Ban part of broader reform to improve coordination in charity sector amid anti-money laundering push
KUWAIT: The Ministry of Social Affairs has suspended all charitable fundraising activities across Kuwait until further notice, citing concerns over unauthorized campaigns.
The decision, announced in an official statement by the ministry on Saturday follows the discovery of donation drives linked to unofficial websites and accounts operating in violation of approved charitable guidelines. The suspension applies to all licensed charitable associations and philanthropic organizations across the country.
The ministry said the suspension will remain in place until new procedures — aimed at protecting donor funds, preventing duplication, and ensuring transparency — are fully implemented. Organizations found in violation risk penalties ranging from account suspension to a complete operational halt.
The move comes as part of a broader regulatory campaign to modernize oversight of Kuwait’s charitable sector. In a separate circular issued to charity boards on April 17, the ministry outlined new rules governing how organizations may advertise and operate. The circular prohibits advertising charitable projects through unapproved channels such as social media, digital billboards, shopping malls, and cooperative societies. All fundraising promotions now require prior written approval from the ministry and coordination with relevant authorities.
It also mandates that charities notify the ministry at least two weeks in advance before organizing any events or activities, whether held locally or abroad. This includes campaigns, markets, public ceremonies, workshops, and conferences. Agreements with foreign institutions or international organizations must also receive prior clearance through the Ministry in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Organizations sending representatives abroad are required to register through the “Safe Traveler” system, managed in cooperation with the foreign ministry.
These updates build on earlier efforts to digitize and streamline charitable coordination. In early 2025, the ministry launched a new digital platform integrated with the Mobile ID system, designed to centralize aid applications, improve coordination, and ensure fair distribution of resources. The platform provides preliminary beneficiary data while protecting personal information and flags unprocessed requests to both the ministry and participating charities. It remains unclear whether charities have begun using the system. Since November 2024, Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah issued ministerial decisions dissolving at least 30 charities after inspections revealed that some organizations were not actively engaged in charitable work for years. These measures are designed to eliminate inactive or ineffective organizations and ensure that resources are being used efficiently.
The reform push also aligns with Kuwait’s efforts to improve financial oversight and comply with international anti-money laundering standards. A Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report released in November 2024 acknowledged Kuwait’s legal framework to combat illicit finance, but pointed to enforcement challenges. Countries that fall short of FATF standards risk being greylisted or blacklisted, which can affect global financial relations. Kuwaiti authorities have since ramped up coordination among ministries to tighten control, particularly over cross-border donations. Officials say these efforts aim to uphold Kuwait’s humanitarian leadership while meeting international best practices.
