Three women stripped of Kuwaiti citizenship over dual nationality
The first decision, based on Article 10 of the Kuwaiti Nationality Law, resulted in the revocation of one woman's Kuwaiti citizenship. The second decision, referencing Article 11 of the same law, led to the stripping of citizenship from two other women for holding additional nationalities.
These decisions reflect the enforcement of Kuwait's strict regulations regarding dual citizenship, under which individuals found to possess multiple nationalities can face the loss of their Kuwaiti citizenship.
The Ministry of Interior, which oversees nationality matters, did not immediately comment on the specific cases. However, the legal framework for such decisions is clearly outlined in the Kuwaiti Nationality Law, which aims to preserve the integrity of the country's citizenship regulations.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
2 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Excluded from New U.S. Visa Bond Requirement
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 7: In the wake of a recent announcement by the U.S. State Department regarding a new financial guarantee requirement for certain visa applicants, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait has confirmed that Kuwaiti citizens are not currently subject to the measure. U.S. Embassy spokesperson Stuart Turner said that the new program, officially titled the Visa Bond Pilot, does not include Kuwaitis. 'The program aims to evaluate the effectiveness of financial guarantees in promoting compliance with U.S. immigration laws,' Turner said. The initiative, announced earlier this week, will require select applicants for U.S. business and tourism visas (B-1/B-2) to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 (approximately 5,000 Kuwaiti dinars) as a condition of visa issuance. The program is part of broader efforts by U.S. authorities to curb visa overstays and irregular migration. Turner explained that the selection of countries targeted under the pilot is based on several factors, including high overstay rates, deficiencies in security screening, and concerns about investment-based citizenship programs that do not mandate residency. Additionally, foreign policy considerations also influence inclusion. 'Kuwait is not currently included on the list of countries covered by the program,' Turner emphasized, adding, 'While the list may be updated in the future, we can confirm at this time that Kuwaiti citizens are not included.' He further noted that the $15,000 bond is intended to serve as a deterrent to overstaying and a guarantee of return, aligning with the U.S. government's push to enforce immigration compliance. 'We will share any additional information as it becomes available,' Turner added, reaffirming the embassy's commitment to transparency and clear communication regarding visa regulations. The U.S. State Department officially announced the 12-month pilot program through a notice published in the Federal Register on Monday. The program allows consular officials to require certain nonimmigrant visa applicants to deposit a bond before the visa is granted. According to the notice, the Department anticipates that around 2,000 applicants will be subject to the bond requirement, with most paying an average of $10,000 during the trial period. The full amount will be refunded once the applicant has proven departure from the United States. The program is part of a wider strategy introduced under the Trump administration, which cited data indicating that over 500,000 foreign nationals overstayed their visas in fiscal year 2023. The measure is intended to encourage other nations to ensure their citizens comply with U.S. immigration rules and to address deficiencies in identity verification and criminal background checks. This bond requirement comes in addition to the recent increase in visa fees, including a newly implemented 'Visa Security Fee' of at least $250 for all foreign visitors entering the United States. According to the State Department, the U.S. issued approximately 11 million non-immigrant visas in 2024.
Arab Times
3 hours ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait exempt from new US Visa Bond requirement: US Embassy
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 7: In the wake of a recent announcement by the U.S. State Department regarding a new financial guarantee requirement for certain visa applicants, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait has confirmed that Kuwaiti citizens are not currently subject to the measure. U.S. Embassy spokesperson Stuart Turner said that the new program, officially titled the Visa Bond Pilot, does not include Kuwaitis. 'The program aims to evaluate the effectiveness of financial guarantees in promoting compliance with U.S. immigration laws,' Turner said. The initiative, announced earlier this week, will require select applicants for U.S. business and tourism visas (B-1/B-2) to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 (approximately 5,000 Kuwaiti dinars) as a condition of visa issuance. The program is part of broader efforts by U.S. authorities to curb visa overstays and irregular migration. Turner explained that the selection of countries targeted under the pilot is based on several factors, including high overstay rates, deficiencies in security screening, and concerns about investment-based citizenship programs that do not mandate residency. Additionally, foreign policy considerations also influence inclusion. 'Kuwait is not currently included on the list of countries covered by the program,' Turner emphasized, adding, 'While the list may be updated in the future, we can confirm at this time that Kuwaiti citizens are not included.' He further noted that the $15,000 bond is intended to serve as a deterrent to overstaying and a guarantee of return, aligning with the U.S. government's push to enforce immigration compliance. 'We will share any additional information as it becomes available,' Turner added, reaffirming the embassy's commitment to transparency and clear communication regarding visa regulations. The U.S. State Department officially announced the 12-month pilot program through a notice published in the Federal Register on Monday. The program allows consular officials to require certain nonimmigrant visa applicants to deposit a bond before the visa is granted. According to the notice, the Department anticipates that around 2,000 applicants will be subject to the bond requirement, with most paying an average of $10,000 during the trial period. The full amount will be refunded once the applicant has proven departure from the United States. The program is part of a wider strategy introduced under the Trump administration, which cited data indicating that over 500,000 foreign nationals overstayed their visas in fiscal year 2023. The measure is intended to encourage other nations to ensure their citizens comply with U.S. immigration rules and to address deficiencies in identity verification and criminal background checks. This bond requirement comes in addition to the recent increase in visa fees, including a newly implemented 'Visa Security Fee' of at least $250 for all foreign visitors entering the United States. According to the State Department, the U.S. issued approximately 11 million non-immigrant visas in 2024. Turner reiterated the embassy's ongoing commitment to providing clear and up-to-date information, especially in light of evolving U.S. visa policies.
