New Rules Issued On Granting And Revoking Kuwaiti Citizenship

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 678/2025 regarding the principles and guidelines for the use of modern scientific methods in the granting, withdrawal, loss, or revocation of Kuwaiti citizenship. This resolution has been published in the official gazette "Kuwait Al-Youm".

Key Terms and Definitions

Article 1: Definitions

• Law: Amiri Decree No. 15/1959 on the Kuwaiti Nationality Law and its amendments.
• Ministry: Ministry of Interior.
• Minister: Minister of Interior.
• Genetic fingerprint: A map of inherited biological genes that identifies an individual.
• Biosample: A sample taken from the human body for identity comparison.
• Subject person: An individual whose citizenship eligibility is under examination.
• Database: A system storing data on genetic traits and biometric fingerprints.
• Biometric fingerprints: A form of biometric technology to verify an individual's identity.

Scientific Methods for Citizenship Matters

Article 2: Methods for Granting, Withdrawing, or Revoking Citizenship

The following modern scientific methods are to be used in determining citizenship eligibility:

• Fingerprint analysis or genetic trait analysis.
• Biometric fingerprints or biometric features.
• Any other scientific method currently available or developed in the future.

Procedures for DNA and Biometric Fingerprint Analysis

Article 3-6: DNA and Biometric Fingerprint Procedures

Citizens and residents are required to undergo biometric fingerprinting and genetic fingerprinting for citizenship matters. The authorities designated to conduct these analyses will follow strict guidelines to ensure accuracy and confidentiality of the results.

Data Privacy and Documentation

Article 10: Privacy and Security of Data

Strict confidentiality must be maintained when handling genetic data obtained through the methods described in this resolution.

Implementation and Oversight

Article 11: Enforcement

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior is responsible for implementing this resolution, which takes effect upon publication in the official gazette.