ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
In a landmark decision, Kuwait’s Supreme Committee for Nationality Investigation, chaired by H.E. Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, announced the withdrawal of Kuwaiti nationality from 4,246 individuals. The decision, made during a committee meeting on January 9, 2025, highlights Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to uphold the integrity of its citizenship laws. The cases involve a range of violations under Kuwait’s Nationality Law No. 15 of 1959, including duplication, forgery, and fraudulent claims. The decision now awaits further review by the Council of Ministers.
Breakdown of Cases – The committee detailed the reasons for revocation:
- Duplication of Citizenship (20 Cases):
Under Articles 10 and 11 of the Nationality Law, citizenship was revoked from 20 individuals who held Kuwaiti nationality alongside another nationality in violation of the law. - Fraud and False Statements (89 Cases):
In cases involving forgery, fraud, and individuals who gained citizenship through dependency, nationality was revoked under Article 21 bis and Article 13, Paragraph 1. These measures reflect Kuwait’s strict stance against fraudulent acquisition of citizenship. - Children of Kuwaiti Women (1 Case):
Under Article 13, Paragraph 4, and Article 5, Paragraph 2, the nationality of one individual, linked to the provisions regarding children of Kuwaiti women, was revoked. - Article 8 Cases (4,136 Individuals):
The largest category involved 4,136 individuals across 54 countries whose citizenship was revoked under Article 13, Paragraph 4, and Article 8. These cases often concern individuals who acquired Kuwaiti citizenship inappropriately or failed to meet the legal requirements for naturalization.
The committee’s actions underscore Kuwait’s commitment to preserving the integrity of its citizenship system. The revocations aim to address loopholes and ensure that citizenship is granted only to those who meet the legal and ethical criteria.
H.E. Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef emphasized the importance of maintaining the rule of law and safeguarding national identity. He stated that these measures are part of broader efforts to strengthen Kuwait’s legal framework and ensure fairness in the application of its citizenship laws.
This significant step serves as a reminder to individuals and families to adhere to the established legal processes when applying for Kuwaiti nationality. The Council of Ministers will review the cases for final approval, marking a critical moment in Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to address irregularities in its nationality system.
