KUWAIT CITY, Sept 10: The Council of Ministers on Tuesday approved a draft decree-law amending provisions of the Child Rights Law to reinforce national identity obligations, while also reviewing Kuwait’s sovereign credit rating, major development projects, and draft decrees related to judicial and industrial regulations.

The weekly meeting, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Abdullah, began with letters conveyed to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad from leaders of several friendly and brotherly countries on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in various fields.

Financial reform

The Cabinet reviewed a presentation by Central Bank of Kuwait Governor Basel Al-Haroon and Central Bank officials on Fitch Ratings’ affirmation of Kuwait’s sovereign credit rating at AA- with a stable outlook. The rating was supported by the country’s strong fiscal position, exceptionally high external balances, and the resilience of its financial system.

The presentation explained the framework for sovereign credit ratings, the historical trajectory of Kuwait’s rating, and the key analytical pillars of Fitch’s latest assessment. It highlighted the factors that could improve Kuwait’s rating, such as diversifying government revenues, implementing structural fiscal reforms, and rationalizing expenditures. Conversely, risks such as delays in economic diversification, volatility in oil revenues, and rising spending pressures were cited as potential threats to the outlook.

The Cabinet stressed its continued commitment to advancing financial reforms to safeguard fiscal sustainability, strengthen sovereign creditworthiness, and enhance Kuwait’s performance on global indices.

Airport project

Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan briefed the Cabinet on the outcomes of a high-level coordination meeting with Audit Bureau Chairman Essam Al-Roumi, Central Agency for Public Tenders Chairman Essam Al-Marzouq, and officials from the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Interior, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and the Fatwa and Legislation Department.

The discussions focused on the latest developments of the New Passenger Terminal T2 project at Kuwait International Airport, a flagship infrastructure project designed to increase the airport’s capacity, enhance passenger services, and meet the highest international standards of quality and efficiency.

The Cabinet called on all relevant authorities to intensify cooperation, ensure close follow-up on the project’s implementation, and resolve any administrative or logistical challenges that may delay progress. It emphasized the importance of adhering to the project’s timetable to accelerate readiness for operation and contribute to national development goals.

Child Rights Law

The Cabinet approved a draft decree-law amending Law No. 21 of 2015 on the rights of the child, citing observed negligence by some guardians in registering children in official records, particularly in adding them to the father’s nationality file.

The amendment introduces Article 17 bis, requiring every Kuwaiti father or legal guardian to add a newborn to the father’s nationality file within 60 days of birth, supported by necessary documents. Article 81 bis establishes penalties for non-compliance, setting fines of KD 2,000 to KD 3,000. A settlement mechanism allows violators to pay KD 100 plus KD 5 for each day of delay, capped at KD 2,000, to resolve the violation without criminal proceedings.

The Cabinet tasked the Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the Fatwa and Legislation Department, to prepare an explanatory memorandum and decided to submit the draft decree-law to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad for approval.

Corporate ownership and judicial reforms

The Council reviewed the minutes of the Ministerial Committee for Legal Affairs, including a draft decree outlining controls for real estate ownership by companies, funds, and investment portfolios, in line with the provisions of Decree Law No. 74 of 1979 regulating foreign property ownership. The proposed framework aims to improve transparency, regulate corporate property investments, and align ownership structures with national interests.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to Decree No. 37 of 1994 establishing the Kuwait Institute for Judicial and Legal Studies, aimed at upgrading training standards, expanding curricula, and improving the qualifications of legal and judicial professionals. Both draft decrees will be submitted to His Highness the Amir for ratification.

GCC industrial regulation

The Cabinet endorsed a draft decree-law issuing a unified industrial regulation law for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, designed to harmonize industrial standards, encourage cross-border cooperation, and facilitate industrial integration among member states. It further approved several memoranda of understanding and bilateral agreements with friendly countries to bolster economic ties, expand cooperation, and strengthen Kuwait’s international partnerships.

The Cabinet reviewed and approved several additional agenda items, referring some to the relevant ministerial committees for further study and reporting to complete the required implementation procedures.