Kuwait Finalizes Strict New Law to Combat Fake Degrees and Academic Fraud
6th, Oct, 2025: The Ministry of Higher Education has completed a new draft law on academic degree equivalency, a major effort to strengthen educational credibility and safeguard Kuwait’s labor market from fraudulent qualifications. This proposed legislation will supersede the suspended Law No. 78 of 2019, aiming to eliminate loopholes and ensure the accurate accreditation of all academic degrees.
The new law introduces significantly tougher penalties for violations. Individuals using non-equivalent or forged degrees could face up to five years in prison, fines up to 10,000 Kuwaiti dinars, and dismissal from public service.
Key Provisions and Penalties:
- Non-Equivalent Degrees: Will not be recognized by any public or private entity. Their use for employment, promotion, or financial benefit is strictly prohibited, with limited exceptions for individuals already employed before the law takes effect.
- Job Applicants: Must submit degree equivalency requests to the Ministry. They may work temporarily for a maximum of one year while the application is processed, but employment will be terminated if equivalency is denied.
- Using Fake Certificates: Individuals face up to one year in jail and fines between 1,000 and 5,000 dinars.
- Official Approval of Fake Degrees: Officials who knowingly approve them face up to one year in jail and fines between 3,000 and 5,000 dinars.
- Penalties for Personal Gain: If the violation leads to personal financial or professional gain, penalties increase to three years in prison and fines up to 10,000 dinars.
- Public Employees: Those involved in the fraudulent use or approval of fake degrees could face the maximum sentence: up to five years in prison, a 10,000-dinar fine, and dismissal from service.
The Ministry will also be authorized to charge fees for certificate verification and may delegate this task to specialized external agencies. This comprehensive new law represents a significant governmental commitment to upholding academic integrity and ensuring fair employment standards.
