Cease all charitable donations immediately, as instructed by CBK to financial institutions.
Kuwait's Central Bank Temporarily Halts Charity Donations
listening, here to help! In an effort to establish clear regulations and safeguard donation funds, the Central Bank of Kuwait has instructed all banks to temporarily halt all charity donations following a directive from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
So, what does this mean? Well, starting now, banks will cease collecting donations via money transfer companies, checks, online banking platforms, mobile apps, ATMs, and standing payment orders to charity societies. This suspension applies across the board and will continue until further notice from the authorities[1].
However, there's a catch. During this suspension, charity transactions will only be permitted for domestic disbursements, and these must receive prior approval from the Ministry of Social Affairs[4].
Now you might be wondering, why this sudden crackdown? It turns out, the Ministry of Social Affairs decided to temporarily suspend all charitable fundraising activities due to worries about unauthorized campaigns linked to unofficial websites and accounts[2][3]. So, in an attempt to strengthen regulatory oversight, they've rolled out restrictions for fundraising, advertising, event organization, and foreign engagement[2].
The fundraising ban means all licensed charitable associations and philanthropic organizations must stop collecting donations. Additionally, they are prohibited from advertising projects through unapproved channels like social media, digital billboards, shopping malls, and cooperative societies[2]. When planning events, charities need to notify the Ministry at least two weeks in advance, whether they're local or abroad[2]. Agreements with foreign institutions need prior clearance from the Ministry in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and charities must register their Representatives through the “Safe Traveler” system when sending them abroad[2].
But don't worry, this suspension is only temporary! Once new procedures aimed at increasing transparency, protecting donor funds, and preventing duplication have been fully implemented[2], the charity sector will resume operations as usual.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation!
Sources:1. Al-Rai (April 30, 2025)2. Kuwait Times3. Arab Times4. Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)
In accordance with the directive from the Ministry of Social Affairs, all financial institutions in Kuwait have temporarily suspended the processing of charity donations. This includes donations made through money transfer companies, checks, online banking platforms, mobile apps, ATMs, and standing payment orders. However, during this suspension, domestic donation transactions can proceed with prior approval from the Ministry of Social Affairs. This measure is meant to strengthen regulatory oversight and address concerns about unauthorized campaigns and foreign engagement in charitable activities.
