Kuwait intensifies nationality purge: 350 revocations in one day, majority syrian forgers
In a sweeping crackdown led by the Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality, authorities have revoked the citizenship of approximately 350 individuals, the majority of them Syrians accused of using forged passports and fraudulent documents. The move is part of Kuwait’s ongoing effort to protect and preserve its national identity from years-long deception.
Chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, the committee convened for the second consecutive week, building on momentum gained during Sheikh Fahad’s recent mission to Damascus to confront passport forgery networks. Sources revealed that this phase marks the beginning of a broader operation, which will continue in stages, reports Al-Jarida daily.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the revocations are based on clear legal grounds, revocation of citizenship due to dual nationality; withdrawal of citizenship for fraud, forgery, or false statements; revocation in the country’s highest interest.
Among the withdrawn cases around 200 Syrians topped the list; several Gulf nationals with dual citizenship; 12 women naturalized under Article 8 (foreign women married to Kuwaiti men), now under ongoing review.
Sources described the ongoing investigations as multi-layered and complex, likening them to the Russian Matryoshka doll, where opening one fraudulent file often uncovers several more beneath it — sometimes across multiple generations. One file can expose six to seven linked cases, showing how deep-rooted and interconnected the fraud has become.
The Ministry reiterated its firm stance saying, any discovered forgery will be fully dealt with, including legal and hereditary ties, regardless of how long ago the citizenship was obtained.
This unprecedented effort, driven by Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef and his team — referred to by insiders as “Abu Faisal and his friends” — signals Kuwait’s uncompromising approach to defending its citizenship from abuse and infiltration.
