Kuwait moves to tighten citizenship law amid national identity safeguards

Amendments under review as authorities crack down on forgery; 29,000 grievances filed

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Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor
2 MIN READ
Kuwait, a nation of around 4.9 million — most of whom are expatriates—has recently intensified efforts to protect its national identity by cracking down on citizenship fraud and dual nationality, which is prohibited under Kuwaiti law.
Kuwait, a nation of around 4.9 million — most of whom are expatriates—has recently intensified efforts to protect its national identity by cracking down on citizenship fraud and dual nationality, which is prohibited under Kuwaiti law.
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Dubai: Amendments to several articles of Kuwait’s Nationality Law are expected to be approved soon as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard national identity and crack down on citizenship fraud, local media reported.

According to a report by Al Qabas newspaper, a government source confirmed that the proposed legal changes are currently under review by the Council of Ministers, with formal approval anticipated soon.

The amendments are part of a broader push to reinforce the integrity of the citizenship system and prevent any tampering with official documents.

 At the heart of this campaign is the Supreme Committee for Investigating Kuwaiti Citizenship, which is tasked with rigorously reviewing all citizenship records without exception.

The committee operates under the direct supervision of Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who has issued strict directives to arrest individuals found to have acquired citizenship through manipulation, fraud, or forgery.

The review process is ongoing and thorough,” stressing the government’s zero-tolerance stance toward violations that compromise the legitimacy of Kuwaiti nationality.

In a related development, nearly 29,000 individuals have submitted formal grievances to the Cabinet’s Grievance Committee for Withdrawal, Revocation, and Loss of Kuwaiti Citizenship, seeking to challenge or clarify decisions related to the loss of their nationality.

The committee, headed by Counsellor Ali Musaed Al Dhubaibi, works around the clock, including on official holidays, to ensure continuous access for those affected.

The committee also provides assistance to those who face technical issues submitting complaints online, offering direct support through designated contact numbers.

The creation of the committee reflects a broader commitment to transparency and procedural fairness, giving citizens a structured and accessible platform to have their cases heard and reviewed independently. As the legislative amendments near finalisation, the government’s message is clear: the protection of Kuwait’s national identity is paramount — and any abuse of the citizenship system will be met with decisive legal action.

Khitam Al Amir
Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor
With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public.​ Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.
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