Kuwait Revokes Citizenship Of 38 Individuals For National Disloyalty

In a landmark decision, the Kuwaiti Supreme Committee for Nationality Investigations, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, has revoked the citizenship of 3,856 individuals. The move is aligned with Kuwait’s Nationality Law, targeting those accused of disloyalty, fraud, and involvement in national security threats.

Reasons Behind Citizenship Revocations

Disloyalty to the Nation

Under Article 14, Paragraph 3, of the Kuwaiti Nationality Law, the committee withdrew citizenship from 38 individuals deemed disloyal to the state.

Fraudulent Acquisitions

A total of 82 individuals were stripped of citizenship acquired through fraudulent means. This action was taken under Article 21 (repeated A) and the recently added Paragraph 1 of Article 13.

Revocation for Dependents

The committee also annulled the citizenship of 3,725 individuals categorized as “wives of Kuwaiti nationals,” in accordance with Article 13, Paragraph 1.

Dual Nationality

Eleven individuals who held dual nationalities faced citizenship revocation, as per Kuwaiti law prohibiting dual nationality.

Focus on National Security Cases

The “Black Island” Case

Timeline: Originated in 2005, with events unfolding in Hawalli, Salmiya, Umm Al-Hayman, and Mubarak Al-Kabir.

Crimes: Charges included assassinating State Security Agency members, targeting foreign forces, and using explosives and firearms without authorization.

Court Ruling: In 2007, the Court of Cassation sentenced six defendants to life imprisonment and overturned death penalties for four individuals.

The “Abdali Cell” Case

Timeline: Convictions handed down in June 2016.

Crimes: Espionage for Iran, storing weapons and explosives, and plotting to undermine Kuwait’s government.

Outcome: The Court of Cassation convicted 23 individuals, including 22 Kuwaitis, one of whom had already lost their citizenship earlier.

Hezbollah Financing Case

Charges: Belonging to a banned organization and funding Hezbollah.

Court Decision: In January 2025, 13 individuals, including 11 Kuwaitis, were sentenced to three years in prison with hard labor and fined 27 million dinars. Two Iranian nationals were ordered to be deported upon completing their sentences.

Implications of Citizenship Revocations

This decisive move reflects Kuwait’s commitment to safeguarding national security and upholding the rule of law. The actions against those involved in terrorism, espionage, and fraud demonstrate the state’s zero-tolerance policy toward threats to sovereignty and public safety.