particularly if they have dogs that are difficult to muzzle safely or require special handling.

Do all pets need a licence?

A distinction must be made between dog ownership and the ownership of other animals.

The specific licensing system described in Law No. 9 of 1969 concerns dogs and rabies prevention. It should not automatically be interpreted as imposing an identical individual ownership licence on every cat, rabbit, bird, horse or other domestic animal.

Other requirements can apply depending on the species, the animal’s intended use and the activity involved. For example, importing a pet, trading in animals, operating a breeding facility, establishing a shelter or conducting a public animal exhibition may involve additional permits or regulatory approvals.

Kuwait’s animal-welfare framework, established under Law No. 112 of 2015 and its executive regulations under Resolution No. 1002 of 2017, addresses the treatment and care of animals, animal-related establishments, trade and exhibitions, and the responsibilities of owners and animal-care operators.

Consequently, a person planning to keep a cat or another pet should check the applicable veterinary, import and premises rules rather than assume that the dog-registration procedure applies to every species.

Taking pets out of Kuwait

Exporting a pet also requires advance preparation. The documents required by Kuwait and the destination country are not necessarily identical. Kuwait-based pet owners should check the export procedure with the competent veterinary authority and the destination country’s official import authority before making travel arrangements.

The usual preparation includes confirming:

• The destination country’s import permit, if required.
• An accepted rabies vaccination record.
• A microchip or other identification requirement, where applicable.
• A veterinary health certificate in the prescribed format.
• Any additional tests or waiting periods required by the destination.
• The airline’s animal-transport conditions.

Owners should not rely solely on a veterinary clinic’s general travel checklist. The requirements of the destination country’s competent authority should be verified for the particular species and route. The issue has practical significance for organisations that rescue abandoned or neglected animals. As the number of animals increases, so do the demands for veterinary care, disease control, adequate accommodation, trained staff and sustainable funding.

A rescue group operating from private premises should not assume that the registration of its founders or the individual vaccination of its animals automatically authorises the premises to function as a shelter.

Similarly, the existence of a charitable purpose does not by itself establish that an organisation is exempt from premises, veterinary, animal-welfare or other applicable requirements. Prospective operators should obtain written guidance before opening, expanding or relocating a facility.

Animal welfare and the duty of care

Licensing is only one part of responsible animal ownership. Kuwait’s animal-welfare framework places obligations on people who own or care for animals.

The executive regulations associated with Law No. 112 of 2015 address prohibited cruelty, proper animal care, the responsibilities of owners and the conditions governing animal-related facilities.

Responsible care includes providing suitable accommodation, sufficient food and water, appropriate veterinary treatment and protection from unnecessary injury or suffering.

The framework also addresses abandonment and the handling of animals left unattended or found roaming. Its provisions provide a regulatory basis for authorities to address neglected animals and deal with animals found outside their designated accommodation in accordance with applicable procedures.

For owners who can no longer care for an animal, the responsible course is to seek an appropriate rehoming arrangement or contact the competent authority or a legitimate rescue organisation. Abandoning a dependent animal is not a substitute for transferring responsibility properly.

Penalties for violations

Kuwait’s dog-ownership legislation provides penalties for violations of its provisions.

Article 16 of Law No. 9 of 1969 specifies imprisonment for a period not exceeding one month, a fine not exceeding KD 30, or either penalty for offences under that law.

The Ministry of Interior’s October 2026 guidance has renewed attention to enforcement of dog-ownership, identification and veterinary requirements.

It is important to distinguish the penalty stated in the text of the 1969 law from any penalties that might apply under other legislation or subsequent legal instruments. The precise legal basis for a particular offence, and whether any amendment or additional penalty applies, should be checked against the current official legal text.

Owners should not assume that the same penalty applies to every animal-related violation. Operating an unauthorised establishment, breaching import rules, animal cruelty and failure to comply with dog-registration requirements may engage different legal provisions.

What owners should do now

For residents who already own pets, a practical compliance review can help identify missing documents and outstanding veterinary requirements.

