Abuse of power & retaliationDiscrimination & civil rights
Kuwait has stripped at least 50,000 people of citizenship since 2024; rights groups say a 2026 decree leaves limited avenues for appeal
Confidence: Corroborated · 4 sourcesKuwait · Oct 12, 2026
Subject of this story
Ministry of Interior of Kuwait
What happened
Since Kuwait's emir dissolved the National Assembly in May 2024, authorities have revoked the citizenship of at least 50,000 people, and some advocacy groups say the true figure is far higher. Kuwait later tightened the rules through Decree-Law No. 52 of 2026, which rights groups say leaves affected people limited avenues for appeal, and in August 2026 barred naturalized citizens from voting. Authorities say the campaign targets illegal dual nationality and fraudulently obtained citizenship; rights groups say political opponents have also been targeted.
Sources (4)
Yahoo NewsKuwait has stripped at least 50,000 people of citizenship since the emir dissolved parliament in May 2024; the government says some held illegal dual nationality or obtained citizenship fraudulently, while rights groups say political opponents have also been targeted.
IFEXUnder Decree-Law No. 52 of 2026, many individuals affected by mass citizenship revocations have limited avenues for appeal, raising due-process concerns.
Gulf NewsNationality decisions are classified as sovereign acts and are not subject to judicial review
adhrb.orgsignificantly limits judicial review of nationality decisions by treating them as sovereign acts
Response
Ministry of Interior of Kuwait
Statement given
Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.
What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.