50,000 people in Kuwait lose citizenship
The Chronify
The main reason behind Kuwait’s citizenship crackdown is the government’s effort to consolidate political power and suppress dissent, while simultaneously reducing the number of people eligible for state benefits as it attempts to redefine “true Kuwaitiness” amid economic pressures and constitutional suspension.
Human rights groups estimate that at least 50,000 people in Kuwait have been stripped of their citizenship since September 2024, with some activists warning that the actual number may be closer to 200,000. The government stopped publishing official figures in September 2025.
Kuwait, which has a population of just under five million, has long been viewed as one of the more politically open Gulf states. Since 1963 it has operated a parliament—limited in power but still unique compared with neighbouring monarchies. The country has also occasionally played the role of regional mediator and provided refuge to individuals escaping repression in nearby states.
Islamic scholar and political activist Mohammed al-Mail, who was granted asylum in the UK in 2017, recalled that “during the 1970s, Kuwait was a closer sanctuary for persecuted people than many Western countries.” He now sees the current situation as a reversal of that history: “The same state that once protected victims of oppression is now punishing its own citizens.”
A sweeping crackdown
A major shift occurred after Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah assumed leadership in 2023. In May 2024, Kuwait’s parliament was suspended, along with several constitutional provisions related to nationality. These changes opened the door for mass denaturalisation of activists, public figures, and ordinary residents.
Mail himself—who has been sentenced to prison multiple times in absentia—lost his citizenship on 19 October. He described the decision as entirely political, saying the government turned to denaturalisation only after attempts through courts and media campaigns failed to silence him.
While well-known critics have been targeted, the brunt of the crisis has fallen on ordinary Kuwaitis.
Accusations of fraud, dual nationality, and moral offences
Mohammed al-Mail is among the few willing to speak publicly. Many others fear their phones are monitored and worry about retaliation against their families. Under a law passed in December 2024, nationality can be revoked for actions labelled as “dishonest”, for threatening state security, or for statements deemed insulting to the emir or religious leaders.
On a single day—6 March—over 460 people lost their Kuwaiti nationality. Authorities accused some of holding dual citizenship illegally and hundreds more of forgery or fraud. One group hit especially hard has been women who obtained citizenship through marriage. The freezing of constitutional article 9 removed protections for them, and because Kuwait bans dual nationality, many women who had renounced their original citizenship are now stateless. Research by the rights group Salam indicates that up to two-thirds of those stripped of nationality are divorced or widowed women. Being rendered stateless has left many unable to access schools, healthcare, government jobs, or property rights.
Stories of affected women
One case involves Iman, born in Kuwait and naturalised after marrying in 2006. She divorced in 2013 due to abuse. Her name appeared on a denaturalisation list in December 2024. After she discussed the issue on an online space in February, authorities accused her of insulting the state. Her phone line was cut, her access to public healthcare revoked, and she was summoned for interrogation. She reported degrading treatment before being forcibly deported to Egypt, leaving her children in Kuwait.
Another woman, Layla, originally from Saudi Arabia, became Kuwaiti by marriage in 2004. After losing her nationality, she was told to reclaim her Saudi citizenship to be treated as a resident. Saudi authorities refused, explaining that Kuwait must handle the consequences itself. Layla has no family or ties left in Saudi Arabia.
According to Andrew McIntosh of Salam, official rhetoric has portrayed these women as opportunists or fraudsters—language he describes as xenophobic and misogynistic. He notes that tens of thousands of people have lost nationality due to minor bureaucratic issues, allegations of misconduct, or political motivations.
Redefining “Kuwaitiness”
Observers believe the campaign serves multiple purposes. Mail argues the leadership is trying to consolidate political control and silence dissent in a country once known for diverse opinions. He even claims that the emir has undermined constitutional legitimacy to such a degree that alternative leadership is justified.
Economic factors also play a role. Kuwait, like other oil-rich Gulf states, has historically funded generous welfare programmes for citizens. As global dependence on oil declines, the government is under pressure to reform the economy. McIntosh says the nationality purge may be a way of limiting the number of people entitled to public benefits and tightening the definition of who counts as “truly Kuwaiti”.
Despite international laws forbidding arbitrary deprivation of nationality and forced statelessness, global reaction has been muted. Tiana Danielle Xavier of the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion notes that Kuwait offers no legal avenue for victims to challenge denaturalisation in court.
