The initial phase focuses on support functions directly tied to court operations, judicial files, procedures and case data across the Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, Court of Cassation and Constitutional Court. Al-Sanad told KUNA that the targeted jobs include court clerks, legal researchers and administrative coordinators, chosen according to each department’s operational needs. The first stage will see the termination of contracts for 54 non-Kuwaiti employees from November once Kuwaiti replacements finish their training and qualification.
This step carries out directives from Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Kuwaitize judiciary positions along with instructions from Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait. The undersecretary added that the ministry has spent the past 18 months assessing staffing requirements in judicial support units and preparing national talent to ensure a competent handover. Such groundwork prioritizes continuity of services while building sustainable reliance on Kuwaiti staff.
Implementation will proceed in a second phase scaled to the preparedness of remaining departments and the demands of court workflows. Al-Sanad explained that the gradual rollout prevents any lapse in handling cases or administrative tasks during the transition. The approach reflects a deliberate strategy to match workforce changes with actual operational readiness rather than arbitrary timelines.
The justice ministry plan contributes to longstanding national efforts to boost Kuwaiti participation in public sector employment. Similar complete Kuwaitization goals have been announced for the electricity ministry while the petroleum sector has set a target of 95 percent nationalization by 2028, according to industry officials. The Civil Service Commission has introduced successive policies in recent years to advance these objectives across government bodies.
Training initiatives have equipped selected Kuwaiti nationals with the specialized capabilities needed for judicial support duties. The ministry evaluated departmental demands to confirm that incoming staff can assume responsibilities effectively before any expatriate contracts end. This emphasis on preparation underpins the two-phase structure and differentiates the program from less comprehensive past attempts.
Al-Sanad stated that the overarching aim is to secure the long-term sustainability of ministry functions through greater integration of national employees in core areas. The timeline incorporates flexibility to resolve any issues that surface during execution. Court activities are projected to continue without interruption as the replacement process unfolds.
