Preacher stripped of Kuwaiti citizenship twice

Cairo: Well-known preacher Nabil Al Awadhy has been stripped of Kuwaiti citizenship for the second time in more than a decade as the country is pressing ahead with a relentless scrutiny of its nationality’s holders, social media reported.

In 2014, Al Awadhy who has a wide following on social media, had his Kuwaiti citizenship revoked. But he restored it four years later by virtue of a decision from the Kuwaiti government.

The 55-year-old cleric obtained the Kuwaiti citizenship in 1998, being the son of his Kuwaiti mother.

There was no comment from Kuwaiti authorities, who have in recent months withdrawn citizenship from several celebrities. Al Awadhy hails from Kuwait’s stateless community, or people without proper documents.

He began giving sermons in 1990, appeared on numerous TV stations and wrote for several newspapers and magazines. He has also hosted popular TV programmes.

Under Kuwaiti law, citizenship may be revoked by decree from anyone, who has obtained it upon dictates of the state’s supreme interest or external security, or if there is evidence that the holder is involved in promoting principles that undermine the country’s economic or social system.

Kuwait, a country of about 4.9 million people, mostly expatriates, has recently intensified efforts to combat citizenship fraud and dual nationality violations to protect its national identity.

As a result, thousands of individuals have had their Kuwaiti citizenship revoked since March last year due to forgery or holding a second nationality, which is prohibited under Kuwaiti law.