Kuwait has introduced significant amendments to its citizenship laws, tightening eligibility criteria, inheritance rules, and conditions for revocation, 24NewsHD TV reported on Friday.
According to information shared by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, Kuwaiti nationality by origin applies to individuals residing in the country since before 1920 and continuously present until 1959.
Under the revised framework, citizenship by descent will be granted to children of Kuwaiti fathers, regardless of place of birth, who will be recognised as Kuwaiti nationals automatically.
The new rules also clarify provisions related to marriage and family status.
Citizenship obtained through marriage to a Kuwaiti national may be subject to revocation under certain conditions, while specific safeguards are outlined for children of Kuwaiti mothers in cases involving death, divorce, or imprisonment of the father, with eligibility for temporary citizenship in defined circumstances.
For foreign women married to Kuwaiti men, nationality may be retained, although revocation could apply in cases of divorce or childless marriages under specific conditions.
The amendments further require individuals granted Kuwaiti citizenship to renounce their previous nationality within three months.
Citizenship may also be revoked in cases involving fraud, threats to national security, or enlistment in foreign armed forces.
The updated framework additionally allows for the use of DNA testing and biometric verification in citizenship disputes.