H.E. the First Deputy Prime Minister, the crack is wide but this is not the solution

27/05/2025

Ahmed Al Jarallah

27/05/2025

Ahmed Al Jarallah

H.E. the First Deputy Prime Minister, the crack is wide but this is not the solution

ONE of the important objectives of feasibility studies is to examine the consequences and impacts of decisions and actions that may affect the relevant institution, the environment, or the state. This includes analyzing potential risks, both short-term and long-term, and estimating associated costs, benefits, and losses. Thus, feasibility studies form the basis for project success and cost efficiency.

This is a practice widely adopted by countries that are committed to solving their chronic problems. For instance, the United States was able to transform the problem of tens of thousands of illegal immigrants into an advantage by offering American citizenship to those who enlisted in the US Army. This policy aligned with the US’s increased need for military personnel to enhance its military strength, especially during the brutal Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. As a result of this decision, approximately 120,000 illegal immigrants joined the US military, some of whom participated in the liberation of Kuwait as part of the international coalition. America utilized these soldiers through military service, and many rose to hold high ranks.

Today, Kuwait faces the issue of illegal (Bedoun) residents who make up a significant portion of those who fought along with the Kuwaiti army in the wars supporting Arab states against Israel and in the efforts to liberate Kuwait. Many of these Bedoun residents spent their lives on this land, knowing nothing but Kuwait as their homeland, and some were martyred defending it. Some even accompanied the convoy of the late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad (May God have mercy on him) during the assassination attempt in 1985.

The number of Bedoun residents in Kuwait is estimated at around 90,000, not including those registered with the Central Agency for the Remedy of the Situations of Illegal Residents. The Ministry of Interior holds the exact figures. After the revocation of citizenship, the Bedoun population increased by several thousand, including many experienced individuals who provide valuable services to Kuwait but whom other countries seek to attract by offering benefits such as citizenship. Another problem stems from the revocation of citizenship from individuals who acquired it by proxy. This issue is quite complex.

If a grandfather obtained Kuwaiti citizenship through manipulation or forgery, what fault do his children and grandchildren bear, especially as they were born, raised, educated, and employed in Kuwait? Many of these individuals are children of Kuwaiti mothers, of pure Kuwaiti descent, and have contributed to numerous events and served Kuwait with dedication and patriotism.

Many of these people, along with the Bedoun residents who have lived in Kuwait for over 50, sometimes 60 years, are entitled to Kuwaiti citizenship under the Nationality Law. Some of the original forgers have passed away, leaving behind families who are unaware of the forgery and are not at fault. God Almighty says in the Holy Quran, “No soul shall bear the burden of another.” The Constitution also states that punishment is personal, meaning no one shall be held accountable for a crime committed by another. From what I know of His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al- Yousef, who is deeply committed to humanitarian concerns and interested in resolving this issue, I hope he will clarify to citizens the principles that must be followed to prevent new crises that worsen the original problem. Yes, His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the crack is wide, but this is not the solution.