Kuwait To Cut Off Utilities For Unpaid Bills Under New Law To Curb Debt Evasion
Kuwaiti authorities will begin suspending electricity, water, and other essential public services to residents and businesses who fail to pay their bills within 30 days of notice, under a tough new law designed to crack down on rampant fee evasion and protect state finances.
The Cabinet-approved Decree-Law No. 75 of 2025, published this week, grants ministries and public institutions the power to halt services automatically for anyone with overdue balances, using digital systems to manage both suspensions and reconnections. The law takes effect in three months.
The measure targets widespread abuse in the payment of public utility fees, from water and electricity to telecommunications, as mounting arrears have placed increasing strain on state budgets.
Under the new framework, debtors, whether individuals or businesses, will have 30 days after notification to settle outstanding bills or risk automatic suspension. Service is restored immediately once payment is made.
For those facing genuine financial hardship, competent authorities may approve installment plans. But failure to stick to the schedule triggers immediate debt recovery procedures, including asset liens and fast-tracked enforcement.
Before resorting to court, the law now requires disgruntled customers to file a written grievance with the service provider, which must respond within 30 days. Only then can the case be taken to court, a step officials say will reduce frivolous lawsuits and administrative backlogs.
The decree goes further by granting government agencies a priority lien over all debtor assets, and by treating any official debt document as an 'executive instrument,' meaning authorities can seize assets without lengthy court proceedings.
Debts can be collected for up to 10 years after their due date, with the clock resetting each time the state sends an official demand.
Judicial fees are exempt from the new law and remain subject to separate legislation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Denies Missile Threats, Confirms Airspace Safety Amid Regional Escalation
Kuwait's armed forces and government agencies on Monday reassured the public after social media was flooded with reports of ballistic missiles and alleged military activity in the country's airspace. In a statement, the General Staff of the Kuwait Army confirmed that the missiles in question had been flying at 'very high altitudes and outside Kuwaiti airspace,' posing no threat to national territory. 'There is no cause for concern,' the statement read, urging citizens to rely solely on official sources for accurate information. Addressing parallel rumors, the Kuwait National Guard also denied claims that its forces were conducting operations in the skies over the country. The Moral Guidance Directorate clarified that the Guard continues its regular security and defense duties in coordination with the Ministries of Defense and Interior, with no exceptional air missions being carried out. Meanwhile, the Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) reiterated its round-the-clock preparedness to respond to all forms of emergencies, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. Brigadier General Mohammad Al Gharib, KFF's Director of Public Relations and Media, emphasized the use of advanced detection technologies, specialized reconnaissance vehicles, and protective suits to safeguard critical areas — including land, sea, and airports. On the same day, Kuwait's Public Authority for Agriculture and Fish Resources convened an emergency meeting with GCC counterparts to address regional food security. Director General Salem AlHai underscored the urgency of regional cooperation, innovation, and knowledge-sharing to ensure sustainable food and water security amid rising global pressures. As regional tensions intensified following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait, Mohammad Totonji, sought to calm concerns. Speaking at a press conference, he assured that Kuwaiti citizens in Iran faced no travel issues and reaffirmed Tehran's commitment to peaceful neighborly relations. Totonji condemned the strikes, attributing responsibility to Israel and, by extension, the United States. He warned that any violation of Iranian sovereignty would be met with a firm response. 'We have always respected the territorial integrity of our neighbors and will continue to strengthen relations in the region,' he said, also highlighting the humanitarian consequences of the recent attacks. At an emergency session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Director-General Rafael Grossi confirmed that there was no radiological impact outside Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. However, he warned of possible internal contamination risks linked to uranium hexafluoride exposure, stressing the importance of transparent technical communication to manage fallout and prevent escalation.
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Approves Major Power Station Project
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has officially approved Law No. (26) of 2025, which confirms Bahrain's agreement with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to finance a new power station project. The law, endorsed by both the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives, gives the green light to the construction of the new Jasra Power Station, which will operate at 400 kilovolts. The agreement includes a framework agreement, an agency agreement, and a guarantee agreement between the Government of Bahrain and the IsDB. These agreements were originally signed on September 9, 2024. The new power station is expected to enhance the country's electricity infrastructure, helping to meet growing demand and support future development. Under the law, the Prime Minister and relevant ministers are tasked with carrying out the necessary steps to implement the agreements. The law will take effect the day after it is published in the Official Gazette.
Daily Tribune
6 days ago
- Daily Tribune
His Majesty King Hamad Approves New Law to Strengthen Standards and Measurements in Bahrain
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has officially approved and issued Law No. (27) of 2025, which introduces updates to Bahrain's standards and measurements regulations. The amendments were passed by both the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives. The updated law modifies certain articles of the original Law No. (9) of 2016, aiming to improve how national standards, measurements, and technical regulations are developed, implemented, and monitored. Key Changes Introduced: Clearer Definitions: The law now defines the 'concerned authority' more precisely as the department within the ministry responsible for standards and measurements. Authority to Set Standards: The ministry is now tasked with preparing, updating, and cancelling national standards and technical regulations, with these being reviewed by a national committee before approval. Publishing Standards: The ministry can issue, sell, and publish documents related to standards and measurements through its website. Formation of a National Committee: A new 'National Committee for Standards and Measurements' will be formed, chaired by the minister and including members from relevant ministries, government bodies, and the private sector. The committee will serve four-year terms, renewable up to two times. Ministerial Authority: The minister will issue decisions to adopt and approve national standards and technical regulations. These decisions will be officially published in the government's official gazette. Regulating Use of National Standards: It is now a violation to sell or use national standards or technical terms and symbols without proper authorization. Implementation The law takes effect starting the day after its publication in the Official Gazette. The Prime Minister and relevant ministers are tasked with enforcing its provisions. This move reflects Bahrain's ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and integrity of its national standards in line with international best practices, supporting both public safety and private sector growth.
