KUWAIT CITY, Sept 30: A recent report issued by the Central Agency for Illegal Residents has revealed that a significant number of individuals have undergone status adjustments in Kuwait. From 2019 to the end of 2023, a total of 572 people were naturalized, with 10,256 individuals adjusting their status from 2011 until August 2024. Among those who changed their nationality, 6,054 hold Saudi citizenship, while 1,188 are Iraqi nationals.

Additionally, 868 individuals hold Syrian nationality, 131 are Iranian, 53 are Jordanian, and 1,962 various other nationalities. According to the report, the total number of illegal residents in Kuwait reached approximately 85,400 in 2023. This figure was derived from extensive research, auditing, and documentation conducted by the Central Agency.

The agency noted that these numbers are dynamic, and influenced by various factors such as changes in status, migration, births, deaths, and naturalization processes. The report also highlighted historical trends in the population of illegal residents, noting fluctuations from 1990 to 2023. The following are the details 1990: 222,000, 1995: 121,000, 2010: 105,000, 2015: 96,000, 2016: 92,000, 2017: 88,000, 2019: 85,000, 2021: 83,000, 2022: 84,000 and 2023: 85,400. The rise in numbers during 2022 and 2023 is attributed to an increase in births, with 1,710 recorded in 2022 and 1,582 in 2023. In terms of social services, the agency emphasized its commitment to providing privileges and facilities for those seeking to amend their status.

This includes immediate, free residency for five years for individuals and their families. The report confirmed that efforts are ongoing to support vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities and the elderly, who may be unable to complete their transactions in person. In such cases, a representative from the agency is dispatched to assist with necessary procedures. The agency also shared data regarding official documents issued in 2022 and 2023 -- birth certificates: 1,710 (2022), 1,582 (2023); death certificates: 328 (2022), 279 (2023); marriage contracts: 909 (2022), 888 (2023); divorce contracts: 507 (2022), 502 (2023) and official documents: 13,643 (2022), 12,946 (2023)