KUWAIT CITY, Aug 25: Kuwait’s Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait said on Sunday that a new law regulating the legal profession will mark a qualitative shift in the field, ensuring greater protection for lawyers and strengthening professional standards.

Speaking at an open meeting with lawyers at the Kuwait Bar Association (KBA), Al-Sumait said the draft law, prepared in cooperation with the association, includes provisions that protect lawyers from detention in court-related offences. Instead, judges will be required to file an official complaint and refer cases to investigation committees, rather than keeping lawyers in 24-hour custody.

The new legislation also addresses contracts and fees for lawyers, introducing a clear regulatory framework in coordination with the KBA to secure optimal solutions. Al-Sumait said the law, together with the judiciary organization law, will bring about a major transformation in the profession if approved.

The minister also attributed the recent rise in litigation fees to the sharp increase in lawsuits, noting that courts receive half a million new cases annually in addition to about one million pending from previous years. Appeals before the Court of Cassation have reached 81,000, he said. To tackle the backlog, 10 new committees will be activated in October to handle appeals, replacing the long-standing three-committee system.

On family law, Al-Sumait criticized the current Personal Status Law as unsuitable for Kuwaiti society and inconsistent with Islamic Sharia provisions. He said a draft amendment, prepared by a committee of Family Court judges and public prosecutors, includes changes to more than 120 articles, the addition of 20 new ones, and the cancellation of 15. The draft has been referred to the Kuwait Lawyers Association for review.

Al-Sumait also said the Domestic Violence Law contains flaws and will undergo major revisions, particularly to address obstacles caused by official holidays in enforcing protection orders. The Juvenile and Child Laws are being merged into a single law, with the Public Prosecution responsible for investigations. The new law will introduce alternative penalties tailored for juveniles.

The minister confirmed that the Experts Law is under review, with proposed amendments to convert notifications and documentation to electronic systems. Judicial representation and electronic transaction laws are also in their final stages of amendment, enabling full digital handling of powers of attorney, personal status matters, and real estate documentation.

Acknowledging delays in litigation procedures and services, Al-Sumait said the ministry is working with Google and Microsoft on four major projects: electronic agencies and documentation, real estate registration, and litigation systems. Eight committees are already in place, with two more expected to be formed shortly.

He noted that electronic judicial notifications, introduced through the “Sahel” application, now account for 82 percent compared to just 12 percent by traditional methods, with a full transition expected soon.

On criminal law, Al-Sumait said the new draft criminal procedures law will allow suspects to remain silent, request postponements, and seek legal counsel during investigations, in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The Ministry of Justice on Sunday also signed a cooperation protocol with the Kuwait Bar Association, making it a professional and community partner in reform projects aimed at modernizing legislation and strengthening institutional justice. The protocol was signed by Acting Undersecretary Awatif Al-Sanad on behalf of the ministry and President Adnan Abul for the KBA.

Al-Sumait, who attended the signing, said the partnership will improve governance and data exchange, with a hotline established to handle lawyers’ comments and administrative issues. Abul described the protocol as the first of its kind between civil society institutions and a government ministry, praising the cooperation and trust extended to the association.

Al-Sumait emphasized that Kuwait’s judicial and legislative system requires urgent modernization, stressing that the “current situation cannot continue.” He said there is political backing for a full program of reform and digital transformation to overcome decades of accumulated shortcomings.

Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, Awatif Al-Sanad, and President of the Kuwait Bar Association, Adnan Abel, during the signing of the protocol.

Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait, during the signing ceremony of the cooperation protocol at the headquarters of the Kuwait Bar Association.

Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice Awatif Al-Sand, and Chairman of the Kuwait Bar Association Adnan Abul during the meeting.