Animal ownership compliance checklist

• Confirm whether the animal requires an individual ownership licence or registration.
• Keep the ownership licence and registration or identification number, where applicable.
• Check that rabies vaccinations and other required veterinary treatments are current.
• Keep veterinary records and health certificates accessible.
• Use the required leash, muzzle and identification tag when taking a dog into public places.
• Confirm import or export permits before arranging international travel.

Before paying a fee or submitting an application, owners should verify the currently designated office, accepted documents and applicable charges directly with the competent authority. This is particularly important for animal shelters and other facilities, for which the individual dog-registration procedure is not a substitute for establishment approval.

The renewed attention to dog licensing presents an opportunity to make Kuwait’s animal-management framework easier for residents and rescue organisations to understand.

A central government guide could set out the steps for registering a dog, renewing its vaccination record, replacing a lost identification tag, importing or exporting a pet, reporting a suspected rabies case and applying to establish an animal shelter.

Clear guidance could also identify the responsible authority for each service, the required documents, application channels, processing times, fees and the legal consequences of non-compliance.

For animal rescuers, transparent shelter-approval procedures would help distinguish informal rescue activity from the operation of a regulated facility and make it easier to plan appropriate accommodation, veterinary care and funding. Public education would also be valuable. Owners need to understand not only their legal obligations but also the practical importance of vaccination, identification, controlled handling and responsible rehoming.

Kuwait’s rules on dog ownership establish a clear relationship between registration, veterinary oversight, rabies prevention and responsible handling in public spaces. The wider animal-welfare framework extends the issue beyond individual pets to the treatment of animals, the operation of animal-related establishments and the responsibilities of those who care for them.

For pet owners, compliance begins with confirming the animal’s registration and veterinary requirements. For rescue groups and shelter operators, it also means establishing which premises and activity approvals are required before operating or expanding a facility. The central challenge is to make the procedures clear and accessible while ensuring that public safety, animal welfare and responsible ownership remain complementary goals.

The Ministry of Health has introduced a new framework detailing when patient health information may be disclosed, reinforcing confidentiality while ensuring that cases requiring legal, social or public-health intervention are reported to the appropriate authorities.

Health Minister Dr Ahmed Al-Awadhi issued the decision regulating procedures for reporting patient cases and coordination between healthcare facilities and relevant government authorities. The rules apply to healthcare professionals and employees whose work involves confidential patient information.

The decision maintains that patient information must remain confidential and may not be disclosed except in specifically defined circumstances. These include situations involving a court or prosecution order, the prevention or reporting of a crime, certain communicable diseases, or disclosure based on the patient’s written consent, Al-Anba daily reports.

The framework also allows the necessary exchange of health information among medical teams, healthcare facility administrators, relatives or legal representatives when required for patient care or the performance of official responsibilities. Such information sharing must be limited to what is necessary for the purpose.

Special reporting provisions cover cases involving child abuse and neglect, violence or neglect involving elderly people, deaths requiring notification of authorities, newborns of unknown parentage or lineage, and long-term patients who can no longer remain in healthcare facilities but cannot be discharged into appropriate care.

The rules also address patients with disabilities who require services from the Public Authority for Disability Affairs, specified communicable diseases, health information relating to pilgrims, and cases handled by the Medical Committee of the Public Institution for Social Security.

The framework establishes coordination mechanisms with six relevant entities, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, the Public Authority for Disability Affairs, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Kuwaiti Hajj mission and the Medical Committee of the Public Institution for Social Security. Each authority is responsible for cases falling within its legal jurisdiction.

For example, the Ministry of Interior will be involved in cases requiring security or legal action, identity verification, residency or nationality procedures, cases involving unknown identity or parentage, certain communicable diseases and medical reports for prisoners seeking medical release. The Ministry of Social Affairs will handle cases involving elderly people, long-term patients and other situations requiring care, shelter or social protection.

