KUWAIT CITY, Feb 9: Kuwait’s Ministry of Social Affairs has implemented a ban on all forms of cash donations during the upcoming Ramadan, requiring charitable organizations to shift to electronic payment methods instead. This new directive, outlined in a circular sent to registered charitable societies, sets clear guidelines for fundraising activities throughout the holy month.

Under these new rules, donations can only be collected through licensed electronic channels. These include K-Net services, online platforms, bank deductions, smartphone applications, electronic collection devices, and telecom company text message services. Charities are now prohibited from accepting cash donations at their offices or in public areas.

This decision marks a significant change in how donations are typically handled during Ramadan, a time when charitable giving is especially prominent in the Islamic world. The ministry has also restricted fundraising locations, stipulating that charitable organizations must seek prior approval to collect donations in places like shopping malls and public squares. However, mosques remain designated as approved donation collection points, and charities must adhere to a schedule set by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.

In addition to these measures, the Ministry has tightened oversight of foreign donations, requiring prior approval for any funds sent from abroad. This is in line with Kuwait’s public benefit associations law, which governs donations and charitable activities.

To ensure proper tracking and accountability, the new regulations also mandate that charities collect funds through bank accounts approved by the Ministry. Each organization must submit the names of individuals responsible for fundraising, and these individuals will be issued identification cards to ensure oversight and transparency. Furthermore, all donation transactions must be documented. Charitable organizations will need to provide a sales invoice for any gold or silver donations, verifying their value. For other items such as vehicles or valuables, charities are required to obtain multiple quotes for valuation before they are sold.

The circular also establishes stricter advertising controls, banning unauthorized promotional materials inside or outside mosques without prior approval from the Ministry. Additionally, charities are now required to submit a comprehensive financial report within a month after Ramadan ends, detailing all donations received across various platforms and providing an administrative summary of their activities.

These changes reflect the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and ensure that charitable donations are used appropriately, preventing misuse and directing them to worthy causes during Ramadan. Implementing these regulations is expected to streamline the donation process and make it easier for authorities to monitor fundraising activities.

This move follows concerns about the security of cash donations and potential misuse of funds. It aligns with broader efforts to modernize Kuwait’s charitable sector by adopting more secure and efficient donation handling methods. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, charities in Kuwait will need to adjust to these new requirements and ensure that they comply with the updated regulations.