Kuwait Tightens Citizenship Regime with Sweeping Legal Overhaul Under New Decree, Redefining Eligibility and Revocation Powers

Kuwait has introduced one of the most far-reaching reforms of its citizenship framework in decades, issuing Decree-Law No. (52) of 2026 to amend key provisions of its nationality legislation. Published in the official gazette “Kuwait Alyoum,” the new decree revises substantial portions of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959, signalling a decisive shift toward tighter regulation of citizenship.

The amendments are designed to strengthen national identity, impose stricter controls on how citizenship is acquired, and reaffirm the state’s authority over nationality decisions within a clearly defined legal structure.

At the core of the reform is a reworking of eligibility criteria. The law clarifies who qualifies as a Kuwaiti by origin and introduces more detailed rules governing citizenship by descent and naturalisation. Provisions relating to foreign spouses and the children of naturalised citizens have also been refined, reflecting a more cautious and structured approach to extending nationality.

Special consideration is given to children born to Kuwaiti mothers. Under specified conditions, such children may be treated as Kuwaiti on a temporary basis until they reach adulthood, after which their status may be reassessed in accordance with the law.

The decree also introduces stricter rules governing the loss and withdrawal of nationality. It addresses cases involving marriage to foreign nationals and voluntary acquisition of another citizenship, while reinforcing a mandatory renunciation requirement in situations where dual nationality is not permitted. A newly inserted provision — Article (11 bis) — lays down additional compliance obligations in this regard.

In a notable move, the law provides a pathway for Kuwaiti women who previously lost their citizenship due to marriage to foreigners to restore their nationality, subject to specific conditions.

At the same time, the grounds for withdrawing or revoking citizenship — particularly for naturalised individuals — have been significantly expanded. Authorities may now strip nationality in cases involving fraud, forgery or false declarations, as well as criminal convictions related to dishonesty or threats to state security. Other triggers include dismissal from public office on integrity grounds, links to foreign political entities, or actions deemed harmful to national interests.

Citizenship may also be revoked if an individual joins a foreign military without authorisation, works for a hostile state, or becomes affiliated with organisations that undermine the country’s political or social order. Acts seen as compromising loyalty to the state are similarly covered.

The law further allows authorities to rely on scientific and technical verification methods in nationality-related procedures, including disputes, verification processes, and decisions on withdrawal. Providing false information in nationality matters now carries stricter penalties, reinforcing the government’s focus on accuracy and accountability.

Crucially, the decree classifies all nationality-related decisions as acts of sovereignty, placing them firmly within the discretionary powers of the state. The Public Prosecution has been tasked with handling offences linked to nationality violations, underscoring a more enforcement-driven approach.

The reform also introduces administrative and legal updates, including the repeal of several earlier provisions and amendments, as well as changes in legal terminology to align with the new framework. Previous amendment laws issued in the mid-1990s have been repealed as part of this consolidation.

The new law has come into force immediately upon its publication, marking a significant turning point in how Kuwait regulates citizenship, balances inclusion with control, and asserts its sovereign authority over questions of national identity.

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