Latest news with #AmiriDecreeNo.15
Arab Times
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
9 stripped of Kuwaiti citizenship
KUWAIT CITY, May 21: The official gazette 'Kuwait Al-Youm' published in a special supplement the decision of the Supreme Committee for Investigating Kuwaiti Nationality to revoke citizenship for nine individuals based on Article 11 of Amiri Decree No. 15/1959 concerning the Kuwaiti Nationality Law and its amendments, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Article 11 states, 'A Kuwaiti citizen will lose his nationality if he willingly acquires a foreign nationality. His Kuwaiti wife shall not lose her nationality unless she acquires her husband's new nationality. His minor children shall lose their Kuwaiti nationality if they acquire their father's new nationality, under the laws of the country granting the new nationality.
Arab Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Doctors, Media Figures Among 157 Stripped of Kuwaiti Citizenship
KUWAIT CITY, May 18: The official gazette 'Kuwait Al-Youm' published in its Sunday issue Decree No. 88/2025 that revoked Kuwaiti citizenship from 154 individuals, along with those who had acquired it through them, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The list includes doctors, scholars, former footballers, and media figures who had obtained Kuwaiti nationality under the clause of 'providing distinguished services to Kuwait.' The official gazette also published Cabinet Resolution No. 553/2025 for revoking the citizenship certificates of three individuals and those who acquired it through them, based on Article 21 bis-A of Kuwaiti Nationality Law No. 15/1959 and its amendments, relating to forgery cases. On Saturday, the official gazette published in its supplement two decisions issued by the Supreme Committee for Investigating Kuwaiti Nationality concerning the revocation of citizenship for five individuals due to dual nationality. The first decision, No. 9/78-2/2025 ordered the revocation of citizenship for two women, based on Article 10 of Amiri Decree No. 15/1959 concerning the Nationality Law. The second decision, No. 9/79-2/2025, stipulated the revocation of citizenship for three individuals, based on Article 11. Article 10 of the Nationality Law states: 'A Kuwaiti woman who marries a foreigner shall not lose her Kuwaiti nationality unless she acquires her husband's nationality at her request.' Article 11 states: 'A Kuwaiti man shall lose his nationality if he voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality. His Kuwaiti wife shall not lose her nationality unless she acquires his new nationality. His minor children shall lose their Kuwaiti nationality if they acquire their father's new nationality under the laws of the country granting it.' Children have the right to declare their choice to retain Kuwaiti nationality to the Minister of Interior within two years of reaching the age of majority.
Arab Times
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait strips 13 individuals of citizenship under nationality law
KUWAIT CITY, April 28: The Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality has issued a decision to revoke the citizenship of 13 individuals, in accordance with Article 11 of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959, which pertains to the Kuwaiti Nationality Law and its subsequent amendments. The move reflects the government's ongoing enforcement of legal provisions regulating the acquisition and revocation of Kuwaiti nationality.
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
New Kuwaiti citizenship rules: Genetic and biometric data now compulsory
KUWAIT CITY - The Ministry of Interior has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 678 of 2025 outlining the official use of modern scientific techniques—including genetic and biometric analysis—in the process of granting, withdrawing, revoking, or confirming Kuwaiti citizenship. The resolution, issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, comes after a review of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959, which governs the Kuwaiti Nationality Law and its subsequent amendments. The move marks a significant step toward integrating advanced technology into national identity verification processes. Key Definitions and Methods Under the resolution, several key terms are defined to standardize procedures: - Genetic fingerprint refers to the unique biological gene map that identifies individuals, derived from DNA analysis of biospecimens. - Biometric fingerprints include physical identifiers such as fingerprints, iris patterns, and facial recognition data. - Biospecimens refer to biological samples taken from individuals for identity verification and familial linkage testing. Approved Scientific Methods The resolution authorizes the use of the following modern scientific techniques in determining citizenship status: 1. Genetic fingerprinting and analysis of hereditary traits. 2. Biometric fingerprinting and analysis of biometric features. 3. Any new scientific methods developed in the future. Mandatory Participation All individuals under investigation for matters related to citizenship—whether for granting, withdrawal, loss, or revocation—are required to undergo genetic and biometric data collection as stipulated in the resolution. National Database The Ministry of Interior will maintain a secure database containing the collected genetic and biometric data. This will be used to verify identities and prevent impersonation in a precise and effective manner. The Ministry emphasized that the integration of scientific methods aims to enhance accuracy, transparency, and fairness in citizenship-related decisions. Authorized Authorities and Equipment Article 4 of the resolution states that the competent authorities responsible for conducting genetic and biometric fingerprint analysis will be designated by the Minister of Interior. Among them must be the center within the General Department of Criminal Evidence. These designated authorities must possess medically and technically approved equipment to carry out DNA and genetic trait analysis, as well as biometric fingerprint examinations, to establish or disprove paternity and lineage as required under the resolution. Use of Biometric Fingerprints Article 5 lays out the process for biometric identification, which includes fingerprinting, iris scans, facial recognition, and photographic image matching. Key provisions include: 1. Biometric fingerprints shall be collected at the General Department of Criminal Evidence, upon request from the General Department of Nationality and Travel Documents or any authority appointed by the Minister of Interior. 2. If the Department of Criminal Evidence—or any other relevant entity—has existing biometric or genetic data for a subject, it must be disclosed and forwarded to the Department of Nationality and Travel Documents. If no data exists, the subject must undergo testing within one week of the request. 3. Results from biometric fingerprint analyses or comparisons must be sent to the Department of Nationality and Travel Documents or the designated authority. 4. The Department of Nationality and Travel Documents will then prepare an official memorandum interpreting the results and recommending whether the data supports the granting, revocation, or denial of citizenship. This will be submitted to the Supreme Committee for Nationality for final action. 