Kuwait has made a major change in its legal system: court fees are going up. The government hopes this move will reduce the number of unnecessary or “petty” lawsuits and help the legal system run more smoothly. This change comes after years of rising case numbers that have burdened the courts and slowed down justice for more serious issues.
Let’s break down what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how it might affect the people of Kuwait.
Why Are Court Fees Being Increased?
For a long time, filing a case in Kuwait has been relatively cheap compared to other countries. This made it easy for people to take small disputes to court—even if they could have been solved outside the legal system.
Officials say this has led to thousands of minor lawsuits every year, many of which waste time, money, and resources. Some people even filed cases as a form of revenge or to create trouble for others, knowing it wouldn’t cost them much.
By increasing the fees, the government hopes to make people think twice before filing lawsuits that are not serious or necessary. The goal is not to block access to justice, but to ensure that the legal system is used responsibly.
What the New Fee Structure Looks Like
The new changes apply to all types of civil, commercial, and personal status cases. The amount people will now pay depends on the type of case and the amount of money involved.
For example:
- Cases involving financial claims will have fees that increase depending on the amount being claimed.
- Requests for urgent actions, appeals, and even enforcement of judgments will also come with higher costs.
The Ministry of Justice shared that the new fees will be more in line with those in other Gulf countries. However, the government also said it would continue to protect people who cannot afford to pay. Legal aid and support for low-income families will still be available.
Government Defends the Decision
The Justice Ministry says the decision to raise fees wasn’t taken lightly. It came after long studies and public discussion. Officials say they looked at similar systems in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other countries before making the final decision.
A government spokesperson explained, “We want to encourage people to resolve small disputes outside of court. The court should be a last resort—not the first step for every minor issue.”
He also added that the money raised from the higher fees will be used to improve court services, hire more staff, and speed up the legal process for everyone.
What Do the Experts Say?
Legal experts are divided on the new fees.
Some lawyers say it’s a smart move. According to them, courts are flooded with small cases—like disagreements between neighbors, family issues that could be solved through dialogue, or even personal vendettas. They believe the higher fees will encourage people to use other ways, like mediation or private agreements, to solve their problems.
Others worry that the new system might hurt low-income people who really do need legal help. “Justice should be affordable for all,” one lawyer said. “Even small cases can be important. If the fees are too high, some people might give up on their rights.”
To address this concern, the Ministry of Justice said that people with low incomes can still request legal support or ask to delay the payment of fees.
Public Reactions Are Mixed
On social media, Kuwaitis have been sharing their opinions on the changes. Some support the move, saying they’re tired of the legal system being used for “silly” reasons.
“I know someone who was sued because their dog barked too loudly,” one person tweeted. “The courts should not waste time on things like that.”
Others are more cautious. One comment read, “What if someone has a real issue but can’t afford to go to court? Justice should not be only for the rich.”
These mixed feelings show that while the change may reduce unnecessary cases, it must also be balanced to protect people who truly need legal help.
A Broader Plan to Improve the Legal System
The new fee hike is just one part of Kuwait’s larger plan to modernize and improve its justice system. In recent years, the country has been working to:
- Use digital tools for faster case handling
- Provide more online services
- Train more judges and legal staff
- Create clearer laws for civil disputes
With these changes, the government hopes to build a system that is fair, fast, and respected by all.
Mediation and Arbitration as Alternatives
As part of this plan, officials are also promoting alternatives to going to court. Mediation and arbitration are ways for people to settle their disputes with the help of a neutral third party—without the stress or cost of a full trial.
In fact, new centers are being developed across Kuwait to offer these services. The hope is that people will choose dialogue over lawsuits, saving both time and money.
What This Means for You
If you live in Kuwait and are thinking of taking someone to court, here are a few things to consider:
- Check the new fees first: You might have to pay more than before, especially if the case involves a financial dispute.
- Try to solve the issue directly: In many cases, talking things through or involving a mediator might help avoid court altogether.
- Know your rights: If you can’t afford the fee, ask about legal aid options.
And finally, remember: courts are important, but they should be used wisely. Filing a case should be about seeking real justice—not just proving a point.
Final Thoughts
Kuwait’s move to raise court fees is bold but needed, according to many in the legal field. It sends a clear message: the justice system should not be misused. At the same time, the government promises to protect access for those truly in need.
In the months to come, it will be important to watch how these changes affect both court numbers and the public’s trust in the legal system. Will it reduce petty lawsuits? Will it create a fairer, faster process? Only time will tell.
Also read: Kuwait Raises Court Fees in Major Move to Stop Unnecessary Lawsuits