Healthcare facilities must prepare written reports containing only the information necessary to process each case. Reports must include the patient’s or deceased person’s relevant details, a summary of their health, social and legal status, the reason for reporting, required action, supporting documents and the contact details of the staff member responsible for follow-up.

The ministry stressed that confidentiality remains essential even when information is reported. Disclosure must be limited to what is necessary to achieve the purpose of the report. Cases requiring notification must be reported immediately through approved official channels, followed by a documented written report.

Importantly, reporting a case does not mean that medical care should stop or that an urgent medical procedure should be delayed. The framework requires healthcare facilities to continue providing necessary treatment while completing the required reporting and coordination procedures.

Healthcare facilities must also maintain a dedicated record of correspondence, procedures and responses relating to reported cases, with relevant documentation retained in the patient’s medical or administrative file. The new framework therefore establishes a clearer balance between protecting patient privacy and ensuring that health cases requiring legal, social or public-health intervention are addressed without delay.

The Ministry of Health is planning to electronically link eye examination cameras at health centers with ophthalmologists to accelerate the delivery of test results and reduce referral and appointment waiting times, as part of efforts to strengthen early detection of eye diseases.

The project was announced during the inauguration of World Sight Day activities on Monday by Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Foudari, head of the hospital’s Ophthalmology Department and chairman of the Ministry of Health’s Council of Ophthalmology Departments, said eye screening services were available across Kuwait’s governorates through primary healthcare centers and public hospitals.

Screening campaigns include visual acuity tests, eye pressure measurements to help detect glaucoma and retinal examinations using modern equipment that eliminates the need for dilating eye drops. Al-Foudari stressed the importance of regular eye check-ups, particularly for people over 40, noting that early detection of retinal diseases can reduce complications.

Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital Director Dr. Nada Al-Hassan said the hospital’s World Sight Day programme included eye, eye pressure and fundus examinations supervised by specialist medical teams. She added that the hospital would continue its awareness and screening activities throughout the week, including an early breast cancer detection event on Wednesday and a World Rheumatism Day event on Thursday.

The Ministry also plans to organise an awareness event in November focusing on keratoconus, a condition that affects the cornea, and available treatment options.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah has confirmed that Kuwait International Airport’s T1 terminal will resume operations in November, ahead of Kuwait hosting the Saudi Football Super Cup.

Speaking to the press after attending the signing ceremony for the government partner sponsorship agreement for the Saudi Super Cup at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, Al-Yousef said the Ministry of Interior had taken several measures to facilitate the arrival of Saudi fans, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Among the measures is an expansion of capacity at the Nuwaiseeb border crossing, where 20 dedicated counters will be available to receive travellers.

Al-Yousef added that the ministry had also decided to exempt players and administrative staff participating in the matches from biometric fingerprinting at the airport. Special identification cards will be issued to them to facilitate their entry into and exit from Kuwait.

The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) has amended the registered business activities of the Joint Automated Banking Services Company (KNET), adding four activities to its entry in the register of providers of electronic payment and electronic money services and operators of electronic payment systems.

The newly added activities include buying and selling land and real estate exclusively for the company’s own account; owning real estate and movable assets for its own benefit; printing postage or financial stamps and banknotes for the State, as well as cheques and ownership documents; and collecting and delivering money and other valuables.

At the same time, the Central Bank removed electronic bill collection, including collection through direct point-of-sale (POS) devices, from KNET’s registered activities.

The amendment updates the range of activities recorded under KNET’s regulatory registration, adding property-related, printing and valuables-handling activities while removing the specified bill-collection service.

During the second quarter of 2026 alone, Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) imposed KD 135,500 in fines on businesses trading in jewellery, precious metals and gemstones for violations of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) requirements.

This figure comes amid significant regulatory developments. Ministerial Decision No. 25 of 2026, issued in March, introduced a revised framework classifying AML/CFT violations by severity and prescribing corresponding financial and administrative penalties. This was followed in September by Ministerial Decision No. 172 of 2026, which established updated compliance requirements specifically for the jewellery and precious metals sector.

