Kuwait’s cabinet has approved a draft decree amending key provisions of the country’s nationality law, advancing a sweeping review of citizenship policies that has already led to the withdrawal of thousands of nationalities over the past year.State media reported that the proposed amendments to the 1959 Nationality Law aim to clarify grounds for revocation, address cases of dual nationality and reinforce state oversight of naturalisation. The draft decree will take effect once formally issued, in line with Kuwait’s constitutional procedures governing decree-laws during periods when the National Assembly is not in session.
Authorities have framed the changes as part of a broader effort to safeguard national identity and correct irregularities in the granting of citizenship. Since late 2023, committees tasked with reviewing nationality files have examined tens of thousands of cases, with officials announcing that many citizenships were withdrawn on grounds ranging from forgery and misrepresentation to violations of Kuwait’s prohibition on dual nationality.
Under existing legislation, Kuwait does not recognise dual citizenship, and citizens who acquire another nationality without official permission risk losing their Kuwaiti status. The review has also focused on individuals naturalised under specific legal provisions, including women granted citizenship through marriage and descendants of naturalised citizens whose eligibility was later questioned.
Senior government figures have argued that the amendments are necessary to close loopholes and ensure consistent application of the law. Officials say the revisions will streamline procedures for revocation, set clearer criteria for appeals and reinforce penalties for fraudulent claims. At the same time, they have stressed that decisions are being taken in accordance with legal standards and subject to review by specialised committees.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about transparency and due process. Lawyers and rights advocates have called for clearer communication regarding the evidence used in revocation cases and the mechanisms available for affected individuals to challenge decisions. Some families have reported disruptions to employment, education and access to public services following the loss of citizenship, highlighting the far-reaching implications of the policy.
Kuwait’s citizenship framework has long been a sensitive issue in a country where nationals represent a minority of the overall population. With expatriates making up roughly two-thirds of residents, citizenship confers significant social and economic benefits, including access to state-funded housing, healthcare and public sector employment. As a result, questions over eligibility and documentation have carried political and social weight for decades.
The current review has unfolded alongside broader institutional changes. Since ascending to power in December 2023, Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah has emphasised administrative reform and adherence to the rule of law. In 2024, the emir dissolved parliament and suspended certain constitutional provisions, citing the need to reset the political system and address longstanding governance challenges. Within that context, nationality policy has been presented as part of a wider drive to reinforce state authority and combat corruption.
Government statements indicate that thousands of cases have been examined by the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality, a body empowered to scrutinise citizenship files and recommend action. Official announcements have periodically published the names or categories of individuals whose citizenship was revoked, including some public figures, drawing significant public attention.
Supporters of the measures argue that tightening nationality rules protects the integrity of the social contract between the state and its citizens. They contend that previous administrations were insufficiently rigorous in vetting applications, leading to irregular grants that diluted the intended criteria of the law. By revising statutory language and clarifying procedures, proponents say the cabinet is seeking to prevent future disputes and restore public confidence.
Opponents counter that mass revocations risk undermining social cohesion, particularly where individuals have held citizenship for decades and built lives around that status. They have urged the authorities to ensure that amendments include safeguards guaranteeing fair hearings and proportionate remedies. Questions have also been raised about the status of children and dependants affected by revocation decisions, and whether transitional measures will be put in place.
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Kuwait