Kuwait issues Amiri Decree-Law No. 79 of 2026 amending Nationality Law
Amiri Decree-Law No. 79 of 2026 was issued yesterday, amending several provisions of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 concerning the Kuwaiti Nationality Law. The decree was approved by the Council of Ministers at its meeting last week and provides that it takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Amendment to Article 14
The decree replaces Clause 4 of Article 14 with a new provision stating that if a person deliberately adds to his nationality file, or to another person’s nationality file, someone who is not one of their children or descendants, and this is proven through an investigation by the Supreme Committee for Kuwaiti Nationality Investigation or through a final judicial ruling, the nationality of any of that person’s children or descendants may also be revoked if it is proven that they knew about the wrongful addition.
Electronic Kuwaiti Nationality Certificates
The decree also replaces Article 19. Under the amended article, the Minister of Interior shall grant every Kuwaiti a Kuwaiti nationality certificate after verifying its authenticity in accordance with the provisions of the law. The certificate will be issued electronically.
The Minister of Interior will issue a decision establishing the technical and technological controls and requirements for the issuance, storage, use and verification of the validity of the electronic certificate, as well as for cancelling or suspending its use.
New Restriction on Naturalized Citizens
The decree’s second article adds a new paragraph to Article 7 stating:
- “Those who acquired Kuwaiti nationality by naturalization shall not have the right to vote, run for office, or be appointed to any parliamentary body.”
- Electronic Certificate Replaces the Paper Certificate
- The decree states that the electronic nationality certificate will have the same legal validity and effects as a nationality certificate.
- It will replace the paper nationality certificate in the application of the laws, decrees and regulations in force.
- The decree also repeals any provision that conflicts with its provisions.
