In a sweeping move that has shocked families and observers alike, the Kuwaiti government has revoked the citizenship of over 26,000 married women in recent months. This unprecedented action, part of a broader campaign to redefine Kuwaiti identity, has left tens of thousands suddenly stateless, upending lives overnight. The Kuwaiti nationality revocation is making headlines worldwide, as the country’s leadership enacts tough new laws with far-reaching consequences for women, families, and the nation’s future.
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The Latest on the Kuwaiti Nationality Crisis
The most recent news from Kuwait paints a stark picture: since August 2024, more than 37,000 people—including at least 26,000 women—have lost their Kuwaiti nationality. Many of these women were naturalized through marriage, some having lived as Kuwaiti citizens for decades. The campaign, which the government frames as a reformist measure, is spearheaded by Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, who took office in December 2023. He dissolved parliament and suspended parts of the constitution, paving the way for these sweeping changes.
The new policy specifically targets women who acquired citizenship by marrying Kuwaiti men, retroactively revoking the status of wives naturalized since 1987. Official figures show that between 1993 and 2020 alone, 38,505 women were granted citizenship in this way. The government also targets dual nationals and those accused of fraudulent naturalization.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Number of citizenships revoked since August 2024: Over 37,000
- Number of women affected: At least 26,000
- Policy targets: Women naturalized by marriage since 1987, dual nationals, and cases of alleged fraud
- Population of Kuwait: About 5 million (only a third are Kuwaiti citizens)
- Existing stateless population (Bidoon): Estimated 100,000
Why Is Kuwait Revoking So Many Citizenships?
The Push for “National Purity”
The Kuwaiti government’s rationale centers on a desire to “return Kuwait to its original people, clean and free from impurities,” as declared by the Emir in a televised March 2025 address. In practice, this means restricting citizenship to those with patrilineal Kuwaiti heritage, excluding those who gained nationality through marriage or other means. Analysts suggest this is partly an effort to trim the electorate and reinforce a narrowly defined national identity after years of political crisis.
Legal Changes and Their Impact
The legal basis for the revocations is a new decree-law, No. 116/2024, which grants the executive branch sweeping powers to strip citizenship and removes previous safeguards against statelessness. The law builds on an earlier 1987 decree but goes much further, abolishing the right of women married to Kuwaiti men to retain their citizenship if the marriage ends or if the government deems their naturalization invalid.
The government claims it is combating fraudulent citizenship and illegal dual nationality, but critics and affected families say the measures are arbitrary and devastating.
Human Stories Behind the Numbers
For thousands of women, the Kuwaiti nationality crackdown has meant losing not just a passport, but their entire sense of belonging and security. Many, like Lama—a grandmother from Jordan who had lived as a Kuwaiti for over 20 years—discovered their status only when their bank accounts were frozen or their credit cards declined. Others, like businesswoman Amal, suddenly found themselves unable to travel, work, or access social benefits.
The revocation campaign has also targeted high-profile figures, including pop singer Nawal Al-Kuwaitia and actor Dawood Hussein, both of whom were naturalized for their cultural contributions.
The Fallout for Families
- Women stripped of citizenship face:
- Frozen bank accounts and loss of access to financial services
- Disrupted social insurance and pension payments
- Loss of jobs or demotion to precarious employment
- Inability to travel, as passports are invalidated
- Legal limbo regarding residency and the right to remain in Kuwait
- Many women had renounced their original nationality to become Kuwaiti, leaving them stateless and without a clear path to restoration
The Broader Impact on Kuwaiti Society
Redefining Kuwaiti Identity
This campaign marks a dramatic shift in how Kuwaiti identity is defined and who is considered part of the nation. By targeting women naturalized through marriage, the government is sending a message about who “belongs” and who does not. Researchers and advocates argue that this exclusionary vision undermines the contributions of women who have built families, raised children, and contributed to society for decades.
Political and Social Ramifications
The move has significant political implications, potentially reducing the number of eligible voters and reinforcing a tiered citizenship system that privileges those with deep Kuwaiti roots. It also raises human rights concerns, as the right to nationality is recognized as a basic human right under international law.
Civil society in Kuwait has struggled to respond, facing government pressure and censorship. Events and public discussions on the issue have been canceled, and critics risk legal repercussions.
What’s Next for Those Affected by the Kuwaiti Nationality Revocation?
As international attention grows, including a planned visit by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls in September 2025, the Kuwaiti government has established a “grievances committee” to review the revocations. However, hopes for reinstatement remain slim, and many women continue to live in fear and uncertainty.
The Kuwaiti nationality crisis is a stark reminder of how quickly rights and identities can be stripped away—and of the urgent need for transparent, humane policies that respect the dignity of all residents.
Take Action
If you want to support those affected by the Kuwaiti nationality crackdown, raise awareness by sharing their stories and advocating for fair citizenship laws. Stay informed and demand accountability from policymakers to protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their origin.