This was communicated at a meeting held by Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef with editors-in-chief of daily newspapers, Kuwait News Agency’s Director General, and public benefit societies. Several concerned ministers were also present alongside members of the Supreme Committee. The meeting was held to clarify details on the new citizenship law, as well as discuss dual citizenship issues, people who acquired it by illegal means like forgery and false statements, and those who acquired citizenship as per Article 8 concerning wives of Kuwaiti citizens. The stripping of citizenship comes in line with the stipulations of the citizenship law. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef reassured those whose citizenship was revoked according to Article 8, that they would continue to have the rights they previously had, would be granted blue-coloured passports and blue-coloured civil IDs, equivalent to that of a Kuwaiti, and would be dealt with as if she was a Kuwaiti citizen. This meeting, he indicated, is to examine one of the most pressing political and social topics affecting the country, a topic that has amassed many queries. Revoking the citizenship, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef commented, came to rectify false situations, saying that while it is a hard decision with ramifications, it is a necessity for the benefit of the state and the rule of law. The State is well aware of consequences, he asserted and is committed to addressing issues and ensuring justice. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef told the editorsin- chief that he was tasked by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with fulfilling this duty, saying that these directives came to put forth suitable solutions for those who lost their citizenship to preserve the Kuwaiti family; the building block of society. “This is a national priority.” He reaffirmed that any wife or mother of a Kuwaiti citizen, who continues to reside in the country, will be cared for by the State, and will be provided with a dignified life that preserves her rights. A committee examining the grievances of those with rescinded citizenship will be formed, and a direct line will be designated to answer any query. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef presented several cases of people who received the citizenship supposedly for their services to the country but were found undeserving.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya affirmed that this is a matter of great concern, noting that they are awaiting grievance submissions as a first step before contacting countries of people’s previous citizenship. On the property of those with revoked citizenship, Industry and Commerce Minister Khalifah Al-Ajeel affirmed that property and real estate will remain as is, as owners will also retain the ability to take action. Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Nader Al-Jalal said in this regard that all female scholarship recipients with Article 8 citizenship are to continue their studies and receive all benefits. The number of students whose mothers’ citizenship has been rescinded is 79 in both Kuwait University and on scholarships in private universities, he indicated, adding that they are to continue their studies. Minister of Justice Nasser Al- Sumait affirmed the government’s intent on seeing this mission to completion. He took note of recent cabinet approval of a draft bill granting the cabinet the authority to deal with those with revoked citizenship, with exemptions, as if Kuwaiti citizens. Those denied of these privileges are people who acquired citizenship through unlawful means, those who voluntarily waived their Kuwaiti nationalities or persons who committed crimes against the State, he explained. The State will instead be demanding the return of any expenses paid on behalf of those who received the citizenship illegally. The Justice Minister revealed that the public prosecution, since the beginning of the year, was investigating 12 forgery cases with a cost of KD 2.5 million on the State. (KUNA)