Kuwait Amends Nationality Law: Foreign Spouses No Longer Automatically Granted Citizenship

The Kuwaiti government has issued significant amendments to its nationality law, impacting foreign spouses, children, and the conditions for revoking citizenship. The changes, part of Decree Law No. 15 of 1959, were announced on December 10, 2024, and will take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette.

Key Amendments

Foreign Spouses and Citizenship

Under the revised Article 7, foreign spouses of naturalized Kuwaiti citizens will no longer be granted automatic citizenship. The new provisions specify that acquiring Kuwaiti nationality by one spouse does not extend to the other. Similarly, Article 8 clarifies that foreign women married to Kuwaiti men will not automatically qualify for citizenship through marriage.

Citizenship for Children

The amended law allows foreign-born children of naturalized Kuwaiti citizens to obtain Kuwaiti nationality. However, these children retain the right to choose their original nationality within one year of reaching adulthood. If they opt to keep Kuwaiti citizenship, they will fall under the relevant legal provisions.

Protection for Children of Kuwaiti Mothers

A new provision, Article 7 Bis (A), ensures temporary citizenship rights for minors born to Kuwaiti mothers under specific circumstances. If the foreign father is deceased, imprisoned, or irrevocably divorced from the Kuwaiti mother, the child will be treated as a Kuwaiti citizen until adulthood. This aims to enhance the stability of Kuwaiti families and provide children access to essential services like education and healthcare.

Revocation of Citizenship

Amendments to Article 13 outline stricter criteria for revoking Kuwaiti nationality. Citizenship can now be rescinded if obtained through fraud, forgery, or false statements. It may also be revoked for individuals convicted of serious offenses, including crimes against the state, defamation of religious figures, or disrespecting the Emir.

Modernization and Technology

The updated law incorporates modern scientific methods, empowering the Ministry of Interior to use advanced technology in identity verification and citizenship management. These methods will be applied to granting, revoking, or confirming nationality, aligning Kuwait’s procedures with contemporary standards.

Implications

These changes reflect Kuwait’s efforts to streamline its nationality laws, address misuse, and promote family stability while modernizing processes to enhance transparency and efficiency in citizenship management.

 

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