Kuwait Strips Citizenship from 415 Individuals in Ongoing National Review

Kuwait has officially revoked the citizenship of 415 individuals through six decrees published in its official gazette, Kuwait Al Youm. The bulk of the cases fall under Decree No. 156, which strips nationality from 286 people.

While the publication did not release the specific names of the 415 individuals, the measures extend to any dependents who acquired citizenship through them. Notably, billionaire Mahmoud Haidar, known for his extensive business empire in real estate and private investment, is among those targeted by the latest wave of revocations.

These actions form part of an ongoing national review campaign that has stripped thousands of their nationality over the past two years. Previously, in June, Kuwait revoked the citizenship of more than 2,000 people across eight decrees, following cabinet approval earlier this year for draft amendments to the citizenship law. The sweeping review of nationality files has impacted tens of thousands, with officials stating that no one is exempt.

Under Kuwaiti law, citizenship can be revoked for several reasons, including obtaining nationality via fraud, forgery, or false statements, possessing unauthorized dual nationality, or engaging in activities deemed contrary to the state's supreme interests. Citizens currently comprise a minority of approximately 1.5 million within Kuwait's total population of about 4.5 million.