Major change in Kuwaiti citizenship laws sees thousands lose nationality

Kuwait's recent amendments to its citizenship laws signal a significant tightening of nationality regulations, impacting thousands of individuals. The Amiri Decree No. (15), published in the official gazette, introduces stringent requirements for naturalized citizens, demanding they relinquish any other citizenship within a strict three-month window.

This move has already resulted in the loss of Kuwaiti nationality for 2,182 people, highlighting the immediate and substantial impact of these changes. The authorities have also expanded the grounds for revoking citizenship, encompassing instances of submitting false information during applications, convictions for certain crimes, particularly those related to national security, and actions deemed detrimental to public order or national interests.

The implications extend beyond the primary applicant, as family members of those stripped of citizenship may also face the loss of their Kuwaiti passports. While a limited appeals process exists, the overall effect is a consolidation of citizenship, emphasizing loyalty and exclusive allegiance to Kuwait.

These amendments are part of a broader, ongoing overhaul of citizenship policies that began in 2024. Reports suggest that since then, at least 70,000 people have reportedly been stripped of their citizenship. This trend underscores Kuwait's strategic focus on national identity and security, potentially driven by concerns over demographic balance and the distribution of state benefits, which are substantial for citizens, including free healthcare, unemployment allowances, and guaranteed employment.