Kuwait has systematically revoked the citizenship of approximately 50,000 to 200,000 individuals since September 2024, marking one of the most significant denaturalization campaigns in modern Middle Eastern history. The government ceased regular reporting of figures in September 2025, leaving human rights organizations to estimate the true scale of what campaigners describe as a politically motivated purge.
This unprecedented action represents a dramatic departure from Kuwait’s historical reputation as a relative haven of democracy within the Gulf region. Unlike its neighbors, Kuwait maintained a parliamentary system since 1963 and occasionally served as a mediator in regional diplomatic crises. Historically, the nation offered sanctuary to dissidents fleeing more authoritarian regimes, earning recognition as a refuge for the oppressed throughout the 1970s.
The campaign intensified following Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah’s ascent to power in 2023. Under his leadership, Kuwait suspended its parliament in May 2024 and nullified key constitutional articles pertaining to citizenship. These measures have been weaponized to target not only prominent activists and politicians but also ordinary citizens, particularly women who obtained citizenship through marriage.
Legislation enacted in December 2024 authorized citizenship revocation for reasons including ‘moral turpitude or dishonesty, or actions threatening state security’ – broadly interpreted to encompass criticism of the emir or religious figures. On March 6 alone, authorities stripped 464 citizens of nationality, accusing 12 of illegally holding dual citizenship and 451 of ‘forgery and fraud.’
Women constitute approximately two-thirds of those affected, primarily divorcees and widows who relinquished previous citizenships to become Kuwaiti nationals. Rendered stateless, these individuals now face exclusion from essential services including education, healthcare, state employment, and property ownership.
Case studies documented by rights organization Salam reveal harrowing personal consequences. Iman, naturalized through marriage in 2006, found herself denationalized in December 2024 despite being born in Kuwait. After publicly advocating for her rights, she faced charges of ‘insulting the state,’ endured invasive strip searches described as near-sexual harassment, and was ultimately deported to Egypt—separated from her children remaining in Kuwait.
Another woman, Layla, previously held Saudi citizenship before naturalizing as Kuwaiti in 2004. Following denaturalization, Kuwaiti authorities instructed her to reclaim Saudi nationality despite having no remaining ties to Saudi Arabia—a request Saudi officials refused, stating Kuwait must ‘deal with the consequences.’
Government rhetoric has frequently characterized affected women as ‘gold diggers’ and frauds, employing xenophobic and misogynistic narratives to justify the campaign. Research director Andrew McIntosh of Salam notes that victims have lost nationality for ‘slights, frauds, economic improprieties, political nature, or bureaucratic error.’
Exiled activist Mohammed al-Mail, whose citizenship was revoked on October 19, describes the campaign as a ‘purely political’ maneuver to consolidate power and suppress dissent. Having received UK asylum in 2017, al-Mail contends the emir has forfeited legitimacy by undermining constitutional principles.
Economic factors appear equally significant in motivating the denaturalization drive. As global transition from fossil fuels pressures Gulf petro-states, Kuwait seeks to maintain welfare provisions and public sector viability by reducing its citizen population. McIntosh characterizes this as a method of ‘defining distinct Kuwaitness’ to preserve economic resources.
Notably, the international community has remained largely silent despite violations of international statutes prohibiting arbitrary denationalization. Tiana Danielle Xavier of the Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion emphasizes that Kuwait currently provides no judicial recourse for reviewing citizenship revocation decisions, contravening established principles of due process and non-discrimination.
Al-Mail confirms seeking intervention from UK authorities, promising ‘serious, escalating steps to hold Kuwaiti authorities accountable.’ The UK Foreign Office acknowledges monitoring implications for Kuwaitis of British origin but declines commentary on individual cases.
This systematic erosion of citizenship rights transforms Kuwait’s democratic legacy into an authoritarian reality, creating a stateless underclass without legal protection or international advocacy.
