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Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior is set to introduce a new facility, dubbed the “Family House,” at the Sulaibiya prison complex in Jahra governorate. According to Gulf News, the initiative aims to provide inmates with private family visits, allowing them to spend time with spouses, children, and other close relatives in specially designed units within the prison.
The project expands upon an existing programme for married inmates, offering a more inclusive environment for a wider range of prisoners to connect with loved ones. Though no official launch date has been confirmed, the facility has been in development for several years, with local media likening it to a hotel for inmates.
Brigadier General Fahad Al-Obaid, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Correctional Institutions, emphasised that eligibility for visits and visit duration will be determined by prison authorities. However, it remains unclear if prisoners convicted of serious crimes will have access to the facility.
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The initiative has sparked debate, with supporters highlighting its potential to improve inmates’ mental well-being and family ties, while critics question its broader implementation. The Prisons Department already allows well-behaved inmates access to a smaller version of the Family House.
In addition to this initiative, the Ministry is also working on other projects within the prison complex, including educational programmes and a proposed communication-blocking system, which is still under review by security agencies and the Ministry of Health.
Kuwait’s prison system houses around 5,000 inmates across various facilities, including sections for women and deportees.