Kuwait - April 2026

On 13 April, amendments to the Nationality Law entered into force, making naturalised citizenship less secure. The reforms broaden revocation powers beyond cases of fraud and security threats to include broadly defined ‘public interest’ grounds, tighten dual nationality rules through stricter renunciation requirements and provisions on loss of Kuwaiti citizenship, and increase scrutiny of naturalized citizens while reducing judicial oversight of citizenship decisions. They also introduce enhanced identity verification measures, including biometric and DNA testing to confirm lineage and eligibility. As a result, naturalized citizens, mixed-status families, and individuals relying on documentary proof of ancestry are particularly affected, with increased administrative discretion and higher evidentiary requirements for acquiring or retaining citizenship.

Sources: Government of Kuwait, Gulf News, Kuwait Times, KPMG Al-Qenae & Partners, International IDEA