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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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NBK warns customers about risks of fraudulent online shopping offers

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KUWAIT: In line with its unwavering commitment to fostering financial literacy and empowering all segments of society, NBK continues to bolster its support for the “Let’s Be Aware” banking awareness campaign. Spearheaded by the Central Bank of Kuwait in collaboration with local banks and Kuwait Banking Association (KBA). As part of its commitment to customer protection, NBK is actively educating the public about fraudulent online shopping offers, often promoted through social media. These scams typically feature links to fake applications or websites that lure victims with enticing discounts and promotions.

Designed to mimic legitimate platforms, these fraudulent sites deceive users into providing sensitive personal and banking details — such as account and credit card numbers — ultimately compromising their financial security. NBK urges customers to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with suspicious links, reinforcing its dedication to safeguarding the community from cyber threats. NBK advises customers to exercise caution and avoid being misled by deceptive shopping deals that promise steep discounts. The bank emphasizes the importance of verifying website URLs and refraining from clicking on links from unknown sources — especially those received via email that advertise offers that appear too good to be true.

Furthermore, NBK cautions customers about the risks of saving credit card details on e-commerce websites or browsers for faster future transactions. The bank highlights that such platforms are susceptible to security breaches, potentially exposing stored banking data to theft. The Bank also emphasizes that it will never request personal information via email, text messages, or phone calls. Additionally, NBK warns customers against responding to such messages, as they are often fraudulent attempts to steal banking credentials, sensitive data, or funds.

NBK remains vigilant in monitoring emerging fraud tactics, educating customers, and providing clear guidance on how to stay protected. Through comprehensive awareness materials shared across its digital platforms, the bank continuously emphasizes the importance of engaging only with trusted links and avoiding interactions with unidentified sources. Harnessing its vast communication capabilities, NBK utilizes all its digital channels — boasting the largest following among Kuwaiti banks — to ensure the widest dissemination of the campaign’s messages, effectively reaching the largest possible audience.

Led by the Central Bank of Kuwait in partnership with Kuwait Banking Association, “Let’s Be Aware” stands as the region’s most comprehensive financial literacy campaign. Aimed at empowering bank customers, the initiative delivers essential education on critical financial topics. Key focus areas include practical steps to prevent fraud, strategies for maximizing banking services, and fostering a strong culture of savings and investment. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions, the campaign strengthens financial security and resilience across Kuwait’s banking sector.

As a leading financial institution in Kuwait and the region, NBK remains a key supporter of the Central Bank of Kuwait’s initiatives aimed at enhancing financial literacy and promoting banking awareness across all segments of society. The bank actively organizes various educational events to keep the community informed about critical banking issues while also investing in specialized training programs for its employees. By strengthening expertise in fraud prevention and financial crime mitigation, NBK reinforces its commitment to safeguarding customers and upholding the integrity of the financial sector.

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Kuwait unveils Bayraktar TB2

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Kuwait unveils Bayraktar TB2

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Ministry of Social Affairs distributes hearing aids to citizens

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KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah on Thursday announced the distribution of the first batch of hearing aids to citizens with hearing impairments, following a years-long suspension. The initiative aims to support their daily lives and enhance their ability to communicate and integrate into society. Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr Al-Huwailah emphasized that hearing aids are vital tools that enable individuals to lead independent lives and engage naturally with their surroundings.

“This is just the beginning,” she said, noting that subsequent batches will follow to meet all pending requests, with priority given based on the order of application. She also underscored the commitment of the Public Authority for the Disabled to continue providing a range of assistive and prosthetic devices—including wheelchairs and other essential equipment—to empower individuals with disabilities both psychologically and socially, and to further support their integration into the community. — KUNA

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