Kuwait revokes citizenship of 172 individuals in legal crackdown

Kuwait has issued two new government decisions revoking citizenship from 172 individuals as part of an ongoing national review of citizenship records aimed at strengthening compliance with nationality laws. The decisions were officially published in the country’s gazette, confirming the latest round of withdrawals under legal provisions that allow authorities to revoke nationality in specific circumstances.

According to the published details, the action is part of a broader government campaign to verify citizenship documentation and ensure that all records align with legal requirements. Authorities have been actively reviewing nationality files in recent months to identify irregularities, prevent misuse of citizenship privileges, and correct official records where necessary.

The revocations typically apply to cases involving fraud, false declarations, or failure to meet legal eligibility criteria at the time citizenship was granted. Officials also indicated that the decisions may extend to family members or dependents who acquired citizenship through individuals whose status has now been revoked.

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Kuwaiti authorities have intensified these efforts as part of a wider administrative reform strategy focused on transparency and regulatory enforcement. The government has stated that safeguarding the integrity of national identity records remains a priority, and that all actions are being taken under established legal frameworks.

In parallel developments, Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently introduced stricter corporate governance rules requiring businesses to disclose their beneficial ownership. The new regulation links company licensing and renewal directly to compliance, with penalties for violations.

Under Ministerial Resolution No. 37 of 2026, which amends earlier regulations issued in 2023, companies will not be granted or allowed to renew licenses unless they fully comply with disclosure requirements. Officials say the combined measures reflect a broader push toward regulatory tightening and improved accountability across both citizenship and business sectors in Kuwait. Authorities have not commented further.