Kuwait Times
6 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
Dutch envoy ends tenure, hails Kuwait energy partnership
KUWAIT: As he prepares to conclude his five-year tenure, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kuwait Laurens Westhoff shared his reflections on the evolving Dutch-Kuwaiti relationship, emphasizing strong political cooperation, energy partnerships and enduring hospitality. 'I arrived five years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the first things I realized was how effectively the Kuwaiti government managed the crisis,' he said. 'But for me as a diplomat, it came with challenges. I rely on face-to-face contact. And for the first year and a half, that wasn't possible.' Despite the early difficulties, the ambassador described his time in Kuwait as 'fantastic and fruitful,' highlighting decades of strong bilateral ties that were marked in 2024 with the celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He explained: 'We've worked to enhance every aspect of our relationship, including political dialogue both here and in the Netherlands,' adding that one of the key achievements during his tenure was initiating a new area of collaboration focused on energy transition. 'We partnered with Kuwait University, KFAS, and KISR and connected them with Dutch experts to explore how a country so reliant on oil can diversify into solar and hydrogen energy. It was a meaningful step toward sustainable cooperation,' he said. The ambassador praised the Kuwaiti people's openness and warmth, describing it as one of the most memorable aspects of his experience. 'Everywhere you go, you are met with open arms,' he said. 'That genuine hospitality is something truly special and honestly, it spoils you. It's a unique trait that shows Kuwaitis' openness to dialogue and cooperation with others.' He noted the similarities between Kuwait and the Netherlands as smaller countries surrounded by powerful neighbors, which strengthens their shared emphasis on diplomacy and mutual understanding. 'We both know the value of dialogue and cooperation in maintaining regional and international relations. That common ground builds strong ties between us.' Ambassador Westhoff highlighted that the Netherlands is the largest European investor in Kuwait, with direct investments totaling approximately KD 488 million. 'Dutch companies are active in oil-related industries, logistics, IT, agribusiness, and infrastructure including Kuwait's airport project. We also hope to see more Dutch involvement in Kuwait's domestic investment plans.' In 2024, bilateral trade between the two nations reached €2.4 billion, with Dutch exports to Kuwait at €845 million, primarily in agricultural products, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and livestock. Imports, mainly crude oil, amounted to €1.6 billion. He noted that the Netherlands see interest from Kuwaiti families in sectors such as health and education, though student numbers remain modest due to language and system differences. On defense cooperation, the ambassador noted that the Kuwaiti Navy trains occasionally in the Netherlands, and there have been senior-level visits, including the Undersecretary of Defense visiting two years ago. In terms of cultural and people-to-people exchange, approximately 14,000 Kuwaiti visitors travel to the Netherlands annually, a number that remains stable. 'We know Kuwaitis enjoy our weather and appreciate what the Netherlands offers, from museums to heritage sites. It's a convenient and enriching travel destination,' he said. The ambassador emphasized the importance of continuing to capitalize on Kuwait's new economic vision. 'There's a lot of potential with Kuwait's current investment push. My successor will find fertile ground to strengthen Dutch-Kuwaiti business ties.' He also spoke warmly of Kuwaiti traditions, particularly the concept of the diwaniya. 'The diwaniya is a beautiful tradition. The open-door hospitality inspired me and my wife to consider introducing a version of it in our town in the Netherlands,' he said. The ambassador announced that his successor will arrive in early September. 'He's a career diplomat with experience in the region. He has Indian roots. Born in Suriname and raised in the Netherlands, he brings a diverse and international perspective. I'm confident he'll continue strengthening our bilateral ties.'
