KUWAIT CITY, Nov 17: Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef has affirmed that the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality is meticulously reviewing citizenship files to ensure transparency and fairness. Speaking on Al-Akhbar’s 60 Minutes, Sheikh Fahad emphasized that the committee, comprised of top officials and supported by the General Department of Nationality, carefully examines cases involving the potential withdrawal or cancellation of Kuwaiti citizenship.

Colonel Huquqi Muhammad Al-Mazid, Director of the Technical Office at the Ministry of Interior, highlighted that the department is committed to protecting national identity through rigorous investigations of citizenship files. The multi-layered process involves the Research and Follow-Up Department, Technical Office, and senior officials before cases are presented to the Supreme Committee for final decisions. Al-Mazid assured that the framework prioritizes accuracy and fairness to prevent any injustices.

During the investigation process, cases of forgery, dual citizenship, or fraudulent acquisition of nationality are thoroughly investigated. For example, one case involved a woman who obtained Kuwaiti citizenship twice under different names, while another uncovered a forger with 132 dependents falsely registered as relatives. Advanced measures, including biometric fingerprinting, have significantly aided in detecting fraud.

Director of the Research and Follow-Up Department, Colonel Abdul Aziz Al-Amiri, stressed that preserving Kuwait's national identity is a collective responsibility. He explained that cases of forgery, some dating back decades, require extensive investigations, often involving coordination with external authorities. Proven cases result in both criminal prosecution and administrative measures under the Nationality Law, with penalties ranging from citizenship withdrawal to legal actions for fraud.

Assistant Director of the Nationality Department, Colonel Turki Al-Sabah, revealed that over 4,447 cases of citizenship cancellation, withdrawal, or loss have been recorded. He noted that amendments to the Nationality Law have closed loopholes, such as eliminating automatic citizenship for foreign wives of Kuwaiti men and limiting eligibility for children of Kuwaiti women.

The Ministry of Interior reiterated its commitment to combating fraud and maintaining national identity through collaborative efforts and citizen cooperation. Recent amendments to the Nationality Law aim to strengthen the system further and address any emerging vulnerabilities.