(KUWAIT) Kuwait has revoked nearly 50,000 citizenships in a sweeping fraud campaign, Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah said on August 10–11, 2025. “All of Kuwait is under scrutiny,” he added.
The reviews cover every nationality file, including those of current and former ministers and MPs. The Supreme Committee for Kuwaiti Nationality is leading the investigations, with decisions issued under amended law.
What changed and why this is happening
Under Decree 116/2024, which took effect on 24 December 2024, the government widened the grounds for withdrawing nationality. Officials say the aim is to fight forged family trees, fake documents, and unlawful naturalization.
The law now allows revocation for:
– Fraud in applications or records
– Crimes tied to honor, integrity, or state security
– Offenses against religious sanctities or the Emir
– Threats to state interests or the economic and social system
– Ties to foreign political groups
– Certain disciplinary dismissals
– Use of DNA and biometrics to confirm lineage and identity
The Cabinet approved these changes on 25 September 2024; they were published in the official gazette in December. Officials emphasize rule of law and national identity, while rights groups warn the powers are too broad.
The scale: numbers and timeline
- Nearly 50,000 revoked citizenships reported by the minister, August 10–11, 2025.
- By March 2025, counts stood near 42,000, showing rapid growth into mid‑2025.
- In July 2025, a single operation stripped 1,060 people of nationality, with DNA used to expose mass fabricated dependents.
- Authorities say every file is under review and the process will continue until “fully rectified.”
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the accelerated use of DNA, iris scans, fingerprints, and facial biometrics matches global trends toward identity verification in nationality cases.
Who is leading the review
The Supreme Committee for Kuwaiti Nationality reviews all files and recommends actions. Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah oversees the campaign and says there are no exceptions. Some names have been publicly disclosed after revocation.
Investigations may include:
– DNA samples and biometric checks
– Archival audits
– Verification with foreign governments
Officials say cross‑border cooperation has been important in exposing forged records.
Appeals and what recourse exists
A non‑judicial Cabinet Grievance Committee (Chair: Counselor Ali Al‑Dhubaibi) was formed on 11 March 2025. An online portal opened 4 May 2025 for revocations issued between 20 February 2024 and 30 April 2025.
Key figures and functions:
– Over 14,000 appeals were filed by 14 May 2025; reporting cites around 29,000 grievances overall.
– The committee can review decisions and recommend action to the Cabinet.
– Court challenges to nationality withdrawal remain limited, a long‑standing practice criticized by rights groups.
Officials say the portal window applies to a defined period; people should check for updates on any future expansions.
Impact on women under Article 8
A major change ended automatic citizenship for foreign wives of Kuwaiti men (Article 8). Past grants to spouses have been widely reversed.
Important points:
– The minister said the August deadline to fix status for women affected by Article 8 revocations will not be extended.
– Women are told to visit the designated Article 8 office and work with their foreign embassies to secure passports and residence.
– Authorities say benefits other than citizenship will continue for those who comply; non‑compliance risks loss of “Kuwaiti treatment” privileges.
Dependents who derived citizenship through someone later stripped of nationality may also be affected.
Warning: The August deadline for Article 8 cases is final, according to officials. Immediate action is advised.
Biometrics and service access
Authorities made biometric enrollment compulsory in 2024. Those who missed the deadline—about 16,000 Kuwaitis, 90,000 Bedoon, and 250,000 expatriates—face service limits until they enroll.
Possible consequences of not enrolling:
– Bank accounts may be frozen
– Government services can be blocked
– Applications and processes may be suspended
Officials urge immediate biometric registration to restore access. Mass registration wrapped up in late 2024; targeted enforcement continues.
Government stance vs rights concerns
Government position:
– Officials say revocations protect national identity and fix decades of fraud.
– They highlight DNA evidence, biometrics, and regional cooperation.
– A new digital nationality certificate is planned to reduce tampering.
Rights and expert critiques:
– Human rights groups argue the expanded powers risk arbitrary denationalization, with limited transparency and no independent court review.
– They warn of people becoming effectively stateless overnight, especially spouses and long‑time residents.
Media reports in 2025 show growing social impact across communities, including on banking, employment, and documentation.
Dual nationality reminder
Kuwait bars dual nationality. Those who naturalize must give up other passports. This rule continues under the new enforcement push.
If you’re affected: step‑by‑step guidance
- Collect your documents:
- Nationality papers, civil IDs, birth and marriage certificates, and any earlier nationality proof
- Any family lineage records
- Respond to calls for DNA/biometrics right away.
- Missing an appointment can delay your case and keep services blocked.
- If your revocation falls between 20 Feb 2024 and 30 Apr 2025, file an appeal with the Cabinet Grievance Committee.
- Prepare a clear, short timeline of your case and attach all records.
- Consider legal counsel to help.
- Women affected by Article 8:
- Visit the designated Article 8 office immediately
- Contact your embassy to confirm or obtain foreign nationality documents and a valid passport
- Meet the August deadline stated by the minister; there are no extensions
- If you missed biometrics:
- Enroll now to unfreeze accounts and restore services
- Keep appointment receipts and screenshots of confirmations
- Keep copies of all submissions and decisions.
- Save SMS or email notices, and note dates.
Official resource
For official statements, biometric appointments, and service updates, check the Ministry of Interior portal: https://www.moi.gov.kw/
What comes next
Officials say the review of “all” files will continue, and further withdrawals are possible. The planned roll‑out of a digital nationality certificate aims to curb forgeries. Cross‑border probes and fraud prosecutions are likely to expand.
Rights groups will keep pressing for broader judicial review and clearer reasons in each case. Families—especially those linked to revoked spouses or parents—should prepare documents early and seek embassy help to avoid gaps in legal status.
As the campaign moves forward, one fact is clear: the state expects full compliance on DNA, biometrics, and records. For many families, careful paperwork—and fast action—will decide how quickly life returns to normal.
This Article in a Nutshell
Kuwait’s sweeping nationality review revoked nearly 50,000 citizens by August 2025 under Decree 116/2024. DNA and biometrics expose fraud, while a Cabinet grievance portal handles appeals. Article 8 spouses face an uncompromising August deadline. Rights groups warn of arbitrary denationalization; authorities cite national identity protection and digital nationality plans.
