KUWAIT CITY, June 12: The Council of Ministers on Wednesday directed the Minister of State for Housing Affairs, Abdulatif Al-Meshari, to take the necessary steps to repeal Law No. 2 of 2015 concerning housing welfare, citing disparities in eligibility that undermine the principles of justice and equal opportunity.

The decision was made during the Cabinet's weekly meeting held at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

The move followed a presentation by Minister Al-Meshari, who also serves as Minister of Municipal Affairs, in which he outlined the adverse consequences of the 2015 legislation that amended Law No. 47 of 1993 on housing welfare.

Al-Meshari explained that the law granted preferential treatment to a specific segment of citizens—those who had obtained loans from the Kuwait Credit Bank to build or purchase homes, and subsequently sold their properties and repaid the full loan amount between 1992 and 2015. These citizens became entitled to new housing opportunities on a usufruct or rental basis.

However, the law excluded individuals who sold their homes after 2015 or who sold government-allocated housing units during the same timeframe. This exclusion, the minister said, resulted in unequal access to housing welfare, contradicting the state’s social objectives and its commitment to fairness among all citizens.

At the start of the meeting, the Cabinet reviewed messages sent to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah from leaders of several brotherly and friendly nations, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in various fields.

Marking the conclusion of the 1446 AH Hajj season, the Cabinet extended its congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, as well as the Saudi government, for the successful management of this year's pilgrimage. The Council praised the Kingdom’s exceptional organizational efforts, security measures, and healthcare services provided to pilgrims.

The Cabinet also expressed its gratitude to the head and members of the Kuwaiti Hajj Mission for their efforts in ensuring comprehensive services for Kuwaiti pilgrims.

During the session, His Highness the Prime Minister reassured the Cabinet of the health condition of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah following recent medical examinations, wishing him continued health and strength in serving the nation.

In another development, the Cabinet tasked the Civil Service Commission (CSC) with formulating a mechanism to improve job discipline and curb unauthorized employee absences, particularly around official holidays. The proposed measures will be reflected in performance evaluations, promotions, and rewards systems, with the CSC expected to report back within two weeks.

The Cabinet also reviewed recommendations from the Ministerial Committee for Public Services concerning initiatives and donations by individuals, companies, and cooperative societies aimed at beautifying key roads and public spaces across Kuwait. The Cabinet approved the acceptance of these contributions.

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved two major donations: one from Mr. Abdullah Saleh Al-Shalfan for the renovation of the Emergency Department at Al-Amiri Hospital, and another from Kuwait Finance House for the rehabilitation of the tenth wing of the Addiction Center.

The Council expressed deep appreciation to all donors for their generous contributions, which reflect a spirit of giving and support for the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance services for citizens and residents.

The session concluded with the Cabinet reviewing various agenda items, approving several, and referring others to relevant ministerial committees for further study and implementation.