Kuwait has recently enforced a new law mandating that minors under 21 must have their father’s written consent to travel abroad, irrespective of who accompanies them. This regulation applies to both Kuwaiti nationals and expatriates, aiming to prevent child abduction and custody conflicts. Mothers can petition the Personal Status Court if the father is unavailable or uncooperative. The law, implemented since July 2025, stressed the importance of explicit paternal approval for minors leaving the country, even if traveling with their mother. This safeguard is maintained through the Airport Passports Department under the Ministry of Interior, emphasizing Kuwait’s legal framework giving precedence to paternal guardianship to avoid unauthorized relocations and custody disputes. Fathers are required to personally present themselves at the department with specific identification documents to sign a No Objection Certificate (NOC), a legally recognized consent form. Expatriates can alternatively provide consent through embassy procedures. In cases where the father is absent or refuses consent, the mother can seek a travel order from the Personal Status Court, considering the child’s best interests. The law serves to prevent international disputes related to child custody and bolster legal consistency while impacting expatriate family planning by adding coordination obligations. However, it disproportionately limits the autonomy of mothers and female relatives in practice.
