Kuwait Revokes Citizenship of Over 37,000, Raising Human Rights Concerns

Since August 2024, Kuwait has revoked the citizenship of more than 37,000 people, mostly migrant women who had acquired citizenship through marriage, sparking widespread criticism from human rights organizations and regional analysts, Khaama Press reported.

This mass revocation is part of a broader reform initiative introduced by Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah after he assumed power in December 2023. Since then, the Emir has dissolved parliament and suspended parts of the constitution, citing a goal of “national purification.” In a televised speech in March, the Emir pledged to “cleanse Kuwait of impurities” and restore citizenship primarily to those with documented ancestral ties to the country.

Official figures show that at least 26,000 women have lost citizenship under the new policy. The law retroactively cancels all citizenships granted to foreign spouses since 1987, putting thousands at risk of statelessness and legal uncertainty.

Observers argue that this move reflects a more exclusionary definition of national identity under the current leadership. Critics warn it could deepen social divisions and harm Kuwait’s reputation as a relatively open Gulf state.

As the international community monitors the situation, questions remain about potential pressure on Kuwait to reverse or modify the policy in the coming months.