Manama: Prisoners who can memorise the Quran in Kuwait might be eligible for the annual Amiri pardon, the endowments and Islamic affairs ministry said.

The decision will be part of efforts to rehabilitate inmates and help them re-integrate society driven by high values.

"Kuwait adopts a religious preaching programme as part of its rehabilitation policy for inmates," the ministry said, quoted by local media. "Under the programme, prisoners attend lectures and study the Quran in order to instill greater discipline in their attitudes. Their success should allow them to be covered by the Amir's pardon."

According to the ministry, 137 inmates were last enrolled in the programme, down from the more than 200 in previous years.

There are currently no definite regulations that allow inmates who memorise the Holy Book to be included in the pardon, the ministry of justice has said.

However, the endowments and Islamic affairs ministry is working on a proposal that makes those who can recite the Quran eligible for amnesty in the future.

Several religious groups in the Muslim world have called for shaving time off prisoners' sentences if they can memorise all or parts of the Quran.