H. E. Fahd Al-Yousef: Counterfeiters begin to flee Kuwait amid crackdown

The Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Citizenship has made a significant decision by recommending the withdrawal of Kuwaiti citizenship from 930 individuals. This decision is being prepared for submission to the Council of Ministers for final approval.

The meeting, chaired by the Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, H.E. Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, represents a substantial move in the investigation and enforcement of citizenship regulations in Kuwait. This action marks a record number of cases, reflecting the committee’s heightened efforts in scrutinizing citizenship eligibility and compliance.

The Acting Prime Minister, in an interview with Al-Rai, emphasized that there is no precise estimate yet, regarding the number of individuals who may have their Kuwaiti citizenship withdrawn or lost in the future.

In addition, H. E. Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef acknowledged that the current number of 930 cases is indeed large but stressed that these cases involve individuals who are deserving of having their citizenship revoked due to blatant violations.

Al-Yousef assured that no innocent individuals are being wronged in the process and that the goal is to lift the injustice from Kuwait and the people of Kuwait. This action, he clarified, is in line with directives from His Highness the Amir, to preserve and protect Kuwait’s national identity.

Furthermore, Al-Yousef said that what happened in the citizenship file is one of the biggest crimes against Kuwait, and this crime cannot be allowed to continue. He stressed that all decisions taken by the Supreme Committee for Citizenship, are made in accordance with the correct procedures and the law, and all files are carefully examined.

In addition to the actions taken regarding the citizenship file, H.E. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef revealed that a committee will be established within the General Administration of Nationality.

The committee’s role will be to address grievances from individuals who feel wronged by the decision to withdraw or revoke their Kuwaiti citizenship. A specific communication mechanism will be put in place to allow these individuals to present their cases.

The committee will listen to the grievances and take the appropriate a measure, ensuring that due process is followed and that all claims are considered carefully.

Highlighting further, Al-Yousef stressed about the seriousness of the cases involved, providing an example of two individuals who were among the 930 cases where Kuwaiti citizenship was withdrawn.

Al-Yousef revealed that these two individuals, who were initially registered as brothers in Kuwait, were in fact cousins in Syria and had fraudulently obtained Kuwaiti citizenship.

Additionally, Al-Yousef pointed out that approximately 132 other individuals had acquired Kuwaiti citizenship based on false claims of dependency, accusing them of fraudulently and deceitfully obtaining citizenship. These revelations underscore the scale of fraudulent activities being investigated in the citizenship file.

Al-Yousef also noted that some individuals in the 930 cases were originally Syrian nationals, including the two who fraudulently obtained citizenship, revealing that these two individuals had fled to Turkey.

Further to this, Al-Yousef added that the two Syrians who fraudulently obtained Kuwaiti citizenship also have Syrian siblings in Kuwait who were aware of the forgery but remained silent. He emphasized that those who stay silent about such crimes are considered as partners in these crimes.

Expressing gratitude for the developments, Al-Yousef confirmed that the forgers have begun to flee Kuwait.

Al-Yousef added, “Thank God, that God will provide us with someone who will expose the forgers” further highlighting about the ongoing efforts to uncover fraudulent activities. He reassured that they are working tirelessly and have reliable sources both inside and outside Kuwait to aid in the investigation.

To conclude, Al-Yousef appealed to the real Kuwaitis, urging them to offer their help, assistance, and information in the ongoing efforts, reminding them that protecting the country is a collective responsibility.

Al-Yousef mentioned that “this is your country, and this is everyone’s responsibility” and expressed confidence that ‘Kuwait would always be safeguarded by the goodwill of its people and rulers, though protection from God Almighty’.