Kuwait Revokes Citizenship For 20 Individuals: Latest Official Gazette Decisions

Details on Citizenship Revocations Under Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959

Introduction

In a recent update, the Kuwait Government’s official gazette, Kuwait Al-Youm, published several key decisions regarding the revocation of Kuwaiti citizenship. These decisions, grounded in Article 9, 10, and 11 of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 on the Nationality Law, have led to significant changes in the citizenship status of 20 individuals.

Citizenship Revocations Explained

1. Revocation of Citizenship for Two Women

The first decision involves the revocation of citizenship for two women under Article 9 of the decree. This article states that a foreign wife who acquires Kuwaiti citizenship through marriage does not automatically lose it upon divorce unless she regains her original nationality or acquires another citizenship.

2. Loss of Citizenship for Another Woman

Another decision pertains to the loss of citizenship for a woman based on Article 10 of the decree. This article specifies that a Kuwaiti woman who marries a foreigner does not lose her Kuwaiti citizenship unless she explicitly requests and obtains her husband's nationality.

3. Revocation of Citizenship for 17 Individuals

The most significant decision revokes the citizenship of 17 individuals—9 men and 8 women—under Article 11. This article mandates that Kuwaiti citizens lose their nationality if they voluntarily acquire a foreign nationality. Additionally, the Kuwaiti wives of these individuals do not lose their citizenship unless they acquire their husband's new nationality. However, their minor children lose Kuwaiti citizenship if they adopt their father’s new nationality. Once reaching adulthood, these children have a two-year period to declare their choice to retain Kuwaiti nationality to the Minister of Interior.

Conclusion

These recent decisions highlight the Kuwaiti government's enforcement of its nationality laws, impacting both individuals and their families. The revocation process underscores the importance of understanding and adhering to the legal stipulations surrounding Kuwaiti citizenship.