KUWAIT: Kuwait has introduced significant amendments to its citizenship laws, marking a major policy update regarding nationality, eligibility, and legal procedures.
According to details shared in a post by the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment, the revised framework outlines stricter and more clearly defined conditions for acquiring, retaining, and revoking Kuwaiti citizenship.
Under the updated rules, individuals of Kuwaiti origin—particularly those with residency dating back to before 1920 and documented residence until 1959—remain eligible under historical criteria. Citizenship by descent continues, with a Kuwaiti father’s child being recognized as a citizen regardless of place of birth.
The amendments also clarify provisions related to marriage-based nationality, dual citizenship, and revocation conditions. In certain cases, citizenship may be affected by marriage to a non-Kuwaiti, divorce, or absence of children, depending on legal circumstances.
For naturalized citizens, retaining Kuwaiti nationality requires renouncing previous citizenship within a specified period.
The new framework also strengthens government authority in matters involving security risks, fraud, or military involvement with foreign forces, under which citizenship may be revoked. It further allows the use of DNA testing and biometric verification in disputed cases.
Authorities emphasized that citizenship decisions remain under executive jurisdiction, with limited scope for judicial intervention.
