13/04/2026
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13/04/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, Apr 13: Kuwait has introduced significant amendments to its nationality law through Decree-Law No. (52) of 2026, marking one of the most comprehensive updates to the legal framework governing citizenship in decades. The decree was published in the official gazette “Kuwait Alyoum” and revises key provisions of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959.
The reform aims to strengthen national identity, tighten controls over citizenship acquisition, and ensure that the state exercises its sovereign authority within clear legal boundaries.
Here is a detailed, point-by-point breakdown of the new law:
Key Definitions and Eligibility
- Who is considered Kuwaiti by origin:
- Individuals settled in Kuwait before 1920 and continuously residing until December 14, 1959.
- Residence of ancestors is considered complementary to descendants.
- Temporary residence abroad does not affect nationality if there is intent to return.
- Citizenship by descent:
- Anyone born in Kuwait or abroad to a Kuwaiti father by birth is considered Kuwaiti by origin.
Naturalization Rules
- Foreign spouse:
- A foreign wife does not automatically acquire Kuwaiti nationality when her husband is naturalized.
- Children of naturalized citizens:
- Minor children are granted nationality by naturalization.
- They can choose their nationality within one year after reaching adulthood.
- Children born after naturalization are also considered Kuwaiti by naturalization.
Special Cases Involving Kuwaiti Mothers
- A child of a Kuwaiti mother may be treated as Kuwaiti (temporarily until adulthood) if:
- The father is deceased, divorced irrevocably, or imprisoned.
- The father is unknown or legal lineage is not established.
- The child is born to unknown parents in Kuwait.
Loss and Withdrawal of Nationality
- Marriage rules:
- A Kuwaiti woman loses nationality if she adopts her foreign husband’s nationality.
- Citizenship may also be withdrawn in specific cases after divorce or widowhood, especially if she remarries a non-Kuwaiti.
- Voluntary foreign citizenship:
- A Kuwaiti loses nationality if they voluntarily acquire another citizenship.
- Minor children may also lose nationality but can reclaim it upon adulthood.
Mandatory Renunciation Rule
- New Article (11 bis) requires:
- Anyone acquiring Kuwaiti nationality must renounce other nationalities within 3 months.
- Failure to provide proof results in automatic cancellation of citizenship.
Restoration of Nationality
- Kuwaiti women who lost citizenship due to marriage to a foreigner may regain it:
- After divorce or widowhood.
- If they reside in Kuwait or return to live there.
Citizenship may be withdrawn (especially for naturalized individuals) in cases such as:
- Fraud, forgery, or false information.
- Criminal convictions involving dishonesty or threats to state security.
- Dismissal from government roles due to integrity issues.
- Threats to national interest or links to foreign political entities.
- Manipulating nationality records or falsely adding dependents.
Nationality may be revoked if a person:
- Joins a foreign military without permission.
- Works for a hostile foreign state.
- Joins organizations undermining Kuwait’s system.
- Commits acts affecting loyalty to the country.
Use of Scientific Verification
- Authorities may use:
- Genetic testing (DNA)
- Biometric fingerprinting
- These tools apply to nationality verification, withdrawal, or disputes.
Penalties for False Information
- Providing false nationality data can lead to:
- Up to 3 years imprisonment and fines.
- Up to 7 years imprisonment if done knowingly, with higher fines.
Sovereignty and Legal Authority
- All nationality decisions are classified as acts of sovereignty:
- Courts cannot review or challenge these decisions.
- The Public Prosecution is responsible for handling nationality-related crimes.
Administrative and Legal Changes
- Several older legal articles have been:
- Replaced, amended, or repealed.
- Terminology changes:
- “Minister of Interior” replaced with “Head of Police and Public Security Departments” in certain provisions.
- Previous amendment laws from 1994 and 1995 have been отменed.
Implementation
It comes into force immediately upon publication in the official gazette.
