WEB DESK: A newly issued decree has overhauled Kuwait’s nationality regulations, introducing key amendments to Decree-Law No 15 of 1959 on Kuwaiti nationality. The revisions aim to address implementation challenges and modernise citizenship processes, signaling a transformative shift in the country’s approach to nationality.
Key changes to Kuwaiti nationality law
Spousal citizenship
Foreign spouses of individuals who acquire Kuwaiti nationality will no longer automatically be granted citizenship under the revised Article 7.
Children’s nationality
Children of naturalised Kuwaiti citizens will automatically gain Kuwaiti citizenship but can choose to retain their original nationality within one year of reaching adulthood. Continued Kuwaiti citizenship will require compliance with applicable legal provisions.
Marriage and citizenship
Article 8 now stipulates that foreign women married to Kuwaiti citizens will not automatically gain Kuwaiti nationality, breaking from earlier practices.
Measures against fraud and serious offenses
Revisions to Article 13 enable the revocation of Kuwaiti nationality in cases of fraud, forgery, or providing false statements. Nationality may also be revoked for individuals convicted of severe offenses, including crimes against the state, defamation of religious figures, or insulting the Emir.
Protections for children of Kuwaiti mothers
A new provision, Article 7 Bis (A), extends citizenship rights to children of Kuwaiti mothers in specific cases, such as the death, imprisonment, or irrevocable divorce of their foreign fathers. This amendment ensures access to essential services like education and healthcare, fostering stability for such families.
Embracing modern technology
The updated law permits the use of advanced scientific methods for granting, revoking, or withdrawing citizenship. The Ministry of Interior will issue regulations to implement these measures, reinforcing Kuwait’s commitment to modernised identity verification processes.
Repeal of outdated provisions
Provisions under Articles 5 and 9 of the original law—regarding residents tracked since 1965—have been repealed to streamline nationality processes.
Immediate implementation
The revised law takes immediate effect following its publication in the Official Gazette. This significant reform reflects Kuwait’s evolving stance on nationality and citizenship in alignment with global standards.
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