Kuwait’s Citizenship Crackdown: DNA and Biometrics at the Forefront
In a sweeping move to verify and, in many cases, revoke citizenships, Kuwait has initiated a policy mandating biometric data and DNA testing. This initiative, formalized under Ministerial Resolution No. 678 of 2025, aims to ensure the authenticity of citizenship claims amid concerns of fraudulent naturalizations and dual nationalities.
The New Policy Framework
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef introduced the resolution, which empowers the General Department of Nationality and Travel Documents, along with other designated bodies, to request biometric verification from individuals under citizenship review. The biometric data encompasses fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans. If an individual’s biometric data isn’t already in the system, they will be summoned to provide it.
This policy follows a significant increase in citizenship revocations. Since September 2024, approximately 42,000 individuals have lost their Kuwaiti citizenship, representing nearly 3% of the citizen population. The government cites reasons such as fraudulent naturalization, dual nationality, and violations of nationality laws for these revocations.
Legal Amendments and Retroactive Applications
The Kuwaiti government has amended its 1959 Nationality Law, introducing provisions that allow for the revocation of citizenship on grounds including crimes against national security, offenses against religious practices or the Emir, and other violations. Notably, these amendments have been applied retroactively, raising concerns about their alignment with constitutional protections against such applications.
Impact on Affected Individuals
The revocation of citizenship has profound implications. Those affected often find themselves stateless, losing access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment. Furthermore, they face challenges in obtaining identification documents, leading to restrictions in mobility and financial transactions. For instance, banks have, in some cases, restricted access to accounts for individuals who have lost their citizenship.
The policy has also affected high-profile individuals, including celebrities and public figures, whose citizenships have been revoked without publicized reasons, intensifying public scrutiny and debate.
International and Human Rights Concerns
Human rights organizations have expressed alarm over Kuwait’s actions. The lack of judicial oversight in the revocation process, coupled with the retroactive application of laws, has been criticized as a violation of international human rights standards. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and various NGOs have urged Kuwait to halt the revocations and ensure due process.
Additionally, the mandatory collection of biometric and DNA data has raised privacy concerns. Critics argue that such measures, especially when applied broadly, infringe upon individual rights and could set a concerning precedent in the region.
Government’s Stance and Future Outlook
The Kuwaiti government maintains that these measures are essential for national security and the integrity of its citizenship records. Officials argue that previous attempts to address fraudulent citizenships were hindered by legislative obstacles, necessitating decisive action.
However, as international pressure mounts and domestic concerns grow, the sustainability and ethical implications of Kuwait’s approach remain subjects of intense debate. The balance between national security and individual rights continues to be at the center of this critical national and global conversation.
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