23/12/2025
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23/12/2025
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KUWAIT CITY, Dec 23: There was a noticeable rise in legal measures taken against individuals who defaulted on their debts in August, September, and October 2025, as per recent statistics issued by the Ministry of Justice’s General Department for Sentences Enforcement. While these figures reflect a stricter approach toward enforcing judicial rulings, they have also sparked an important legal debate regarding the rights of insolvent debtors and the safeguards provided under Kuwaiti law for those who can genuinely prove their inability to meet financial obligations.
The statistics showed that a total of 5,669 requests for arrest warrants were registered during August, September, and October of this year. It also revealed that 2,780 arrest warrants were issued during the same period, along with 55 warrants that were renewed, reflecting the continued pursuit of individuals who fail to comply with court rulings.
With regard to travel restrictions, the statistics indicated that several deterrent measures were implemented. During this period, 12 individuals were arrested, and 88 debtors were placed in detention by the competent authorities.
Meanwhile, arrest warrants against 200 debtors were lifted after they settled their financial obligations or reached payment agreements. The statistics also highlighted the scale of family-related cases. The Family Court issued 209 arrest warrants against debtors, while the number of requests for arrest and detention reached 446, most of which were linked to spousal and child support payments. In this context, Lawyer Mohammed Ahmed Al- Rifai stressed that arrest warrants and detention orders issued by the General Department for Sentences Enforcement do not constitute final judgments, but are legal tools intended to pressure debtors who fail to comply with court rulings. He explained that the Code of Civil Procedure grants debtors the right to immediately challenge arrest or detention orders before the Appeals Chamber of the Court of First Instance.
The lifting of arrest warrants for 200 debtors confirms that the purpose of these measures is to enforce judicial rulings, not to impose imprisonment itself. Arrest warrants are temporary in nature and are canceled or suspended once a debtor’s insolvency is proven. In addition, Lawyer Israa Al-Haddad emphasized that Kuwaiti law seeks to balance the creditor’s right to recover debts with the protection of the insolvent debtor’s dignity. She confirmed that courts cancel or suspend arrest warrants if it is proven that the debtor has no apparent or hidden assets and has not intentionally concealed funds.
Lawyer Al-Haddad advised debtors facing arrest warrants, who are genuinely unable to pay, to promptly file an appeal supported by the necessary financial documentation, noting that the law prohibits imprisonment for those proven insolvent. Regarding family law cases, specialists highlighted that arrest warrants in alimony disputes are given special priority to safeguard the rights of minors and ensure their daily needs are met, while debtors retain the right to appeal or request installment payments if financial inability is proven.
By Jaber Al-Hamoud Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
