Government set to examine 434 petitions seeking revocation of citizenship
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Heads turn as the Supreme Committee for Nationality matters, led by Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, unveils a monumental decision: the stripping of citizenship from 434 individuals residing in Kuwait. Steeped in controversy and debate, this move has garnered widespread attention.
Held accountable under various legislative articles, these citizens find themselves on the receiving end of a range of charges, including:
- Articles (10) and (11): Five individuals, parallel citizenship holders who flouted the no-dual-nationality law, face citizenship revocation. A noteworthy name in this group is a renowned actor, whose citizenship was rescinded following a similar action against his father and offspring.
- Fraud and False Statements (Article 21 bis A): This category encompasses 275 individuals, whose claims to Kuwaiti citizenship were proven fraudulent or forged, and those who wrongfully acquired it through dependency.
- Article (13), Paragraph (4): In the national interest, one case of citizenship withdrawal was sanctioned for the children of Kuwaiti women. Additionally, 16 cases were handed down due to dependency, also under this article.
- Cases from 1965 Census: 137 individuals found absent from the 1965 census or who acquired citizenship through dependency had their nationality revoked.
The decision serves as a landmark development in the continuous scrutiny of nationality cases within Kuwait.
Intriguingly, the motives behind this decision center on several key factors:
- Dual Nationality: Kuwaiti citizens are forbidden from holding another nationality concurrently. Those found in breach face the loss of their citizenship.
- Fraudulent Claims/Forgery: A considerable number (275) of individuals were charged with producing fake documents or making false claims to gain citizenship, including those who acquired it through dependency.
- National Interest (Noble Deeds Clause): Sixteen individuals, who obtained their citizenship via notable deeds or services to the nation, along with their dependents, lost their status. Moreover, 154 cases can be traced back to naturalization before 1965 due to services or residency, categorized as serving the nation's supreme interests.
This mass citizenship withdrawal has sparked a flurry of debates, with critics criticizing what they view as an unprecedented affront to civil liberties and personal identity. Concerns include the potential statelessness of prominent figures, such as artists, activists, journalists, and former public figures.
The looming questions revolve around the impact of this move on the affected individuals' civil rights, livelihoods, and social standing. Moreover, there is a growing fear of potential overreach and politically-motivated decisions. On the other hand, proponents argue that these measures serve to safeguard national security and preserve the integrity of the naturalization process.
The government offers an appeals process for the affected individuals, which opens on May 4, 2025. However, reversals are scarce. Critics argue that the appeals process may fall short of providing a fair and impartial resolution, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the future for those caught up in this contentious wave of decisions.
- The Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef leads a move that strips 434 Kuwaiti citizenships, a decision made by the Supreme Committee for Nationality matters, garnering significant attention in general news and politics.
- The revocation of citizenship is based on various charges, including individuals holding parallel citizenships in violation of articles (10) and (11), as well as those making fraudulent claims or forging documents to acquire Kuwaiti citizenship under article 21 bis A.
- The policy-and-legislation of Kuwait allows for citizenship revocation in the national interest, as seen in the children of Kuwaiti women and cases from the 1965 census.
- The 1959 policy-and-legislation, which forbids Kuwaiti citizens from holding another nationality concurrently, is a key factor in the recent citizenship revocation cases.
