This article summarises public announcements as of October 2026. It is not legal advice. Many details will depend on the executive regulations, so check the official text and take legal advice before changing how your company gives.
What has been announced
On 13 September 2026, Kuwait's Minister of Social Affairs announced Decree-Law No. 87 of 2026, a new law regulating charitable work. According to the ministry's summary, the law has 96 articles across seven chapters. Its executive regulations are due within six months of publication, and existing charitable societies and foundations must regularise their status within set periods.
The points highlighted in the announcement include:
- Licensing of fundraising campaigns, with controls on collection methods, bank accounts, spending and financial disclosure.
- A prohibition on anonymous donations.
- Restrictions on photographing or publishing beneficiaries for fundraising or promotion, except under rules to be prescribed.
- Offences referred to the Public Prosecution, disciplinary boards, and enforcement powers for designated staff of a new national centre. Until that centre is fully formed, the Ministry of Social Affairs performs its functions.
The law follows several years of tighter oversight of charitable collection in Kuwait, including rules that require donations to go through approved electronic channels into charities' approved accounts.
What it may mean for companies
Most of the law is aimed at charities and fundraising campaigns. Companies are affected mainly as donors and as organisers of employee activities. Three themes are worth attention now:
1. Give only to licensed partners, through approved channels
Company money should go directly from the company to the licensed charity's approved account, against an official receipt. Avoid arrangements where employees collect cash or forward money on the company's behalf.
2. Keep records with a name on them
With anonymous donations prohibited, every company donation should be recorded as coming from the company, with the date, amount, purpose and receipt. If employees are invited to give personally, take advice on how that should be organised.
3. Be careful with images of beneficiaries
Many companies share photos of activities on social media. Where beneficiaries can be identified, record consent and avoid using their images to encourage giving, at least until the executive regulations clarify the rules.
A practical checklist for now
- List your current charity partners and confirm each one's licence and expiry date.
- Check that every donation in the last year has an official receipt and was paid to the charity's own account.
- Write down who in the company can approve donations and sponsorships.
- Review your photo practices and add consent wording to activity sign-up.
- Ask your legal team to follow the executive regulations when they are published.
How CorpHands fits
CorpHands does not collect or hold donations. It helps you keep the records described above: licence numbers and expiry alerts for each partner, donations with receipts, decisions linked to named people, and a consent status on every photo. See Compliance by design and our templates.
Source: Kuwait Ministry of Social Affairs announcement of Decree-Law No. 87 of 2026, reported 13 September 2026.