First Deputy PM and Minister of Interior responded to their demands
PROVIDING certain services to those whose citizenship was revoked under Article Eight of the Nationality Law is a good step toward resolving this issue. However, several steps are needed to achieve social stability, especially under the complex regional and international circumstances. Awareness and wisdom are required in addressing the anticipated and unforeseen problems that could surface in the region and cast a dark shadow over Kuwait. Releasing the passports of those whose citizenship was revoked under Article Eight -- even for a limited period -- is beneficial to Kuwait, which is known worldwide as a compassionate and humane country for its citizens and expatriates.
I hope a decision will be taken to allow the illegal residents (Bedouns) to obtain passports if they wish to leave Kuwait to look for a source of income elsewhere. I hope the status of Bedouns will be rectified in the countries they will head to, including the countries where they were purported to have originated. Yes, the Bedoun issue is a heavy burden on the government. It requires a solution that complies with international treaties and is consistent with the compassion for which Kuwait is known.
Realistic solutions should be concluded because, despite the services provided to this group, they remain incomplete. Many of these individuals are highly qualified and competent, but due to their inherited illegal status, they have become useless, and the State does not benefit from their potential and competencies.
Furthermore, the government prevents them from leaving Kuwait to work and staying in other countries. Another issue in the same context -- not less important -- is the granting of passports to those whose citizenship was revoked under the article on 'providing major services to Kuwait.' If using the term 'major services' is a sensitive matter, it can be replaced with 'important achievement'.
Many of these individuals are doctors, university professors, and others who have contributed greatly to Kuwait in various fields like medicine, culture, and the arts. Some of them have promoted Kuwait's reputation prominently in the region, the Arab world, and even the entire world. We must speak frankly. Many countries want these people as they are considered an added value. These countries are willing to grant them citizenship immediately, at a time Kuwait loses them.
We all know that Kuwaiti music and theater have set Kuwait apart from other Gulf states. Some individuals supported this kind of soft power when there was nothing comparable in the region. Kuwait should have maintained this advantage. Without a doubt, this step can provide many benefits and pave the way for Kuwait to regain its pioneering status and guarantee its stability.
Kuwait is open to everyone, particularly since it is a country known for its compassion. Kuwait must seize every opportunity to regain its luster. I hope the government does not expand the withdrawal of citizenship from those who acquired it through their important contributions to Kuwait. These important contributions are truly treasures that must be preserved.
Why not grant permanent passports to those whose citizenship was withdrawn under Article Eight, as well as those who have made significant contributions to Kuwait? What matters is loyalty, not the length of time a person has lived in the country. Therefore, I hope that His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, who is known for his compassion, will address this issue. Kuwait has never been unjust. Our Amir is the 'father of humanity,' ruling a humane nation. I hope that the Grievance Committee will be instructed to expedite the investigation of complaints, so that citizenship is restored to those who have been wronged, if any.
Your Excellency, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, I repeat what I previously quoted from the Holy Quran: 'No ministry shall bear the burden of another.' This is what the Lord of Glory and Majesty has decreed. Allah commands what is best and Kuwait can do it.
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Arab Times
11 hours ago
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First Deputy PM and Minister of Interior responded to their demands
PROVIDING certain services to those whose citizenship was revoked under Article Eight of the Nationality Law is a good step toward resolving this issue. However, several steps are needed to achieve social stability, especially under the complex regional and international circumstances. Awareness and wisdom are required in addressing the anticipated and unforeseen problems that could surface in the region and cast a dark shadow over Kuwait. Releasing the passports of those whose citizenship was revoked under Article Eight -- even for a limited period -- is beneficial to Kuwait, which is known worldwide as a compassionate and humane country for its citizens and expatriates. I hope a decision will be taken to allow the illegal residents (Bedouns) to obtain passports if they wish to leave Kuwait to look for a source of income elsewhere. I hope the status of Bedouns will be rectified in the countries they will head to, including the countries where they were purported to have originated. Yes, the Bedoun issue is a heavy burden on the government. It requires a solution that complies with international treaties and is consistent with the compassion for which Kuwait is known. Realistic solutions should be concluded because, despite the services provided to this group, they remain incomplete. Many of these individuals are highly qualified and competent, but due to their inherited illegal status, they have become useless, and the State does not benefit from their potential and competencies. Furthermore, the government prevents them from leaving Kuwait to work and staying in other countries. Another issue in the same context -- not less important -- is the granting of passports to those whose citizenship was revoked under the article on 'providing major services to Kuwait.' If using the term 'major services' is a sensitive matter, it can be replaced with 'important achievement'. Many of these individuals are doctors, university professors, and others who have contributed greatly to Kuwait in various fields like medicine, culture, and the arts. Some of them have promoted Kuwait's reputation prominently in the region, the Arab world, and even the entire world. We must speak frankly. Many countries want these people as they are considered an added value. These countries are willing to grant them citizenship immediately, at a time Kuwait loses them. We all know that Kuwaiti music and theater have set Kuwait apart from other Gulf states. Some individuals supported this kind of soft power when there was nothing comparable in the region. Kuwait should have maintained this advantage. Without a doubt, this step can provide many benefits and pave the way for Kuwait to regain its pioneering status and guarantee its stability. Kuwait is open to everyone, particularly since it is a country known for its compassion. Kuwait must seize every opportunity to regain its luster. I hope the government does not expand the withdrawal of citizenship from those who acquired it through their important contributions to Kuwait. These important contributions are truly treasures that must be preserved. Why not grant permanent passports to those whose citizenship was withdrawn under Article Eight, as well as those who have made significant contributions to Kuwait? What matters is loyalty, not the length of time a person has lived in the country. Therefore, I hope that His Excellency the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, who is known for his compassion, will address this issue. Kuwait has never been unjust. Our Amir is the 'father of humanity,' ruling a humane nation. I hope that the Grievance Committee will be instructed to expedite the investigation of complaints, so that citizenship is restored to those who have been wronged, if any. Your Excellency, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, I repeat what I previously quoted from the Holy Quran: 'No ministry shall bear the burden of another.' This is what the Lord of Glory and Majesty has decreed. Allah commands what is best and Kuwait can do it.
