Unwarranted Naturalization No Longer Tolerated Affirmed by Supreme Committee
Modernizing Kuwait's Citizenship Policies: A Focus on National Security
In a recent shake-up, the Supreme Committee has stripped two former National Assembly secretaries of their citizenship. This decisive action comes as part of a broader effort to reinforce Kuwait's national identity and modernize its citizenship policies.
An inside scoop reveals that personal recommendations alone no longer cut it in today's reform-oriented era. Al-Rai reports that a past letter, which once secured citizenship, is no longer sufficient in the current climate.
The development extends further, as authorities have rescinded the citizenship of a Kuwaiti born to a Kuwaiti mother, all in the name of national security. This move followed a court conviction for dishonorable and deceitful crimes, resulting in a prison sentence. The decision was in accordance with the law to strip the individual of their citizenship.
Kuwait's New Citizenship Landscape
Kuwait's citizenship laws have undergone a transformation. Fundamental changes have been made to both the naturalization process and the rights of citizenship:
- Citizenship by Marriage: Foreign wives of Kuwaiti men can no longer secure citizenship through marriage following a change in the law.[1][3]
- Citizenship Rights for Children of Kuwaiti Women: Children born to foreign fathers but Kuwaiti mothers can now be considered Kuwaiti citizens until the age of 21 if their father is deceased, a prisoner of war, or has divorced the mother.[1]
DNA and Biometric Testing
To bolster the integrity of citizenship applications, the government mandates DNA testing and biometric data collection. This scientific verification is aimed at establishing lineage and identity.[2][4]
Circumstances Driving Citizenship Revocation
Kuwaiti citizenship can be rescinded for a variety of reasons:
- Dual Citizenship: Holding citizenship of another country is grounds for citizenship revocation in line with Kuwait's laws.[5]
- False Information: If citizenship is obtained by means of false documents or information, it can be revoked.[5]
- National Security and State Interests: Actions that run counter to the state's interests can lead to citizenship revocation, with decisions typically made after Cabinet recommendations based on assessments from relevant commissions.[5]
Ensuring National Security
Though specific circumstances are not detailed, the broader context suggests that actions that might pose a threat to national security could result in citizenship revocation. This is part of a larger campaign that has led to the revocation of citizenship for over 35,000 individuals, emphasizing a tough stance on preserving national security through citizenship policies.
- In the changing landscape of Kuwait's citizenship, foreign wives of Kuwaiti men can no longer secure citizenship through marriage, as per the updated law.
- A crucial element in the modernization of Kuwait's citizenship policies is the introduction of DNA testing and biometric data collection to verify lineage and identity in citizenship applications.
- In line with the policy on citizenship revocation, actions deemed to be against national security may lead to the rescinding of Kuwaiti citizenship, with over 35,000 individuals having their citizenship revoked as part of this campaign.
- Kuwait's policy-and-legislation allows for the revocation of citizenship for individuals holding dual citizenship, those who obtain citizenship through false documents or information, and those whose actions are against the state's interests as determined after Cabinet recommendations based on assessments from relevant commissions.
