KUWAIT: The International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO), in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs, organized a specialized workshop on Tuesday titled “Introduction to Compliance Management: Practical Applications” as part of its ongoing “Tamkeen” initiative. The workshop aimed to strengthen the principles of governance and institutional compliance within Kuwait’s charitable sector.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), IICO Deputy Director General and Head of the Tamkeen initiative Abdulrahman Al-Mutawa said the workshop reflects the organization’s commitment to promoting a culture of integrity, transparency and sustainability. He noted that IICO was the first charitable institution in Kuwait to establish an independent compliance and governance department in 2022 — demonstrating a proactive approach to institutional development.

Al-Mutawa highlighted that the organization has successfully met all criteria of the institutional evaluation set by the Ministry of Social Affairs, including those related to organizational structure, risk management, governance and internal controls. He added that IICO continues to develop systems and policies aimed at achieving excellence in institutional performance.

Participant are seen during the workshop. – KUNA photos

He clarified that the workshop is part of a strategic roadmap to protect organizational reputation, minimize risks and enhance administrative efficiency in the charitable field. He also revealed plans to launch a new training program soon, which will certify “compliance specialists” working in charitable societies in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, providing them with the expertise needed to excel in the field.

For her part, Acting Director of the Department of Charitable Societies and Endowments at the Ministry of Social Affairs Iman Al-Enezi said the workshop is part of a broader strategic initiative to embed a culture of compliance and governance in charitable institutions. She noted that the Tamkeen initiative, launched in 2018, aims to qualify professionals working in the sector and adapt to ongoing administrative and technical developments.

Al-Enezi pointed out that since its inception, the initiative has conducted 46 training programs benefiting over 1,500 participants from various charitable organizations. She commended the efforts of IICO and the Tamkeen initiative, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance institutional performance in Kuwait’s charitable and humanitarian sectors. The workshop was attended by senior officials from charitable associations and foundations, as well as representatives from the public sector, underscoring the joint efforts to prepare administrative cadres in line with international best practices. — KUNA

KUWAIT: As summer travel picks up, many expatriates have reported that Kuwait’s digital driving license is not accepted abroad, making international car rentals challenging. But this is now changing. After a suspension that began on Dec 10, 2023, the issuance of physical driving licenses for expats resumed in mid-April 2025, following ministerial decision no. 560/2025 issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah. The amendment allows expatriates to reissue physical licenses for a KD 10 printing fee, effective immediately upon its publication in the official gazette Kuwait Al Youm.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process (the exact steps may vary slightly by location):

1. Visit the traffic department (muroor):

Head to the traffic department of the governorate that originally issued your license — this might differ from your current governorate of residence. Keep in mind that working hours and queues can vary for citizens, expats and companies.

2. Request the application form:

Go to the typing section and request a form to issue a physical driving license. This service usually costs KD 1. You will need to attach:

• A copy of your Civil ID

• A copy of your current digital license (from the Kuwait Mobile ID app)

• Your previous physical license (if available)

3. Form submission and payment:

• Submit the filled form at one of the designated counters for verification and stamping.

• Then, proceed to pay the KD 10 reissuance fee.

• Note: If you no longer have your previous physical license, an additional KD 10 fee may apply.

4. Final submission and collection:

Submit the signed and stamped form at the designated printing counter, then wait for your name to be called. Your physical license will be printed and issued shortly, depending on the number of applicants.

KUWAIT: A high-level government committee entrusted to regulate charity and humanitarian activities in Kuwait approved on Wednesday a draft law for humanitarian work in the country with the aim to boost transparency and accountability. The charitable work committee, headed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, has been working for the past several months to increase official oversight over a number of charity organizations in Kuwait that have carried out a large number of charity projects inside and outside Kuwait.

The approval came after the ministry of social affairs ordered charity organizations in Kuwait, a majority of which are run by Islamic societies, to halt their work for several weeks in a bid to regulate them. The ministry and the committee both issued stricter reforms to boost transparency of the charity organizations and the government’s oversight of their work.

The draft law aims to strengthen the principles of governance, reinforce transparency and accountability and enhance the efficiency of implementing charitable initiatives and projects, a statement said. Once officially approved, the new draft legislation is expected to mark a significant step in organizing humanitarian work practices, improve policies and regulations and bolster local and domestic trust in the organizations operating in the charity sector.

For the past several decades, Kuwait has played a leading role among the oil-rich Gulf states in charitable work, with a large number of charity projects all over the world, especially in the Middle East and Africa.

Separately, the interior ministry announced on Wednesday residency detectives busted a network selling visas to expats for money, the second such bust this week. The ministry said a complaint by a Pakistani who paid KD 650 for a residence permit to another Pakistani led to busting the network.

Investigations revealed that the accused, who admitted to receiving the money, is a partner in 11 companies with 162 workers on their records. A number of workers registered on these companies admitted to paying sums ranging between KD 500 and KD 900 to obtain residency permits. Investigations also revealed that some of them paid additional sums ranging between KD 60 and KD 70 to falsify salary data on work permits to obtain family residency permits.

A Kuwaiti was also summoned as an authorized signatory for the 11 companies, admitting to receiving monthly sums ranging between KD 500 and KD 600. The ministry said the 12 suspects were referred to the public prosecution, confirming that investigations, arrests and inspections of the headquarters of the concerned companies are underway.