The Challenges Facing the Whistle-Blowers in the Arabian Gulf: Kuwait as a Case Study

Abstract

Corruption plays a role in several economic and social crimes. In addition, corruption substantially impacts governmental sovereignty, undermining state institutions and laws, which may put nations at risk of international penalties and sanctions. Whistleblowers of corrupt activities should be given more robust protection assurances to divest the state of corruption.

This topic is crucial since corrupt crime predators frequently have considerable knowledge and expertise. Thus, they not only engage in corrupt behaviour but also possess the authority to keep it hidden from law enforcement or other oversight bodies.

Whistleblowers who disclose these crimes are under significant pressure; there is a good probability that they may lose their employment. Moreover, if a whistleblower’s case does not succeed, a compensation claim may be made against them. Furthermore, the whistleblower may be held accountable for failing to report crimes if they remain silent. Therefore, stronger protections must be provided for whistleblowers.

This paper focuses on the rules and regulations regarding whistleblowers in Kuwait and the GCC, including the history and development of whistleblower regulation and the legal framework. Additionally, this paper includes suggestions and solution proposals regarding whistleblower activity.

Keywords: Whistle-blowers – Whistleblowers protection – anti corruption