The implications extend beyond individual fines. Under the 2026 framework, a single transaction can expose a business to substantial penalties, while, repeated violations can result in progressively multiplied fines reaching up to 500,000 KD per violation.

Consider a customer entering a jewellery shop, selecting a piece of jewellery and paying through an approved electronic payment method. The transaction appears entirely ordinary. However, the customer is designated on Kuwait’s National Sanctions List or the applicable United Nations Security Council sanctions lists, overseen in Kuwait by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Security Council Resolution Implementation Committee.

If the jeweller completes the sale, the business may face a KD 8,000 fine under Ministerial Decision No. 25 of 2026, alongside administrative measures including suspension of operations for one year and withdrawal of its commercial licence. The value of the purchase makes no difference to the sanctions-related obligation.

Consider another customer, this time a politically exposed person (PEP), such as a senior public official. The transaction may be perfectly legitimate, but failure to apply the enhanced customer due diligence required in such circumstances can expose the jeweller to a separate KD 4,000 fine.

The implications extend further. A jewellery shop can face a KD 4,000 penalty even if no sanctioned customer has entered its premises and no prohibited transaction has taken place. Under the same decision, failure to register for or establish a mechanism to monitor the relevant domestic and international sanctions lists constitutes an independent violation.

Even successfully identifying a sanctioned customer and refusing the transaction does not necessarily conclude the jeweller’s obligations. Failure to notify the authorities within two working days carries another prescribed KD 4,000 fine.

These examples illustrate the breadth of the Ministry’s enforcement framework. Financial exposure can arise from dealing with prohibited persons, failing to conduct the required customer checks, neglecting notification obligations or failing to establish the internal controls designed to prevent such violations.

For jewellery businesses, compliance therefore begins well before a customer approaches the counter. The adequacy of their internal procedures can itself become the subject of regulatory enforcement.

One of the more consequential features of Ministerial Decision No. 25 of 2026 concerns repeated violations.

The decision provides for progressively doubled financial penalties where violations recur, subject to a ceiling of KD 500,000 per violation.

This provision has particular significance for businesses whose compliance deficiencies remain unresolved. A failure to maintain adequate procedures, identify regulatory risks or properly document transactions may expose a jeweller to further penalties if the underlying violations are repeated.

The consequences can also extend beyond financial sanctions. Depending on the violation, the Ministry may impose administrative measures including suspension of business operations or withdrawal of the commercial licence.

For smaller jewellery businesses, such measures could materially affect their ability to continue operating.

The September 2026 requirements further reinforce the importance of maintaining effective internal controls. An appointed compliance officer, effective AML policies and an electronic recordkeeping system must be supported by procedures that are properly implemented, regularly reviewed and capable of demonstrating compliance during regulatory inspections.

For jewellers, this calls for a careful examination of existing compliance arrangements, from customer identification and sanctions screening to risk assessments, employee training, suspicious transaction reporting and the preservation of records.

The KD 135,500 in fines imposed during a single quarter illustrates the financial consequences already facing the sector. Kuwait’s 2026 enforcement framework makes the implications of deficiencies considerably more serious.

For jewellery businesses, the question is whether their existing compliance procedures would withstand regulatory scrutiny, and whether potential deficiencies can be identified and addressed before the next inspection.

Kuwait Cricket and Cricket Kenya have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step towards strengthening cricket development and fostering closer collaboration between the two cricketing nations.

The MoU was signed by Mr Asad Khan, Board Advisor of Kuwait Cricket, and Mr Bhavesh Gohil, Chairman of Cricket Kenya, formalising a strategic partnership focused on advancing the game and creating greater opportunities for cricketers in both countries.

The partnership aims to establish a structured pathway for the development of men’s and women’s cricket, with a strong emphasis on nurturing emerging talent, sharing knowledge and expertise, and creating regular international playing opportunities. As part of the agreement, annual bilateral series will be organised between the men’s and women’s national teams, featuring a minimum of three T20 Internationals (T20Is) in each series. These fixtures will provide both nations with valuable opportunities to compete at the international level and strengthen their competitive capabilities.

