The vast majority of Kuwaitis unequivocally support the commitment to combat all forms of corruption in the new era. This strong stance against bribery, inappropriate appointments, and other corrupt practices has set Kuwait on the right trajectory toward the long-awaited good governance. The new administration has consistently affirmed its dedication to guarantee justice for everyone, ensuring that no individual is wronged.
Kuwait’s pursuit of utmost justice extends to sensitive matters like national identity and citizenship revocation. In this context, the establishment of the long-awaited Grievances Committee is now a crucial and necessary step. Historically, Kuwait has always been an oasis of freedom, marked by a remarkable relationship between the ruler and the ruled, making people completely at ease to express their opinions. For 400 years, this haven has fostered creativity and diligence, inspiring sincere work from everyone for the sake of the nation.
Justice prevailed throughout these four centuries, because the rulers of Kuwait prioritized establishing humane relationships among the populace. This commitment to justice and human relations distinguished Kuwait from other countries in the region, making it a hallmark of creativity, art, and individual initiative in the economy and beyond. Indeed, the serious issues like forgery and dual citizenship demand decisive action; hence, punishment and accountability are essential. This stance is widely supported in Kuwait, where people commend the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior for tackling this sensitive file under high-level directives, despite the resulting challenges.
However, a critical issue has emerged: the number of stateless persons or Bedouns has remarkably increased due to the withdrawal of citizenship. Starting with around 200,000, this simple calculation suggests that about 25 percent of the population of Kuwait is now stateless -- a demographic crisis for any nation. While the government states that those residing illegally with foreign citizenships must surrender, a path must be found for those whose Kuwaiti citizenship was revoked and lack identification documents to regularize their status. Some countries offer solutions for people in this predicament, such as providing a ‘passport’ or a document to facilitate leaving the country to rectify their status, especially if they are without employment or means of livelihood. Other nations grant permanent residency, particularly to those with rare and in-demand skills.
In fact, many countries, including Germany, France, Turkiye, Canada, Britain and Australia, have granted citizenship to refugees to bolster their workforce. These nations strategically leverage immigration to develop their economies, maintain industrial dominance, maintain food self-sufficiency, and benefit from the diverse skills and expertise of newcomers.
Notably, the United States previously granted permanent residency to undocumented immigrants, even integrating them into its military during times of necessity. A considerable number of these individuals— around 100,000—were deployed to the Middle East during the liberation of Iraq from Saddam Hussein’s regime. It is therefore vital to address the current crisis concerning individuals without a lawful means of livelihood, as failure to do so will lead to severe negative repercussions. Without identification documents, these individuals feel cornered. Desperation and hunger could prompt a person to take extreme measures for survival.
To preempt such a situation, governing institutions must exercise foresight and caution, carefully considering the consequences of any decision to prevent adverse outcomes. In light of this, we urgently bring this matter to the attention of His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, who is known for his strong humanitarian principles. We appeal to him and his team to dedicate efforts toward finding a solution that best serves the interests of Kuwait and its people.
