1,114 in Kuwait face arrest over debts below KD 5,000

The funds raised through the donation campaign to settle the debts of those in financial distress will currently cover individuals with outstanding arrest warrants not exceeding KD 5,000. He emphasized that the distribution of donations will follow clear priorities and criteria set under the directives of the Minister of Justice. Al-Qasimi went on to explain that the ministry and the General Department for Sentences Enforcement have been working in full coordination with several government entities over the past three days, most notably the Ministry of Information.

The technical committee for receiving and disbursing aid was formed in October 2025, headed by a judge and including several other judges and directors of relevant departments. The committee began its work immediately after the campaign’s launch to establish guidelines and prioritize eligibility criteria, ensuring the highest levels of transparency and strengthening donor confidence.

Al-Qasimi stressed that the maximum benefit is KD 10,000 per debtor, whether for one or multiple cases, clarifying that this limit does not exclude those whose debts exceed this amount; rather, KD 10,000 will be applied toward their debt. He emphasized that the selection of cases will be done automatically according to approved criteria by a committee composed of judges and directors from the General Department for Sentences Enforcement, along with representatives from the Financial Control Bureau. Al-Qasimi revealed that Kuwait TV would cover the campaign to keep the public informed about its progress and results.

Meanwhile, donations to the Justice Ministry’s campaign to settle debts of distressed citizens reached KD 11.492 million (about USD 37.5 million) by 10 a.m. on the second day. The campaign, launched Monday at 10 a.m., supports financially distressed citizens during Ramadan and has been extended until midnight Tuesday to allow wider participation. The ministry urged individuals, institutions, companies and banks to contribute, noting payments are processed directly through the General Administration of Execution under approved regulations. It added donations can be made via an online link, QR code, the “Sahel” government app, or by submitting cheques at the administration’s headquarters. Earlier, several entities announced contributions, including Kuwait Zakat House and Awqaf Secretariat with KD 500,000 each, Kuwait Red Crescent Society with KD 200,000, and charities with varying amounts. The ministry said eligibility requires an active enforcement file as of March 12 and limits donations per debtor to KD 10,000, ensuring fair and transparent distribution.