 

The MoU reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for cricketers, promoting technical and developmental cooperation, and building stronger ties between the cricketing communities of Kuwait and Kenya.
By combining their expertise and resources, Kuwait Cricket and Cricket Kenya aim to establish a sustainable framework that supports player development, strengthens competitive cricket, and creates new opportunities for the next generation of cricketers.

This partnership marks a positive step towards advancing the game, deepening international cooperation, and creating a lasting impact on cricket development in both nations.

A new University College London (UCL) study has found that smacking children as a form of punishment may be associated with poorer academic performance and increased risky behavior during adolescence.

Researchers analysed data from approximately 19,000 children born in the United Kingdom between 2000 and 2002, tracking their development at ages three, five, and seven.

The study concluded that physical punishment “does no good whatsoever,” with all observed outcomes indicating potential harm to children’s development.

Among the key findings, children who were smacked were more likely to fail to achieve five GCSE passes at grades A*–C, including English and Maths, with a 5.7 percentage point increase in failure risk.

The research also found that 14-year-olds who had experienced physical punishment in early childhood were 33% more likely to engage in risky behaviors, including bullying, BBC reports.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Anja Heilmann said the findings suggest that smacking does not improve behavior and may instead contribute to negative developmental outcomes.

However, the study is observational in nature and does not establish direct causation, as other social and environmental factors may have influenced the results.

Some academics have urged caution in interpreting the findings, noting that child development is shaped by multiple influences rather than a single factor.

The Department for Education in England stated that there are currently no plans to change the law on smacking, while reiterating that child safety remains a priority.

The issue remains politically divisive in the United Kingdom, where Scotland and Wales have banned physical punishment of children, while it remains legal in England and Northern Ireland amid ongoing debate over possible legal reform.

Kuwait’s banking sector is witnessing intensified competition over premium customers, with medium-sized and smaller banks challenging lenders that have recently introduced loans at interest rates of around 4 percent, roughly 2.5 percentage points below the maximum rate allowed for financing entities.

The move by two banks to offer financing at around 4 percent has prompted other lenders to join the competition, raising the possibility of further rate reductions if the race to attract customers continues. However, the competition is largely focused on a specific segment of the market.

Banks are targeting Kuwaiti customers with stable employment and relatively high salaries, while residents and stateless persons are excluded from the preferential status being offered under these programs. Although eligibility criteria vary between banks, the targeted segment generally consists of customers with stable jobs and salaries, preferably starting at around 1,500 dinars a month.

The group includes high-net-worth individuals with significant deposits and investments, as well as doctors, judges, senior officers, engineers, technicians, artificial intelligence professionals, oil-sector employees and teachers. The emerging competition goes beyond the immediate cost of financing.

Banks are seeking to strengthen relationships with high-value customers, retain substantial deposits and protect liquidity levels by keeping major balances within the banking system. The preferential packages also extend beyond cheaper loans. Customers in this segment may receive exemptions or discounts on selected banking fees and charges, as well as access to services and benefits designed specifically for premium clients.

For banks, expanding credit offerings to premium customers is also viewed as a way to support future loan-book growth, particularly in housing finance, while increasing fee and commission income from banking, investment and financing services used by high-net-worth customers. The incentives therefore serve several objectives, including supporting credit growth, securing stable sources of financing, attracting new deposits and increasing the volume of transactions generated by premium customers.

Most banks offer broadly similar benefits to this segment. These include dedicated relationship managers, priority services at branches and call centers, preferential returns on some savings products, discounts or exemptions on banking fees, and credit and financing cards with higher limits and additional benefits.
Some premium banking programs also extend into investment services, concierge facilities, travel benefits and airport lounge access, making the competition for affluent customers broader than interest rates alone.

