Al-Hawila: Law regulating charitable and humanitarian work lays the foundation for a new phase of governance and transparency
The Minister of Social Affairs and Labor confirms that Decree-Law No. 87 of 2026 represents a new phase in developing and regulating charitable and humanitarian work in the State of Kuwait.
Translated by Qiyas from القبس — Original source
Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, affirmed on Sunday that Law Decree No. (87) of 2026, issuing the Law Regulating Charitable and Humanitarian Work, marks a new stage in the development and regulation of charitable and humanitarian activities in the State of Kuwait, thereby enhancing governance and transparency.
Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the occasion of the law’s issuance, Minister Al-Huwail stated that the legislation establishes a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to regulate charitable and humanitarian work, strengthen oversight and compliance, and mitigate the risks of its exploitation for unlawful purposes, particularly money laundering and terrorist financing.
She explained that the law provides for the establishment of the National Center for Charitable and Humanitarian Work, which will be responsible for regulating and overseeing all aspects of charitable and humanitarian activities in the country, setting policies, strategies, and necessary controls to develop and enhance coordination with relevant entities.
Furthermore, the law introduces the Kuwait Fund for Humanitarian Work to support and develop charitable and humanitarian activities, qualify its workforce, and conduct related studies and research.
The law also regulates donation campaigns by stipulating licensing requirements, collection methods, bank accounts, spending controls, and financial disclosure, ensuring that donations are directed to their designated purposes. It also governs electronic and cash-based donations in accordance with established regulations.
Minister Al-Huwail noted that the law places special emphasis on protecting the data and privacy of donors and beneficiaries, prohibiting the filming or publication of images and recordings of beneficiaries for donation collection or promotional purposes, except in accordance with prescribed regulations, thereby safeguarding their dignity.
She pointed out that the law regulates the establishment and management of charitable and humanitarian associations and endowments, their financial resources, and oversight of their activities, mandating them to enhance transparency and integrity and conduct all financial transactions through official channels. It also prohibits engaging in political or sectarian activities, dealing with unlawful entities, or accepting donations of unknown sources.
She highlighted that the law strengthened the oversight and accountability system by granting certain employees of the Center judicial police authority, establishing disciplinary councils, and assigning investigation, prosecution, and indictment of the crimes stipulated therein to the Public Prosecution.
She added that the executive regulations of the law will be issued within six months of its publication. Existing charitable and humanitarian associations and endowments will be required to regularize their status within legally specified periods, while the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development will exercise the Center’s functions until its establishment is completed and its operational regulations are issued.
She stressed that the law, comprising 96 articles distributed across seven chapters, lays the foundation for a modern system for charitable and humanitarian work that protects donors’ funds, preserves the dignity and privacy of beneficiaries, enhances public trust, and safeguards the reputation of Kuwaiti charitable work and the State of Kuwait’s humanitarian standing, both domestically and internationally.
