Kuwait Investigates 24 Alleged Citizenship Forgery Cases

Kuwait’s prosecutors have launched investigations into 24 cases of citizenship forgery that took place last year, highlighting the country's commitment to tackling citizenship fraud and protecting its national identity. A government source disclosed that 65 individuals are implicated in these cases, which have led to the unlawful acquisition of state funds totaling KD4.4 million.

The forgers are accused of obtaining Kuwaiti citizenship through fraudulent means, including false documentation and misrepresentation. The Kuwaiti authorities are now working to identify and seize the properties and farms associated with these individuals. These actions are part of a broader effort to withdraw illegal citizenships and reclaim assets obtained through fraudulent activities.

Kuwait’s clampdown on citizenship fraud is part of a broader national initiative to prevent dual citizenship and protect the integrity of Kuwaiti nationality. As a country with a population of around 4.9 million, mostly made up of expatriates, Kuwait has recently been more focused on ensuring that only legitimate nationals are allowed citizenship.

Since early March, authorities have been withdrawing citizenship from individuals found guilty of fraud or holding dual nationality, which is prohibited under Kuwaiti law. The crackdown has resulted in hundreds of citizenship revocations, and the government is taking further steps to ensure that only valid Kuwaiti citizens retain their nationality.

The Interior Ministry has introduced a dedicated hotline to encourage the public to report instances of dual citizenship or fraudulent claims. This move is designed to involve Kuwaiti citizens in the effort to combat forgery while assuring complete confidentiality for whistleblowers.

In recent months, media outlets have reported several cases involving foreigners who obtained Kuwaiti citizenship through illegal means. In some instances, those involved have been taken to court and handed jail sentences. A notable case saw three Gulf nationals sentenced to 10 years in prison for forging Kuwaiti citizenship and illegally collecting KD500,000 in government salaries and benefits. Additionally, the court ruled that the defendants must return KD1 million to the state treasury, double the amount they fraudulently received while posing as Kuwaiti citizens.

The investigations and legal actions reflect Kuwait’s strong stance on protecting the integrity of its citizenship system and ensuring that only those who rightfully deserve the nationality benefit from it. With continued efforts to crack down on fraud, Kuwait is setting a clear example for other nations facing similar challenges with citizenship abuse.