KUWAIT CITY, Feb 14: The Supreme Council for Planning and Development has laid down a provisional mechanism to solve the Bedoun issue, reports Al-Shahid daily. The daily quoting a source said the council has divided Bedoun into three categories. The first category includes those who are entitled to citizenship, while those in that category should possess documents proving their presence in Kuwait during the 1965 census, and without any crime record. They should be first-degree relatives of Kuwaiti families.

The second category includes those who have served Kuwait meritoriously, who will be worthy of citizenship after 15 years. Those in this category will be entitled to residency and equal treatment like Kuwaitis, until they obtain citizenship. They should be Liberation and Arab wars veterans, military or police personnel for not less than 30 years, as well as holders of higher academic qualifications and rare specialties.

The third category includes those who deserve permanent residency, such that fathers will sponsor the other members of the household. Those who fall into this group should not necessarily be included in the 1965 census, but must have served in the Interior or Defense Ministry. They will have access to education, healthcare services and employment. In the meantime, the government would release the lists of beneficiaries for citizenship within this year, while officials in charge are expected to complete the relevant procedures before May.