Kuwait has implemented substantial revisions to its citizenship law, granting the government enhanced powers to both confer and revoke nationality. The new decree introduces stricter eligibility requirements, particularly affecting naturalisation and marriage-based applications. Additionally, it reinforces stringent regulations against holding dual nationality. These reforms are designed to protect national identity and rectify previous inconsistencies, ensuring that citizenship is awarded strictly in accordance with the law.
Kuwait introduced sweeping amendments to its citizenship law under a new Emiri decree, significantly expanding the government’s authority to grant and revoke nationality, while tightening eligibility criteria across multiple categories.
Officials from the Ministry of Interior said the amendments are designed to “preserve the integrity of Kuwaiti nationality” and ensure that citizenship is granted strictly in accordance with the law. Officials said this is part of efforts to address past irregularities and ensure transparency in the citizenship process. The reforms aim to “balance humanitarian considerations with national interests,” particularly in sensitive categories such as family-based naturalisation, according to officials familiar with the changes.
Under the revised law, the government has broadened its power to revoke citizenship in specific cases, particularly where nationality was obtained through fraud, misrepresentation, or based on inaccurate information. Authorities clarified that such decisions will follow legal procedures and remain subject to review. The decree also introduces stricter provisions related to dual nationality, reaffirming Kuwait’s long-standing policy that citizens must not hold another nationality unless explicitly permitted. In addition, authorities have tightened oversight of naturalisation cases, placing greater scrutiny on applications and documentation.