Kuwait ranked 64th globally out of 196 countries in the 2026 Human Progress Index published by CEO World magazine, placing it in the “very high” category with a score of 85.65. The index assesses how effectively countries translate economic opportunities, public services and individual freedoms into living conditions, going beyond traditional measures of income and economic output.

The index looks beyond traditional measures of economic output and income to assess how effectively countries translate economic resources, public services and individual freedoms into quality-of-life outcomes. For businesses and investors, the assessment offers a broader view of the operating environment by examining factors such as housing, healthcare, safety, infrastructure, education and work-life balance.

Each category accounts for one-third of the overall score, although individual indicators carry different weights within the three categories. Within the GCC, Kuwait ranked fifth among the six countries covered, with the UAE in 31st place globally at 92.59 points, followed by Qatar in 47th at 87.46, Bahrain in 54th at 86.66, Saudi Arabia in 60th at 86.00, Kuwait in 64th at 85.65, and Oman in 71st at 84.26. All six GCC countries were classified in the “very high” category.

The GCC results underline the role of quality-of-life factors alongside income and economic performance when companies, employees and families assess locations. Housing affordability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, safety and work-life balance can all form part of decisions on where to invest, operate, work or live, according CEOWORLD Magazine’s 2026 Human Progress Index.

Singapore topped the global ranking with 97.88 points, followed by Switzerland with 97.78 and Denmark with 97.70. Norway and Ireland ranked fourth and fifth, while Iceland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland and Germany completed the top 10. European countries accounted for nine of the 10 leading positions, with Singapore the only Asian country in the group.

The index is based on three equally weighted categories, stability, satisfaction and balance, covering 23 indicators. Stability includes economic growth, taxation, life expectancy, job and income security, housing and spending conditions, household income after taxes and transfers, and net financial wealth.

The satisfaction category examines factors affecting daily life and public services, including safety, happiness, governance, perceptions of corruption, child and maternal mortality, infrastructure and transport, healthcare and education. The balance category covers human rights, civil liberties, political rights, work-life balance, religious freedom, gender equality and environmental stewardship.

CEO World said the index draws on international economic, development, institutional and environmental datasets, using the latest available data for each source alongside expert review and editorial assessment. It also noted that “Human Progress 2026” refers to the release year of the index and does not mean that all underlying data was collected in 2026, as individual datasets follow different update cycles.

Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah has stressed that Kuwait’s new law regulating charity and humanitarian work is intended to organize and support the sector rather than restrict charitable societies, while strengthening transparency, governance and public confidence.

Speaking during a meeting with the heads of boards of directors of charity societies to discuss the new law, Al-Huwailah said the legislation provides a clear framework for the continuation and development of charitable and humanitarian activities while maintaining trust among charities, donors and beneficiaries.

She highlighted the longstanding role of Kuwaiti charity societies in providing assistance both inside and outside the country, noting their work across different regions and in response to varying needs, including natural disasters. Al-Huwailah said charitable societies had strengthened their presence inside Kuwait over the past two years, adding that the meeting was the third with representatives of the charitable sector.

She said the Ministry of Social Affairs remains open to suggestions and aims to strengthen cooperation and partnership with charitable organizations. The minister said the meeting was held following the issuance of the new law to provide a direct discussion of its provisions, definitions, objectives and implementation mechanisms.

She stressed that the legislation supports both charitable societies and the state by defining responsibilities, enhancing transparency and governance, and strengthening oversight of the sector. The framework, she said, is also based on Kuwait’s international agreements and assessments.

Al-Huwailah emphasized that charitable societies have a shared responsibility to comply with applicable laws, regulations and oversight requirements, including financial and administrative controls, reporting obligations and procedures governing their operations and personnel. She also warned that some individuals have attempted to exploit the names of charitable societies, stressing that protecting the reputation of these organizations is a shared responsibility.

The minister called on charities to maintain an open line of communication with the ministry and relevant authorities, and to immediately report any attempts to misuse a society’s name during events, forums or fundraising activities. She said prompt reporting would allow the authorities to take the necessary measures to protect individual charitable societies, their reputations and the wider charitable sector.