Kuwait to Revoke Citizenship of 930 in Record Action
Kuwait's Higher Committee for Verification of Kuwaiti Nationality has decided to withdraw citizenship from 930 individuals in a single day, setting a new record. This decision will now be referred to the Council of Ministers for approval. This latest move brings the total number of people facing citizenship revocation to 1,617 in just 20 days.
Fahd Al Yousef, Kuwait's acting prime minister and minister of defense and interior, who heads the committee, called the decision a "truly large number" and emphasized the importance of rectifying past wrongdoings.
Clampdown on Citizenship Fraud
Al Yousef explained that the cases under scrutiny were "worthy and glaring," and the committee is committed to protecting Kuwait’s identity. He described the ongoing actions as addressing one of the biggest crimes against the country, which must be stopped.
Among the 930 individuals whose citizenship will be revoked, Al Yousef pointed to two Syrian brothers who fraudulently obtained Kuwaiti nationality. In total, about 132 other individuals acquired citizenship illegally, often through fraudulent methods.
Addressing Citizenship Abuse
This significant step is part of Kuwait's broader initiative to combat citizenship fraud and dual nationality violations. Kuwait, with a population of around 4.9 million, is home to a large number of expatriates. The country has been cracking down on individuals holding multiple citizenships, especially when one is obtained through illegal means.
Since early March, Kuwait has revoked citizenship from hundreds of individuals involved in fraud or holding foreign nationalities in violation of the country’s strict laws. The Interior Ministry has even set up a dedicated hotline for citizens to report those with dual nationality or those suspected of acquiring Kuwaiti citizenship unlawfully. The authorities promise complete confidentiality for whistleblowers.
A Step Toward Protecting National Integrity
Kuwait’s aggressive stance on citizenship integrity is intended to safeguard national identity and prevent fraud. With new policies in place, the government is sending a clear message that violations won’t be tolerated, and individuals found guilty will face consequences. The committee will also establish a process for receiving grievances from those affected by the decisions.
As Kuwait continues its crackdown, the government's focus on transparency and justice underscores its commitment to maintaining the country's sovereignty and national security.