Mail says he has contacted UK authorities to ensure there is a clear historical record and to pursue accountability. The UK Foreign Office has said it is seeking more information on how the campaign might affect individuals with British ties, though it declined to comment on specific cases.
Kuwait, which has a population of just under five million, has long been viewed as one of the more politically open Gulf states. Since 1963 it has operated a parliament—limited in power but still unique compared with neighbouring monarchies. The country has also occasionally played the role of regional mediator and provided refuge to individuals escaping repression in nearby states.
Islamic scholar and political activist Mohammed al-Mail, who was granted asylum in the UK in 2017, recalled that “during the 1970s, Kuwait was a closer sanctuary for persecuted people than many Western countries.” He now sees the current situation as a reversal of that history: “The same state that once protected victims of oppression is now punishing its own citizens.”
A sweeping crackdown
A major shift occurred after Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah assumed leadership in 2023. In May 2024, Kuwait’s parliament was suspended, along with several constitutional provisions related to nationality. These changes opened the door for mass denaturalisation of activists, public figures, and ordinary residents.
Mail himself—who has been sentenced to prison multiple times in absentia—lost his citizenship on 19 October. He described the decision as entirely political, saying the government turned to denaturalisation only after attempts through courts and media campaigns failed to silence him.
While well-known critics have been targeted, the brunt of the crisis has fallen on ordinary Kuwaitis.
Accusations of fraud, dual nationality, and moral offences
Mohammed al-Mail is among the few willing to speak publicly. Many others fear their phones are monitored and worry about retaliation against their families. Under a law passed in December 2024, nationality can be revoked for actions labelled as “dishonest”, for threatening state security, or for statements deemed insulting to the emir or religious leaders.
On a single day—6 March—over 460 people lost their Kuwaiti nationality. Authorities accused some of holding dual citizenship illegally and hundreds more of forgery or fraud. One group hit especially hard has been women who obtained citizenship through marriage. The freezing of constitutional article 9 removed protections for them, and because Kuwait bans dual nationality, many women who had renounced their original citizenship are now stateless. Research by the rights group Salam indicates that up to two-thirds of those stripped of nationality are divorced or widowed women. Being rendered stateless has left many unable to access schools, healthcare, government jobs, or property rights.
Stories of affected women
One case involves Iman, born in Kuwait and naturalised after marrying in 2006. She divorced in 2013 due to abuse. Her name appeared on a denaturalisation list in December 2024. After she discussed the issue on an online space in February, authorities accused her of insulting the state. Her phone line was cut, her access to public healthcare revoked, and she was summoned for interrogation. She reported degrading treatment before being forcibly deported to Egypt, leaving her children in Kuwait.
Another woman, Layla, originally from Saudi Arabia, became Kuwaiti by marriage in 2004. After losing her nationality, she was told to reclaim her Saudi citizenship to be treated as a resident. Saudi authorities refused, explaining that Kuwait must handle the consequences itself. Layla has no family or ties left in Saudi Arabia.
According to Andrew McIntosh of Salam, official rhetoric has portrayed these women as opportunists or fraudsters—language he describes as xenophobic and misogynistic. He notes that tens of thousands of people have lost nationality due to minor bureaucratic issues, allegations of misconduct, or political motivations.
Redefining “Kuwaitiness”
Observers believe the campaign serves multiple purposes. Mail argues the leadership is trying to consolidate political control and silence dissent in a country once known for diverse opinions. He even claims that the emir has undermined constitutional legitimacy to such a degree that alternative leadership is justified.
Economic factors also play a role. Kuwait, like other oil-rich Gulf states, has historically funded generous welfare programmes for citizens. As global dependence on oil declines, the government is under pressure to reform the economy. McIntosh says the nationality purge may be a way of limiting the number of people entitled to public benefits and tightening the definition of who counts as “truly Kuwaiti”.
Despite international laws forbidding arbitrary deprivation of nationality and forced statelessness, global reaction has been muted. Tiana Danielle Xavier of the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion notes that Kuwait offers no legal avenue for victims to challenge denaturalisation in court.
Mail says he has contacted UK authorities to ensure there is a clear historical record and to pursue accountability. The UK Foreign Office has said it is seeking more information on how the campaign might affect individuals with British ties, though it declined to comment on specific cases.
