Five Year Jail, KD 5,000 Fine for Academic Certificate Forgery in Kuwait

Authorities in Kuwait have reiterated strict legal consequences for academic certificate forgery, as part of a nationwide push to safeguard educational integrity and employment data.

Under Article 259 of the Kuwaiti Penal Code, individuals convicted of forging educational credentials face up to five years in prison and fines of up to KD 5,000, or both.

The warning comes from the Academic Credentials Verification Committee, which is urging both government and private sector organisations to update employee data and verify qualifications through the unified Sahel government e-services application. The move aims to ensure the validity of academic records and protect the integrity of personnel information across sectors.

Narjis Abdulrasoul, Assistant Undersecretary for Scholarships and Study Leaves at the Civil Service Commission, highlighted that the verification effort supports fairness, transparency, and trust in Kuwait’s workforce. She outlined how degrees earned abroad must be authenticated via the Ministry of Higher Education’s services or the Sahel app before they can be recognised and used for official purposes.

The committee was formed by a Cabinet decision and is chaired by the Fatwa and Legislation Department, with representation from key ministries including Higher Education, Interior, Health, Justice, and the Civil Service Commission. Officials emphasised that combating forged certificates is central to protecting employment standards and ensuring that financial benefits and job opportunities are legitimately earned.

Authorities say strict enforcement will not only deter fraud but also preserve academic standards and equal opportunities for citizens and residents alike, reinforcing public confidence in Kuwait’s education and employment systems.