Kuwait has introduced major amendments to its citizenship law through Decree-Law No. 52 of 2026, published in the Official Gazette, Al-Kuwait Al-Youm, on April 13, 2026. The amendments revise large parts of Kuwait’s original citizenship law, Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 and represent one of the most significant changes to the country’s nationality rules in decades.

This reform is part of a wider regional pattern, as several GCC states have been tightening their citizenship and residency laws in recent years, seeking clearer control over how nationality is granted, kept or taken away.

Background: Kuwait’s Citizenship Framework

Kuwait’s citizenship rules have long been based on Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959, with various amendments added over the years. Decree-Law No. 52 of 2026 brings these provisions together and updates them, repealing several older articles and amendments that no longer fit the new framework, including provisions dating back to 1994 and 1995.

Key Changes Introduced by Decree-Law No. 52 of 2026

The amendments bring in several important changes to how citizenship is granted, kept and revoked. Individuals who gain Kuwaiti nationality through naturalization must now give up any other nationality within three months and provide proof of this to the Ministry of Interior: If they failed to do so, their Kuwaiti citizenship becomes invalid from the day it was granted.

The law also broadens the grounds on which naturalized citizenship can be withdrawn or revoked, subject to approval from the relevant government committees. A Kuwaiti citizen who voluntarily takes on another country’s nationality may lose their Kuwaiti citizenship as a result. On the other hand, the amendments create a path for Kuwaiti women who previously lost their nationality through marriage to a foreigner have it restored, once that marriage has ended, provided they live in or return to Kuwait.

The law permits the use of scientific methods, such as DNA testing and biometric data, in investigations relating to the loss or withdrawal of nationality. It also introduces new penalties, including fines, for anyone who submits false information or fraudulent documents during a nationality investigation. Most importantly, nationality decisions made under the new law are treated as sovereign acts, meaning they cannot be challenged in court.

Why This Matters

These amendments have a direct impact on naturalized citizens, dual nationals and their families as well as organizations managing employees or dependents whose status may be affected. The removal of judicial review is a particularly significant change, as it greatly limits the legal options available to anyone wishing to challenge a decision to withdraw or revoke their citizenship.

Human resources and global mobility teams with employees who hold or are applying for Kuwaiti nationality should review their internal policies and communications, particularly around renunciation timelines and documentation, considering these stricter requirements.

What Happens Next

 The amendments came into effect immediately upon publication on April 13, 2026. Further guidance is expected as the Ministry of Interior and relevant nationality committees begin applying these rules in practice. Given the limited options for legal challenge under the new framework, individuals or organizations with concerns about an existing nationality status or pending application, are encouraged to seek legal advice early.    

References:

Kuwait times, Kuwait citizenship law amendments published in official gazette(2026)- https://kuwaittimes.com/article/42247/kuwait/kuwait-citizenship-law-amendments-published-in-official-gazette/

Gulf News, Kuwait issues major amendments to citizenship law under new decree (2026)- https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/kuwait/kuwait-issues-major-amendments-to-citizenship-law-under-new-decree-1.500504946