Kuwait has revoked the citizenship of nearly 50,000 individuals as part of an intensified campaign targeting illegal nationality claims, according to Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah, Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
Speaking to Al Qabas newspaper, Sheikh Fahad confirmed that all nationality files in Kuwait are under thorough review, without exception. The effort, coordinated with several countries, has uncovered numerous cases of forgery related to citizenship applications.
When asked if current or former politicians were under scrutiny, Sheikh Fahad stated, “All of Kuwait is under review,” indicating the wide scope of the investigation.
The Supreme Committee for Kuwaiti Nationality, established over a year ago, examines cases to verify legal claims to citizenship. Some names of those stripped of nationality have been publicly disclosed.
The campaign primarily aims to revoke citizenship from foreigners who illegally obtained it. Kuwait does not permit dual nationality, requiring new citizens to renounce their original citizenship. The country’s population is around five million, with a majority being foreign nationals.
In addition to forgers, some citizenships have been revoked citing the “higher interest” of the state, as reported by state media in July. Kuwait grants citizenship automatically through paternal descent, but naturalisation is also possible via a high committee appointed by the Interior Minister, which periodically reviews applicants.
Many foreign nationals obtained citizenship decades ago for their contributions to the country’s development. Meanwhile, the issue of stateless people, known as “bidoon,” numbering around 120,000, remains a significant and ongoing challenge in Kuwait, despite legislative efforts amid political tensions.
Sheikh Fahad also announced that a new electronic version of the Kuwaiti nationality document will soon be introduced as part of the reforms.
