Social Affairs Ministry Requests Resumption Of Charity Donations

In a significant development, Dr. Khaled Al-Ajmi, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs, has formally addressed the Central Bank of Kuwait, urging it to circulate instructions to all local banks to resume accepting donations on behalf of charitable societies and organizations.

Suspension of Donations Lifted

This request comes in light of a previous decision issued on April 28 by the Ministry, which had temporarily suspended all forms of donations to licensed charities and associations. The suspension was implemented as part of a regulatory measure to enhance oversight and ensure compliance with financial protocols.

However, the Ministry is now seeking to reverse that decision by advocating for the reactivation of donation services through various modern banking methods.

Donation Methods to Be Allowed

According to reports by Al-Jarida daily, the Ministry’s letter specifically requests that donations be permitted in all available forms, including:

• Deposits through money transfer companies
• Cheques
• Bank transfers
• Online transactions
• ATM deposits
• Standing payment orders
• Automatic bank deductions
• Deductions via bank websites

This broad range of permitted methods aims to make charitable giving more accessible and technologically inclusive, especially for donors who prefer digital transactions.

Enhancing Transparency and Oversight

The proposed resumption of donation services is part of a broader strategy to support charitable work in Kuwait, while maintaining strict standards of financial transparency and institutional oversight.

The Ministry emphasized that licensed charitable organizations will continue to operate under monitored frameworks to ensure lawful and impactful fundraising practices.

Related Developments

This step mirrors other ongoing efforts to regulate the nonprofit sector in Kuwait. For instance, the Ministry’s earlier initiatives to track foreign remittances and local collections highlight the growing emphasis on governance in the sector.

Regional Context and Best Practices

Globally, regulated charity channels are being promoted to curb financial misuse. For example, the UK Charity Commission and US IRS guidelines for nonprofits serve as models of best practices in ensuring proper donation handling.

By taking this step, the Ministry of Social Affairs is not only reopening donation pipelines but also reinforcing its commitment to responsible and digitally advanced charitable giving within Kuwait.