Kuwait: Tightens Citizenship Rules, Expands Revocation Powers

Kuwait: New Decree Tightens Citizenship Rules and Expands Revocation Powers

17/04/202617/04/2026
by Hannah Gutang

Arab Times, 13 April 2026: Kuwait has enacted Kuwait Decree-Law No. 52/2026, amending its Citizenship Law under Kuwait Emiri Decree No. 15/1959 On Kuwait Nationality Law to tighten nationality rules, expand revocation authorities, and bolster state control over naturalisation.

Kuwait Decree-Law No. 52/2026 was published in the Official Gazette and is immediately effective. It replaces key provisions and removes outdated sections of the existing law, providing a comprehensive update to the nationality framework.

Key reforms include:

Revised eligibility: Citizenship by descent is confirmed for anyone born to a Kuwaiti father, regardless of birthplace. Eligibility definitions for those of Kuwaiti origin (pre‑1920) have been refined.
Naturalisation rules revamped: Foreign spouses will no longer automatically acquire citizenship; children of naturalised parents are now classified as naturalised and may opt for nationality at adulthood.
Women’s nationality rights: Kuwaiti women retain nationality if they marry foreigners, unless they voluntarily renounce it. Special provisions now allow children of Kuwaiti mothers to acquire nationality temporarily.
Strengthened revocation and withdrawal: Citizenship may be lost for voluntarily acquiring foreign nationality, fraud, criminal conduct, disloyalty, or service to hostile states. Restoration is permitted under specified conditions including residency and renunciation requirements.
Enforcement tools: Minister of Interior gains expanded authority to decide nationality issues, including for children born to Kuwaiti mothers. Use of scientific evidence such as DNA and biometrics is now authorised. Penalties for false claims include up to 3 years’ imprisonment and KD 3,000 fine, increasing to 7 years and KD 5,000 for deliberate fraud.