Kuwaiti authorities have reportedly stripped citizenship from between 50,000 and 200,000 residents over the past 16 months, according to sources briefed on the ongoing crackdown. The denaturalization efforts commenced in September 2024, shortly after Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assumed leadership and initiated a series of policy measures aimed at strengthening national security.
The mass denaturalizations have raised concerns both domestically and internationally, with critics questioning the scope and criteria of the government’s actions. The targeted individuals are reportedly involved in or suspected of activities deemed threatening to national stability, though details about specific cases remain limited. The Kuwaiti government has emphasized its commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty and social cohesion amidst the crackdown.
Human rights groups and opposition voices have expressed alarm over the scale of citizenship revocations, citing potential abuses and lack of transparency in the process. The government has affirmed that the measures are lawful and necessary to safeguard Kuwait’s security but has not released comprehensive figures or official statements clarifying the full scope. As the situation develops, international observers are monitoring the impact of these policies on residents and the broader regional stability.