KUWAIT CITY, Nov 28: A Comprehensive review is underway of all past cases involving citizenship renunciation. The objective is to reassess these files, verify whether decisions made at the time aligned with the law, and determine whether the cases constitute dual citizenship or fall within the category of forgery.

The sources stressed the importance of distinguishing between the two. Dual citizenship applies when the name on a person’s Kuwaiti citizenship certificate fully matches the name on the second nationality certificate—whether Gulf, Arab, or foreign—including the structure of the name (father’s name, grandfather’s name, and family name). Forgery, however, is established when the Kuwaiti name differs significantly from the name on the second nationality certificate, especially regarding the father’s and family names. Such discrepancies indicate deliberate alteration or concealment of identity.

According to the sources, previous procedures for handling dual nationality involved summoning the individual and offering them a choice between relinquishing Kuwaiti nationality or the other nationality. However, this approach contradicts the law, which clearly states that anyone who voluntarily acquires another nationality automatically loses Kuwaiti citizenship without the need for a “choice.”

They added that all previous renunciation cases are now being reviewed according to strict legal and scientific standards. This includes verifying the identity of each person who was previously offered such a choice and determining whether the case involves genuine dual nationality or clear forgery. Those proven to have falsified their information will face full legal action, including citizenship withdrawal and referral to the competent authorities.

During the review, it became evident that the Nationality Department had previously accepted certain waiver and “choice” cases as instances of dual citizenship, even though they were later revealed to be blatant cases of forgery. This represents a double legal violation, as the cases were wrongly categorized and handled.

The sources further explained that the “choice” procedure was merely customary. Individuals were allowed to sign a written pledge expressing their desire to renounce the other nationality, and this statement was often accepted without requiring formal legal documentation or proof. As a result, many dual nationals and forgers failed to complete the proper procedures to officially renounce their second nationality. Some even retained and used it despite signing the renunciation documents.

All related files are now being meticulously re-examined, especially those involving mismatched Kuwaiti and foreign names, which indicate forgery rather than true dual nationality. The review focuses on whether the second nationality was acquired voluntarily, as required by law.

The sources noted that involuntary cases—such as individuals who acquired another nationality by birth—are treated differently. Since birth circumstances are beyond an individual’s control, they are allowed, upon reaching adulthood, to renounce the foreign nationality and retain their Kuwaiti citizenship.

There are also cases in which individuals obtained another nationality against their will—for example, when a foreign mother takes her children abroad or obtains her country’s nationality for them. In such cases, the acquisition of the second nationality is not considered voluntary, and the law requires intention and free will for a violation to occur.

The sources emphasized that such “involuntary” cases are being studied carefully, fairly, and thoroughly to ensure precise application of the law before any action is taken.