Kuwait City, September 9, 2026: A new school regulation has taken effect immediately in Kuwait, mandating that parents obtain a Financial Clearance Certificate before securing academic certificates, official school documents, or processing student transfers. Education Minister Syed Jalal Al-Tabatabai issued a ministerial decision on September 8 requiring that all government and private school records be free of outstanding financial claims or obligations before any such request is processed.
- New rule requires a Financial Clearance Certificate before school transfers and document collection.
- Applies to both government and private schools across all educational stages.
- Directly impacts over 60,000 students in CBSE-affiliated Indian schools in Kuwait.
This policy holds significant implications for the Indian expatriate community. According to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, there are 26 CBSE-affiliated schools serving more than 60,000 students. Given that the Indian community in Kuwait exceeds one million people, this nationwide rule impacts a substantial number of households. The regulation applies to all educational stages, covering both public and private sectors, including Indian-curriculum schools.
Under the new mandate,
a student file cannot be transferred, nor can official paperwork be issued, if any financial liability remains unsettled. Clearance can be issued in electronic or paper form once all dues are verified. This regulation is particularly critical for families relocating to India, moving to other Gulf countries, or changing schools within Kuwait due to employment relocation or other administrative needs. Parents are advised that financial obligations extend beyond tuition to include transport fees and other approved school charges.
Parents are encouraged to proactively verify their account status with school finance departments rather than relying on last-minute payments. For families facing disputes over fee amounts, the Ministry advises resolving disagreements with school accounts offices and obtaining written statements, as
pending liabilities will invalidate transfer applications. As the decision supersedes conflicting previous circulars, parents requiring academic records are urged to settle all accounts immediately to avoid delays in student file transfers or admission deadlines at new institutions.
