07/04/2026
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07/04/2026
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Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait
KUWAIT CITY, Mar 7: Kuwait has introduced a new decree-law regulating procedures for lineage claims and name corrections, marking what officials described as a major step in strengthening the country’s legal framework on personal identity and family records.
Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait said on Tuesday that the issuance and publication of the law in the Official Gazette “Kuwait Today” represents a significant legislative and regulatory development aimed at safeguarding lineage and names and reinforcing legal controls governing them.
He said the new framework establishes a clearer system for handling cases related to establishing or denying lineage, as well as requests to change or correct names, by unifying the competent authority responsible for reviewing such applications. This, he noted, is expected to improve procedural clarity and enhance efficiency in processing requests.
Al-Sumait added that the law introduces stricter conditions for name and title changes, limiting them to specific legally defined cases in order to prevent misuse and ensure seriousness in such applications, while protecting personal and social identity.
A key provision of the decree-law allows the use of scientific methods, including DNA fingerprinting, in lineage-related cases. It also introduces more detailed procedural regulations and fees, alongside criminal penalties for providing false information to authorities.
The minister said the reforms reflect Kuwait’s commitment to balancing individual rights with public interest, while strengthening legal integrity, preserving family structures, and supporting social stability.