5. Upon request from the concerned parties or the Department of Criminal Evidence, and with the approval of the Department of Nationality and Travel Documents or the Minister's designee, biometric fingerprint tests may be repeated to verify accuracy. Genetic Fingerprinting Procedures Article 6 specifies the steps for conducting genetic fingerprint testing: 1. A permit must be obtained from the Department of Nationality or another designated authority before conducting any genetic fingerprinting for citizenship-related purposes. 2. Biological samples—such as blood, saliva, or hair—will be collected from the concerned individuals, with all collection procedures properly documented to preserve sample integrity. 3. Analyses must be performed in approved laboratories listed under Article 4. Strict confidentiality must be maintained throughout, and DNA will be extracted and compared based on established technical and medical protocols. 4. Individuals performing genetic fingerprint analysis must meet the following criteria: - Be included in a list approved by the Ministry of Interior. - Have no personal relationship (kinship, friendship, hostility, or vested interest) with the individual being tested. - Must not have a criminal record involving felonies or crimes of moral turpitude or breach of trust. - Must maintain a documented record of all tests for auditing purposes by the Ministry. - A detailed report of the results must be submitted in a sealed, confidential envelope to the General Department of Criminal Evidence. Final Reporting and Review Procedures Clause F: The General Department of Criminal Evidence is tasked with preparing a final report containing its official findings and conclusions regarding DNA test results. This report will be submitted to the General Department of Nationality and Travel Documents. Clause G: Following the receipt of the report, the General Department of Nationality and Travel Documents will draft a memorandum assessing the implications of the test results and their relevance to citizenship eligibility. This memorandum will be forwarded to the Supreme Nationality Committee for appropriate action. Clause H: If requested by the concerned parties or the examining center, and with the approval of the General Department of Nationality and Travel Documents or an authority designated by the Minister of Interior, a DNA test may be repeated to confirm the accuracy of the results. Approved Sources for DNA Testing Article 7 DNA samples may be collected from the following sources: 1. Blood 2. Semen 3. Hair root or hair strand 4. Bone 5. Saliva 6. Urine 7. Amniotic fluid from the fetus 8. Fertilized egg cells after division 9. Any body cell Chain of Custody and Documentation Article 8 All stages of DNA analysis—from sample collection and transfer to final results—must be thoroughly documented to preserve sample integrity and ensure accurate results. These records shall be securely stored at the General Department of Criminal Evidence and may be audited at any time by the Ministry of Interior to verify their security, accuracy, and confidentiality. Supervision and Oversight Article 9 The Ministry of Interior is authorized to seek the expertise of specialists from the Ministry of Health or other relevant bodies to oversee and ensure proper execution of DNA analysis procedures under the resolution's standards. Confidentiality Measures Article 10 All genetic data obtained through any scientific method under this resolution must be handled with the utmost confidentiality and privacy. Implementation and Enforcement Article 11 The Undersecretary of the Ministry is responsible for implementing this resolution, which comes into effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette. Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( arabtimes
Arab Times
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait turns to genetic and biometric tech for citizenship verification
KUWAIT CITY, April 19: Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has officially adopted modern scientific methods, including genetic fingerprinting and biometric analysis, in the processes of granting, withdrawing, losing, or revoking Kuwaiti citizenship. The decision comes under Ministerial Resolution No. 678 of 2025, issued by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef. The resolution is based on Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 concerning Kuwaiti nationality and its subsequent amendments. It aims to enhance accuracy and integrity in verifying individuals' eligibility for citizenship by applying advanced technologies. Definitions and key concepts Under Article 1, the resolution defines essential terms: Genetic fingerprint: A unique biological code derived from DNA that identifies an individual. Biometric fingerprint: Identification based on physical traits like fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans. Bio-specimens: Bodily samples (e.g., blood, saliva) used for DNA testing. Subject person: An individual under investigation regarding their entitlement to Kuwaiti citizenship. Database: A secure digital system storing genetic and biometric data. Article 2: Approved scientific methods The resolution outlines three recognized scientific methods for citizenship procedures: Genetic trait or fingerprint analysis. Biometric identification. Any future scientific methods recognized officially. Article 3: Mandatory testing Citizens or residents undergoing investigation must submit to genetic and biometric testing to determine eligibility for citizenship-related procedures. Article 4: Designated testing authorities Approved testing centers will be determined by the Minister of Interior, including the General Department of Criminal Evidence. These centers must be equipped with medically approved tools and adhere to rigorous standards. Article 5: Biometric data protocols Biometric data will be collected and processed according to strict rules: Testing must occur at the General Department of Criminal Evidence upon request from relevant authorities. If no existing data is found, individuals must report for testing within a week. All results are submitted to the General Department of Nationality and Travel Documents, which then prepares a memorandum for the Supreme Committee for Nationality. Retesting may be requested with proper authorization. Article 6: DNA analysis procedures DNA tests follow strict protocols: Requires prior approval from relevant authorities. Bio-samples such as blood, saliva, or hair must be securely collected and documented. Only approved and impartial personnel may conduct the tests. Final test reports are submitted confidentially and assessed by the Ministry of Interior for further action. Samples for DNA testing may include: Blood, semen, saliva, urine, hair roots, bones, amniotic fluid, fertilized egg cells, or body cells. Each step in the DNA testing process must be documented to ensure accuracy and integrity. Records will be audited as needed by the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry may collaborate with the Ministry of Health or other relevant institutions to oversee DNA testing operations. Article 10: Privacy and confidentiality Strict confidentiality must be maintained in handling genetic data collected through these scientific methods. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior is tasked with implementing this resolution, which comes into effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette.
