Kuwait has clarified rules on motorists wearing a burqa or niqab while driving.
Referencing news shared on social media, the Ministry of Interior said that a former ban, issued in 1984, is not an enforceable law.
An MOI statement said: “The Ministry of Interior clarifies that was circulated on social media regarding the ban on wearing Niqab or Burqa while driving, stating that it is an old ministerial decision issued from 1984 and not enforceable law.
Kuwait burqa driving ban
“The Ministry explained that the issuance of this decision at that time was for security reasons, whereas some women driving on public roads wearing niqab or burqa which made it difficult to distinguish their facial features.
“This posted challenges and difficulties for security personnel when verifying the identity of the driver especially after their refusal to reveal their faces despite having photo on their driving licence.
“The Ministry of Interior stressed that the presence of Police women make the process of verifying the identities of female drivers much simpler and more efficient, eliminating previous complications”.
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