850 nationalities revoked so far, more to come: Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 11: Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, has affirmed that the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality is rigorously performing its duties. Sheikh Al-Yousef announced the withdrawal of 850 nationalities from individuals based on comprehensive decisions, evidence, and proof.

Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef stated, “Those whose nationalities were revoked did not object to the committee’s decisions because they were supported by evidence and indications.” He emphasized that the committee’s work continues with precision and is fundamental to maintaining national integrity.

Sheikh Al-Yousef remarked, regarding upcoming batches of citizenship withdrawals, “We have not finished this issue yet, and we are still at the beginning.” He assured us that further withdrawals would proceed as the examination and verification process continued.

Sheikh Al-Yousef highlighted that the Ministry of Interior’s hotline for reporting forgers and dual nationals is receiving an increasing number of reports. “These reports are being dealt with, verified, and scrutinized with complete neutrality and objectivity,” he said.

On the issue of visit visa violations, Sheikh Al-Yousef stressed that the Ministry of Interior will take a firm stance against those who breach visit conditions. “Anyone caught violating will be punished, along with their sponsor, and will bear the consequences of violating the laws,” he stated, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to enforcing visa regulations.

Sheikh Al-Yousef also addressed the ongoing campaigns to arrest residency violators, noting that 7,000 to 8,000 expatriates are deported monthly. “These campaigns aim to cleanse the country of violators and will continue until the target number set by the Ministry of Interior is reached,” he explained.

In terms of new legislation, Sheikh Al-Yousef revealed that deterrent laws concerning money laundering will soon be enacted. “There is continuous coordination between the concerned authorities to recover the country’s looted funds abroad and hold those responsible accountable,” he assured.

Regarding the new traffic law, Sheikh Al-Yousef explained that it will address reckless and negligent driving. “The seizure of cars under this law will include non-luxury and low-priced vehicles,” he said. “For example, a vehicle worth 40 or 50 thousand dinars will be sold at a state auction instead of being seized.”

On the topic of leadership retirements, Sheikh Al-Yousef clarified that no formal requests have been made for mandatory retirements for leaders who have served 30 years in the Ministries of Defense or Interior. “We have not officially requested any leader to submit a mandatory retirement request,” he said. However, he noted that leaders who do not perform their duties adequately or achieve the required results will be considered for retirement.

In a bid to ensure security readiness, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef conducted an inspection tour of several Public Security Directorates across the country’s governorates on Saturday. The Ministry of Interior stated that this tour aimed to review operational mechanisms and the readiness of security personnel.

Key security steps and procedures:

1. Intensification of security campaigns to apprehend violators.
2. Enforcement of penalties for visit visa violators and their sponsors.
3. Introduction of new laws to deter money laundering crimes.
4. Ongoing efforts to recover looted funds and hold perpetrators accountable.
5. Continuous receipt and examination of reports on forgers and dual nationals.
6. Strengthening security, discipline, and national protection efforts.