Kuwait has introduced a mandatory drug screening requirement for applicants to government jobs, effective December 15, 2025. Under Article 66 of the new Decree-Law No. 159/2025 on narcotics and psychotropic substances, each government entity may decide to include drug testing as part of the pre-employment medical examination. This measure aims to ensure that public sector employees are free from unauthorized use of narcotic or psychotropic substances before joining civil or security services.
The legal basis links to existing civil service regulations, where physical and health fitness is a prerequisite for public employment. Articles in laws governing the police and military also reinforce similar standards, making freedom from illicit drug use a condition for both appointment and continued service. If an employee fails to meet this condition after recruitment, they may face termination as stipulated under relevant civil service laws.
Beyond recruitment, the new legislation allows competent authorities to conduct periodic or random drug tests on current employees during official working hours. This extends the scope of monitoring to help maintain a drug-free public sector workforce. The law emphasizes coordination with relevant ministries to implement testing in a systematic and legally sound manner.
The move is part of Kuwait’s broader strategy to combat drug abuse and promote safety and integrity within government institutions. Officials have stressed that compliance with these regulations is essential to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that civil servants uphold the standards required for their roles. The decision also reflects growing regional emphasis on workplace safety and public health in government sectors.
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