Cabinet details rights and benefits for 1965 census nationality revoked citizens

The State of Kuwait has issued a new government circular — based on Cabinet Resolution No. 1355 — defining the rights and privileges retained by individuals whose Kuwaiti nationality has been withdrawn, and who had previously acquired citizenship under Article (Fifth/Third) of the 1965 census category, including those who obtained it by dependency.

According to the circular, those affected will continue to enjoy a range of nine main rights and privileges, provided they adhere to the legal procedures and timeframes outlined in the decision, Al-Rai daily reports.

Key Provisions and Privileges

Temporary travel permission — Those whose citizenship has been withdrawn will be allowed to travel with Kuwaiti passports for four months from the date the decree is published in the Official Gazette.

They must begin procedures to amend their legal status within one year, with proof of action required within the first three months. Failure to comply will result in cancellation of the privileges.

Continued employment — They may continue working in government agencies or state-owned companies under valid contracts issued by the Civil Service Bureau or respective government companies, but without the right to hold senior or supervisory positions.

Education rights maintained — Beneficiaries retain the right to continue their education at all levels, including primary, intermediate, secondary, university, and postgraduate studies, as well as ongoing scholarships, whether domestic or abroad.

Right to one private residence — Individuals may continue to own one private residence within Kuwait. Exceptions apply to those who previously owned multiple residences for legitimate family reasons, provided each is used for private housing purposes.

Retention of housing benefits — Those who have completed construction and received Credit Bank payments may keep their housing units, provided they repay all received funds within one year.

Those still building must complete construction at their own expense and repay loan, if any thereof, within two years, while those holding permits but not yet building must begin within the same timeframe.

Personal sponsorship and ownership rights — They may continue sponsoring domestic workers and own private vehicles in accordance with existing regulations.

Investment and trading rights — They retain the right to trade and invest in shares, bonds, and securities on the Kuwait Stock Exchange, both as individuals and through companies they own.

Small business financing — Those who obtained loans from the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development may continue repaying existing loans and enjoy related incentives under Law No. 98 of 2013, but are not eligible for new loans.

Housing welfare benefits — The Public Authority for Housing Welfare will allow:

• Continued participation in ownership documents for alternative housing units.
• Continued residence in government-rented housing for five years, though no new applications will be accepted.
• Maintenance of restricted applications jointly with their only Kuwaiti son, in accordance with the Housing Welfare Regulations.

Restrictions and Conditions

The circular clarifies that those affected will not be treated as Kuwaiti citizens regarding certain rights, including:

• Public property benefits (such as chalets, livestock pens, or agricultural and industrial plots), which must be transferred within five years to a first-degree Kuwaiti relative.
• Privately owned commercial, investment, or vacant land, which must also be transferred or sold within five years.

Privileges will be immediately suspended in cases involving:

• A final conviction for a felony or crime of moral turpitude, or for state security offenses.
• Failure to amend legal status or obtain valid residence documents within one year of the decree’s publication.

The circular further notes that submitting a grievance to the Grievances Committee for Withdrawal, Revocation, and Loss of Kuwaiti Citizenship—established under Cabinet Resolution No. 207 of 2025 and amended by Resolution No. 493 of 2025—remains permitted for those seeking review of their cases.