Kuwait, a nation of approximately 4.9 million residents, mostly expatriates, has intensified its efforts to combat illegal citizenship claims and dual nationality, both of which are prohibited under Kuwaiti law.
In a historic decision to safeguard national identity, Kuwait has taken a bold stance against citizenship fraud, with authorities stripping 930 individuals of Kuwaiti citizenship in a single day, reported Mangalore Today News Network.
This decision, made by the Higher Committee for Verification of Kuwaiti Nationality, now awaits approval from the Council of Ministers. The action brings the total number of citizenship revocations to 1,617 in just 20 days, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling fraudulent claims.
Fahd Al Yousef, Kuwait’s acting prime minister and minister of defense and interior, leads this national security initiative. He expressed the gravity of the issue, calling the scale of fraudulent citizenship one of the “biggest crimes” against the country. “They were all worthy and glaring cases. We aren’t unfair to anyone but are instead lifting injustice against Kuwait and the people of Kuwait,” Al Yousef stated in an interview with Kuwaiti newspaper Al Rai.
As part of the crackdown, Al Yousef revealed instances of deceitful claims, citing a case involving two Syrian nationals who, although brothers in Kuwait, posed as cousins in Syria. They had unlawfully obtained Kuwaiti citizenship, along with 132 other individuals reportedly tied to them through fraudulent means.
Since March, authorities have taken action against hundreds involved in citizenship fraud, reflecting a strategic shift to maintain the integrity of Kuwait’s national identity
To address potential grievances, Kuwait’s General Directorate of Nationality will establish a specialized committee to review appeals from those affected by citizenship revocation. Additionally, the Kuwaiti Interior Ministry has introduced a hotline for the public to report dual citizenship holders or individuals suspected of securing citizenship through forgery. The Ministry assures complete confidentiality for whistleblowers, encouraging those with information to come forward.
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