The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Kuwait has announced a complete ban on cash transactions for companies operating in the gold, precious stones, and precious metals sectors.
Under Ministerial Resolution No. 182 of 2025, all transactions and contracts in these sectors must now be conducted exclusively through non-cash payment methods approved by the Central Bank of Kuwait. The ministry stated that the move aims to enhance transparency, combat money laundering, and strengthen compliance with financial oversight standards.
Institutions found violating the regulation will face immediate closure and referral to investigative authorities for legal action, in addition to other applicable penalties under existing laws. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to upholding financial integrity and protecting the national economy from illicit financial activities.
Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower Issues New Compliance Guidelines for Employers
In a separate directive, Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has required all employers to submit detailed information about daily working hours, rest periods, weekly days off, and official holidays via its electronic system Ashal, effective November 1, 2025.
PAM emphasized that employers must keep this data updated and that the submitted schedules will serve as the official reference for inspectors during workplace visits. Once approved through Ashal, work schedules will be deemed officially authorized, and employers must print and display them prominently at their workplaces.
Failure to comply with these requirements could result in legal consequences, including the partial or complete suspension of an employer’s file, in accordance with Article Four of the new regulation.
