Kuwait Cracks Down on Diplomatic Passport Misuse

19/03/2025

Kuwait Cracks Down on Diplomatic Passport Misuse

KUWAIT CITY, March 19: The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers has issued a circular to all government agencies, outlining a decision to task the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with compiling a comprehensive list of leaders and their family members who currently hold diplomatic or special passports.

The circular, in its first clause, mandates the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collaborate with the Fatwa and Legislation Department to review and amend certain provisions of Law No. 11 of 1962 concerning passports. This includes reassessing the categories of individuals eligible for diplomatic and special passports. The Ministry is required to submit a report on the outcomes of this review to the Council of Ministers within one month.

The second clause of the circular directs the Ministry to coordinate with relevant ministers and the Civil Service Council to take necessary measures for withdrawing diplomatic and special passports from individuals who no longer qualify. The Ministry must also inform the Council of Ministers of the results of these actions.

The circular references a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated February 6, 2025, which addressed the regulation of diplomatic and special passport issuance. It instructs ministries and government agencies to provide the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a detailed list of leaders and individuals in positions that entitle them and their families to hold diplomatic or special passports. Additionally, the circular emphasizes that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be notified immediately when a leader's official duties conclude, and the individual must surrender their diplomatic or special passport to the Ministry. A clearance certificate confirming the return of the passport must also be obtained.

This move aims to ensure greater oversight and accountability in the issuance and management of diplomatic and special passports, aligning with efforts to streamline government procedures and maintain regulatory compliance.