FOR decades, Kuwait has been suffering from the issue of illegal residents, or the so-called “Bedoun.” Many countries have confronted this issue, but they implemented realistic solutions by integrating this segment of the population into economic, craft, social, and cultural activities, while also addressing their declining need for labor. Countries such as Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, and Norway have enacted attractive laws aimed at revitalizing their youth populations amid aging demographics. Germany did so notably after reunification.
Some Gulf countries also tapped into the potential of skilled workers, intellectuals, and artisans by offering them citizenship or permanent residency, and at times, even financial incentives. In Kuwait, the issue has been left to be manipulated based on personal interests, leading to a worsening crisis. The number of Bedoun residents has increased rather than decreased, and the figures continue to grow. The Central Agency for Remedying the Situations of Illegal Residents (CARSIR) has proposed several practical recommendations that would serve social security and save huge public funds. These include granting certain benefits to these residents, particularly the highly qualified ones who could add value to the state.
CARSIR has studied many cases and concluded that some individuals deserve citizenship. However, the decision remains in the hands of the government, as it is a sovereign matter. CARSIR is tasked with submitting proposals and revealing the nationalities of these individuals. Unfortunately, these proposals have been exploited to target CARSIR and its chairman by former MPs, influential figures, or those who benefit from maintaining the status quo, for reasons that have yet to be clarified. The Bedoun residents have long become a burden on the state in various sectors due to the lack of a clear vision for resolving the issue. The number of Bedoun residents has exceeded 90,000, in addition to those who have not been officially registered but are known to the Ministry of Interior. This is a relatively large number compared to the number of citizens. Therefore, a solution has become an urgent need at all levels.
A realistic solution could involve granting them limited term passports, similar to those used in other countries in terms of visa eligibility, referred to as a “full-cream passport.” Proposals also include offering a sum of money to those who wish to leave Kuwait, either to the country of origin they held citizenship with upon entering Kuwait, as recorded by CARSIR, or to another country of their choice. There, they could find employment opportunities and potentially obtain permanent residency or citizenship. Solving this crisis would have been much easier before the number of Bedoun residents reached this level. However, many solutions are still possible to prevent the issue from continuing to be a source of criticism for Kuwait in international forums.
The numerous benefits announced by the Chairman of CARSIR Saleh Al-Fadhala are positive and will improve the humanitarian situation for this group. However, they remain insufficient and do not provide a radical solution to the problem. The Bedoun issue continues to trouble the government, despite the possibility of a solution, especially as countries increasingly seek to attract new nationals. Therefore, this opportunity must be seized to close this file once and for all and relieve Kuwait of this chronic problem. Once resolved, the Bedoun can return to Kuwait after obtaining a passport from another country. Their residency in Kuwait will then be legal, and the state will be freed from this burden, akin to a chronic illness. This dark spot on the human rights record must be removed.
