Kuwait Ensures Employment Rights for Women After Citizenship Revocation
KUWAIT CITY, March 22, 2025 — In a landmark decision, the Kuwaiti government has affirmed that women who have lost their Kuwaiti citizenship under Article 8 of the Nationality Law will retain their employment, salaries, and benefits in the public sector. This move aims to mitigate the impact of recent nationality revocations on affected individuals and ensure their financial and social stability.
Background on Citizenship Revocations
Since May 2024, Kuwait has intensified efforts to address issues related to fraudulent citizenship claims and dual nationality, both prohibited under Kuwaiti law. The Supreme Committee for Investigating Kuwaiti Nationality, led by Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, has been at the forefront of this initiative. As a result of these efforts, thousands of individuals had their citizenship revoked due to reasons such as document forgery and holding dual nationalities.
This crackdown was part of a broader strategy to protect the integrity of Kuwait’s nationality laws and ensure that citizenship is granted only to those who meet the legal requirements. However, the revocations have also led to concerns regarding the rights and entitlements of affected individuals, particularly women married to Kuwaiti nationals.
Impact on Female Government Employees
A significant number of those affected are women who acquired Kuwaiti citizenship through marriage to Kuwaiti men. Many of these women have worked in the public sector for years, contributing to the country’s workforce in various capacities. The revocation of their citizenship raised concerns about their employment status and access to associated benefits such as pensions, healthcare, and leave entitlements.
In response, the Civil Service Council (CSC) issued a decision ensuring that these women will continue to receive all their employment entitlements. The government aims to prevent sudden job losses or financial instability for these individuals, many of whom have built their lives in Kuwait for decades.
Key Provisions of the CSC Decision
The CSC’s decision outlines several critical protections for affected women, ensuring that they continue to enjoy the same employment benefits as before. These provisions include:
- Leave Entitlements – All types of leave, including annual, sick, and maternity leave, will remain available to affected female employees as per existing laws and regulations.
- Allowances and Bonuses – Women will continue to receive all job-related allowances and bonuses, such as basic salary, periodic bonuses, social allowance, children’s allowance, cost of living allowance, financial support, special allowances, incentive bonuses, job level allowances, and nature of work allowances.
- Scholarships and Study Leave – Scholarships and study leave approvals granted before the citizenship revocation will remain valid. All benefits associated with these educational pursuits will continue during the study period.
- Training Programs – Affected employees will remain eligible for internal and external training programs as outlined in their respective government entity’s plans.
- Reduced Working Hours – Eligibility for reduced working hours, as stipulated in relevant laws and regulations, remains unchanged.
- Personal Rewards – Any personal rewards previously granted to the employees will continue in accordance with governing regulations.
- Service and Team Rewards – This includes annual rewards for excellent service, rewards for work teams and committees, and compensation for additional work assignments, in line with specified regulations.
Official Statements and Clarifications
Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah emphasized that wives of Kuwaiti citizens, as well as divorcees and widows residing in Kuwait, will maintain their employment and salary status despite the loss of nationality. Additionally, he reassured that retired women in similar situations would continue to receive their pensions without any changes.
This decision underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of women affected by the nationality revocations. By ensuring the continuation of employment and associated benefits, Kuwait aims to provide stability and support to these individuals during this transition period.
Establishment of Grievance Committee
To further support those affected by citizenship revocations, the Kuwaiti Council of Ministers has approved the formation of a grievance committee. This committee, led by Counselor Ali Musaed Al Dhubaibi, consists of members from various governmental departments and has been tasked with overseeing cases of nationality withdrawal and revocation.
The primary role of this committee is to ensure that revocations comply with Decree-Law No. 15 of 1959 and its amendments. The committee will review individual cases, providing affected individuals with a legal avenue to appeal decisions or seek clarifications regarding their status.
Recent Amendments to the Nationality Law
The government’s actions come in the wake of significant amendments to Kuwait’s Nationality Law, aimed at addressing concerns about misuse and fraud in granting citizenship. Among the most notable changes is the cancellation of Article 8, which previously allowed foreign wives of Kuwaiti men to obtain citizenship relatively quickly.
Under the new rules, foreign wives must now complete a mandatory 15-year residency period before they can apply for Kuwaiti citizenship. This amendment is intended to prevent fraudulent marriages and ensure that only those with a long-term commitment to the country are granted nationality.
Conclusion
Kuwait’s decision to uphold the employment rights and benefits of women who have lost their citizenship reflects a balanced approach to policy enforcement and individual welfare. By maintaining these women’s positions and financial stability, the government demonstrates its dedication to protecting the rights of all residents, even amid stringent legal reforms.
This move not only safeguards the livelihoods of affected women but also reinforces Kuwait’s commitment to fair labor practices. It sets an important precedent for how citizenship-related policies should be implemented without disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations.
For now, the government’s assurances provide some relief to the women affected, but ongoing developments in the nationality law will continue to shape the future of citizenship rights in Kuwait. As the situation unfolds, further measures may be introduced to address any emerging challenges and ensure that legal reforms remain fair and just for all individuals.
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