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Unpaid bills? Kuwait can suspend your electricity, water, and more starting September

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KUWAIT: Kuwait has introduced a new law that gives government bodies the authority to suspend public services—such as electricity, water, communication, healthcare, and municipal services—if users fail to pay the required fees. Decree law No 75 of 2025, published Sunday in the official gazette (Kuwait Al-Youm), aims to ensure that individuals and companies meet their financial obligations for using government services. It will come into force in September, three months after publication.

If a person or business fails to pay for public services within 30 days of being notified, the government can temporarily suspend those services. Payment of the outstanding amount will automatically restore them. A clearance certificate can be issued upon request. Debtors can request to pay in installments. If approved, the suspension is lifted. However, missing a single payment cancels the agreement, and the government can then take legal steps to recover the full remaining amount. Before disputing a suspension or the amount owed in court, individuals must first submit a formal complaint (grievance) to the relevant government agency. The agency has 30 days to respond. If no response is given, the grievance is considered rejected. After that, the individual or business has 30 days to escalate the matter through legal channels.

To strengthen debt collection, the law introduces several mechanisms:

  • Secured debt status: Outstanding amounts are now treated as secured debts, giving them priority and allowing the government to collect from any of the debtor’s property.
  • Immediate enforcement: Documents proving the debt are enforceable by law without a prior court ruling.
  • Time limit extended: The government has 10 years to claim unpaid fees unless an official notice is issued that interrupts this period.

This law doesn’t apply to court-related fees, which remain subject to separate legal procedures. The law reinforces that public services—such as roads, utilities, postal and telecommunications, customs, healthcare, and traffic services—are not free. These are provided in exchange for service fees, not primarily to generate revenue, but as a tool to regulate and ensure the efficient use of state resources. The state found it necessary to act after observing that many beneficiaries were delaying payment despite being financially able. This behavior has strained public finances. The new law introduces a pressure mechanism to encourage timely payment and protect public funds. 

The goal isn’t just to collect overdue payments. It’s to ensure public services are used responsibly and sustainably. When people or businesses delay payments—even when they can afford them—it affects the state’s ability to maintain and invest in critical infrastructure and services. With this law, the government now has a clear and faster legal framework to deal with non-payers. At the same time, it offers flexibility for those who need it, through installment options. Government agencies are expected to begin updating their internal systems in preparation for enforcement. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to check for any outstanding fees and make arrangements before the law takes effect in September.

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Health Minister: Graduates are vital to Kuwait’s national health renaissance

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KUWAIT: Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi affirmed on Tuesday that Kuwait’s new health projects are being developed by capable professionals and led by minds committed to hard work and integration. His remarks came in a speech delivered on his behalf by Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Affairs Dr Munther Al-Hasawi during a ceremony honoring Kuwaiti medical graduates from the University of Jordan.

Dr Al-Hasawi congratulated the graduates on their achievement, noting that their success was the result of perseverance, dedication and long nights of study. “This moment is a tribute to those who remained patient and committed to their goals,” he said. In his address to the honorees, Dr Al-Awadhi said, “You are called upon to actively contribute to the renaissance of your nation, particularly through participation in new national health projects — projects that are founded on competence and driven by minds that believe in collaboration and hard work.”

He stressed that the involvement of young medical professionals is not a luxury, but a national necessity and a trust that carries historical significance. Highlighting the importance of unity within the health sector, Dr Al-Awadhi said, “The success of a doctor is incomplete without a nurse. Laboratory work thrives only with accurate diagnoses, and quality healthcare requires the cooperation of all — administrators, technicians, doctors, pharmacists and support staff.”

He acknowledged the challenges facing the medical profession globally, but praised those who choose the path of medicine for their unwavering dedication. “Those who take up this profession carry a noble mission. Their resolve exceeds obstacles, and their spirits are prepared to serve with sincerity and steadfastness,” he said. Concluding his message, the minister reminded the graduates of the core values of their chosen path: “You belong to a profession whose essence is humanity and whose purpose is mercy — live up to the honor of this mission.” — KUNA

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Kuwait toughens weapons law | Kuwait Times Newspaper

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KUWAIT: The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a draft decree-law amending key provisions of the 1991 weapons and ammunition law, introducing penalties for carrying bladed or air weapons in public without valid justification, in a move aimed at reinforcing public order and addressing growing security concerns.

Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait said the new amendment criminalizes the possession or carrying of bladed weapons or air guns (with a caliber of 6 mm or more) in public spaces such as schools, mosques and markets without a legitimate reason. Offenders will face imprisonment ranging from six months to one year and/or a fine of KD 500 to KD 1,000.

The amendment also targets acts of public intimidation, stipulating harsher penalties for those who deliberately frighten others using such weapons, with prison terms of one to two years and fines of KD 1,000 to KD 2,000. Additionally, the sale, import, or marketing of these weapons without official licensing is now prohibited.

The minister noted that the law empowers the minister of interior to define which weapons fall under the ban and specify the areas where the restrictions apply. “These amendments fill a previous legal gap by criminalizing actions that disturb public safety,” Al-Sumait said. “They reinforce the rule of law and reflect legislative awareness of emerging behaviors that threaten social peace.”

The Cabinet also approved a draft decree-law renaming the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as the Public Authority for Civil Aviation. The move reflects the Kuwaiti government’s realization of the dire need for a modern and integrated piece of legislation to regulate the country’s civil aviation, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Shereeda Al-Maousherji said in a press statement following the meeting.

This fresh legislation, the minister maintained, would ensure this vital sector’s required resilience to cope with global advancements in this domain. It is also deemed one of the main requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and a prime determinant for licensing airports and air navigation facilities, he explained. The Cabinet decided to refer the draft decree-law to HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for final approval. — KUNA

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Unified GCC tourist visa to launch soon

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RIYADH: A unified Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourist visa for non-Gulf residents will be launched soon, GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi announced on Wednesday. In a statement issued by the GCC Secretariat following the 39th meeting of directors of passport departments of the GCC ministries of interior, Al-Budaiwi expressed appreciation for the collective efforts that contributed to the development of the unified visa system.

He affirmed that the initiative aligns with the shared visions of the region’s leaderships and will support the enhancement of tourism and economic integration across member states. Al-Budaiwi also emphasized the commitment of relevant authorities to adopt advanced technologies and respond to growing global security challenges— KUNA

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