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Your Highness the Prime Minister, the thread and needle are in your hands. So what's next? Either work or leave
YOUR HIGHNESS the Prime Minister, Your Excellency, the Minister of Finance, and Your Excellency, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, if boosting the gross domestic product is truly a top priority for the state, then it must think outside the box, and avoid recycling outdated solutions. Introducing fees and taxes will not yield results during an economic downturn, especially amid limited commercial activity, the absence of a clear structural development plan in all sectors, and a halt in reforming laws that hinder investment, such as the usufruct law, which still contains several obstacles, along with other legislation needed to stimulate growth in industry, agriculture, and various vital services. Shuwaikh Industrial Area and other industrial zones are clear examples in this regard. I urge His Highness the Prime Minister, along with the Ministers of Finance and Commerce and Industry, to visit these areas and witness firsthand the scale and vibrancy of economic activities being driven entirely by individual efforts, with minimal government involvement, while the government remains occupied with issues that provoke public concern and contribute to social unrest. In Shuwaikh Industrial area, as in all similar areas, there are many activities that attract investors. These businesses operate almost entirely through the efforts of expatriate residents. Citizens are largely absent from these activities, benefiting only through rental income or by investing in licenses issued to them. As a result, a huge portion of profits is transferred abroad. Foreign workers, employees, and investors lack the motivation to remain in Kuwait long-term due to the absence of incentives found in neighboring countries, such as policies that support entrepreneurship, encourage innovation, and ensure economic stability. In countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, investors are offered strong incentives, attracting many Kuwaiti companies to invest there. In contrast, Kuwait ties usufruct rights to the annual renewal of licenses, creating uncertainty for factory and facility owners and discouraging them from investing in development. Therefore, the Council of Ministers should focus on utilizing the labor force represented by stateless residents (Bedoun) and those whose citizenship has been revoked, rather than relying solely on decisions to revoke citizenship and suppress creativity. To be clear, I am not referring to those who lost their citizenship due to fraud or dual nationality. I hope the government encourages the Bedoun residents and those whose citizenship has been revoked to work in these areas, and makes them feel secure, so they can spend their money inside Kuwait. I suggest the government offer investors the option to purchase industrial and commercial plots during a specific grace period, similar to the system in Saudi Arabia, or will become a fair partner in the rental value. This approach would kill two birds with a stone. Also, Saudi Arabia provides tax incentives for industrial, agricultural, and renewable energy projects. It is true that in recent years, some parliamentary blocs have attempted to obstruct development under flimsy pretexts, but their real aim was to secure a 'share of the cake' or fuel disputes between MPs and ministers. Today, ministerial positions have largely stabilized, giving ministers significant potential to drive development and amend obstructive, outdated laws enacted during previous National Assembly terms. Indeed, several laws need reconsideration, and Kuwait must break free from the constraints imposed by the stagnation of innovative ideas that encourage investment and the growth of the national economy. We have repeatedly stated that undeveloped land holds little value unless facilities are established on it and profitable production is achieved. Only then does its value increase significantly. Moreover, trademarks gain importance as indicators of economic strength and stability. Unfortunately, in Kuwait, these matters are often treated as if they were mere market transactions, rather than issues of national significance. Your Highness the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers can no longer claim any excuse for failing to develop the economy. The Cabinet now holds 'the thread and the needle' in its hands and has full control over the process. The Council today combines both legislative and executive powers. Therefore, either work or leave!
