Political and social activism in Kuwait was active since the 1920s, and became even more vibrant in the 1950s, with the presence of literary, sports, and political clubs, as well as charitable and public benefit societies, until a decision was taken to close them for security reasons. Among these societies were the “Guidance Society,” which later became the “Society for Social Reform,” the mouthpiece of the Muslim Brotherhood, and the “National Cultural Club,” the voice of the nationalists, which published “Al-Iman Magazine,” edited by Dr. Ahmed Al-Khatib and others. In the April 1953 issue, the following appeared under the title “Failaka and the Immigration of Non-Arabs” - “It appears that the danger of the immigration of non-Arabs to Kuwait will not end easily.”
The methods used by these individuals to enter Kuwait are numerous and varied. One method recently reported involves their arrival in small boats landing on Failaka Island, where they stay briefly before moving into Kuwait via fishing vessels, later gathering in shops, warehouses, or the homes of their compatriots. Officials must be vigilant about this imminent danger to this Arab country and strengthen the Coast Guard’s measures to combat smuggling activities described as a threat to the country’s security, health, morals, national identity, and future. We note from the names of the newsletter’s editors that they were politically opposed to the Guidance Society and expressed concern about the demographic threat emanating from Iran at that time. I do not believe that the majority of those editors held the same view decades later, after witnessing the true dangers that threatened the nation, its very existence, and its civil nature.
A large percentage of those who came to Kuwait in the 1950s and 1960s from the Persian coast were Iranians or Persians, many of whom were not Shiite, and had easily integrated into society. As for others referenced in the publication’s warnings, they were largely skilled workers who practiced their professions for a while before returning to their countries after saving money. Undoubtedly, many entered Kuwait illegally at the time and later returned in the same manner. A limited number among them obtained citizenship.
Recent revelations regarding cases of manipulation of national identity have made us believe any naturalization scandal. I see no convincing reason for some people to refuse to speak openly about such topics. Kuwait was a country of immigrants. No one was born here, as people arrived from various regions, including Najd, Zubair, southern Arabia, Oman, Iran, Ottoman Turkiye, Iraq, and Bahrain, and formed a community that later became an independent state.
Kuwaiti Nationality Law No. 15/1959 states that a Kuwaiti citizen is anyone who was living or present in Kuwait in 1920 or earlier, regardless of origin, religion, sect, or ethnicity, whether they arrived on foot, on camel, or as a refugee by sea from ports or cities in Persia. Kuwait is our homeland, and preserving its freedom and borders is a duty upon us all, regardless of origin. Kuwait has finally returned to us, thanks to our wise leadership, and we must not allow anyone to disrupt our social harmony or undermine our national unity.
Our national unity has always been the bulwark that protected Kuwait from past dangers, and it will protect us from the danger coming from the north. All those who came to this blessed land arrived for specific purposes, and those who arrived earlier should not boast or consider themselves superior simply because they came to Kuwait earlier.
Ahmed Al Sarraf
email: [email protected]
email: [email protected]
