Kuwait has revoked the citizenship of 1,291 individuals, pending final approval by the Cabinet, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Interior.
This action comes as part of ongoing efforts by the country to ensure that citizenship is granted and maintained strictly in accordance with Kuwaiti law and national interest.
The Supreme Committee for Investigating Kuwaiti Citizenship convened on Wednesday, May 14, under the chairmanship of Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al Sabah, the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Interior.
The committee reviewed multiple cases concerning citizenship revocation, categorising them based on legal grounds set forth in the Kuwaiti Nationality Law No. (15) of 1959 and its amendments.
The revocations were distributed across several legal articles: nine individuals lost their citizenship under Article 11 due to holding dual nationality—a status Kuwait does not officially recognise.
The country requires children with dual nationality to decide by the age of 20 which citizenship to retain, providing a two-year grace period after reaching adulthood.
A further 113 cases involved revocations under Article 21 bis A, relating to fraud, false statements, and forgery. This group also included dependents who had acquired citizenship through association with the main individual involved.
Eighty-six people had their nationality revoked under Article 13, Paragraph 1, again due to fraud and false claims. This category, like the previous one, covered not only the primary individuals but also their dependents.
The largest group affected was 1,083 individuals whose citizenship was revoked under Article 13, Paragraph 4.
This article pertains to those granted nationality for “distinguished services” or other reasons tied to what the government terms the “higher national interest.” It also includes associated dependents.
The recent batch of citizenship revocations reflects Kuwait’s intensifying measures in recent years to address irregular residency and misuse of nationality provisions.
The government has been actively reviewing cases involving illegal residency and fraudulent claims as part of broader efforts to preserve the integrity of Kuwaiti nationality.
The Supreme Committee’s statement reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the principles of the Kuwaiti Nationality Law. It emphasised that citizenship is a privilege that must be earned and maintained in line with national interests and legal statutes.
“Kuwaiti nationality is a cornerstone of our country’s identity and security,” the statement said. “The committee remains steadfast in its duty to ensure that nationality is granted and revoked solely based on the rule of law and the country’s best interests.”
Kuwait’s stance on dual nationality remains firm, with strict measures for those holding citizenship in other countries. Individuals with dual nationality must make a formal choice within two years after turning 18 to retain only one nationality, reflecting Kuwait’s policy against dual citizenship.
This announcement comes amid growing regional and global concerns about citizenship rights, illegal residency, and national security. Kuwait’s decision to revoke citizenships—particularly on grounds linked to fraud and national interest—aligns with efforts in other Gulf countries to tighten regulations and enforce citizenship laws rigorously.
Pending Cabinet approval, the revocations will mark a significant enforcement of Kuwaiti nationality laws and set a precedent for future cases involving citizenship irregularities.
As the government continues to monitor these developments, officials have reiterated the importance of transparency and legal compliance in nationality matters, underscoring the balance between safeguarding national sovereignty and protecting the rights of legitimate citizens.