Kuwait city: Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has announced new regulations for individuals whose "valuable services" citizenships have been rescinded, providing them with certain benefits until their status is fully settled.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Ministry's decision reflects the authorities' intention to facilitate processes and ensure these individuals can fully utilize the privileges granted to them.
Those affected will be permitted to use their Kuwaiti passports for a period of four months starting July 20, 2025, if their citizenships were withdrawn before this date. For those whose citizenships are yet to be rescinded, the four-month period will commence from the day of nationality withdrawal. The Ministry emphasized the importance of following instructions and coordinating with embassies to regain previous passports or acquire official documents necessary for obtaining a residence permit.
The Ministry also highlighted the need for individuals to address their legal status within a year of the decree's issuance and its publication in the gazette. Failure to do so will result in the nullification of privileges, and individuals must present proof of their passport acquisition efforts within the first three months of this timeframe. If deemed unserious in their pursuits, privileges will be revoked.
The granted privileges include maintaining employment in public sector roles and public sector companies, although not in executive positions. Those affected will retain the right to education at all school levels and can complete undergraduate or higher studies, including scholarships, whether in Kuwait or abroad. They are also entitled to ownership of a single private residential unit, with certain conditions for multiple residences due to marital status.
Individuals who have received residential care and installments from Kuwait Credit Bank (KCB) can retain their housing unit if the loan is repaid within a year from citizenship withdrawal. Those with building permits who have begun construction may continue to finance the project and pay the KCB loan within two years. Those who have permits but have not started construction can keep the land and finance the building within two years.
The Ministry clarified that affected individuals can retain domestic worker sponsorship and private vehicle ownership rights, but will not enjoy the same rights as Kuwaiti citizens in utilizing public properties like beach houses and commercial lands. A five-year period is granted to amend their status and transfer ownership without fees to first-degree Kuwaiti relatives. For privately owned real estate, a similar five-year period is allowed for selling or transferring ownership.
All privileges will be halted if individuals receive a final verdict in serious crimes or fail to meet status amendment conditions. The Ministry noted that status amendment does not prevent individuals from submitting grievances to the concerned committee and urged cooperation and adherence to instructions.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to applying laws fairly, transparently, and humanely, while ensuring the stability of individuals' legal standing in the country.