Kuwait starts 5-year clock on judiciary 'Kuwaitization'

Kuwait has officially begun a five-year process to increase the number of Kuwaiti citizens in its judiciary, a policy known as 'Kuwaitization.' The move was formalized with the publication of Decree-Law No. 80/2026, which governs the judiciary, in the official gazette "Kuwait Al-Youm" on Thursday.

This legislative development marks a significant step in the government's efforts to reshape the composition of its judicial system. The law establishes a clear timeline, setting a five-year window to achieve the desired demographic shift within the courts and related legal institutions.

The 'Kuwaitization' policy aims to ensure greater national representation in key government sectors, including the judiciary. While the specifics of implementation and the exact targets for Kuwaiti nationals within the judiciary are detailed within the decree, the overarching goal is to prioritize citizens in positions of judicial authority over the next half-decade.