Kuwait takes steps to protect national identity with law amendment

• The draft decree-law by the Council of Ministers authorizes the withdrawal of Kuwaiti nationality from individuals who obtained it under specific circumstances, such as fraud or forgery in granting citizenship.

• The Ministry of Social Affairs has prepared a study on the violations committed by some charitable associations, highlighting numerous infractions of regulations, in preparation for a decision to dissolve and liquidate these charitable organizations.

• The Council of Ministers emphasized improving Kuwait’s international indicators, boosting citizens’ confidence in government performance, achieving high service satisfaction, and establishing performance metrics for government entities to foster a supportive work environment.

The Council of Ministers approved a draft decree-law amending certain provisions of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 regarding the Kuwaiti Nationality Law. The amendment stipulates that a foreigner’s acquisition of Kuwaiti nationality does not automatically grant Kuwaiti citizenship to their spouse, nor does a foreign woman’s marriage to a Kuwaiti confer Kuwaiti nationality, according to Al Rai newspaper.

Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, the Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Affairs, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, briefed the Council of Ministers on the Ministry’s preparation of two studies regarding the status of several public benefit associations and charitable organizations in anticipation of a decision to dissolve and liquidate them.

This update was presented during the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers at Bayan Palace, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister.

Amendment of the Kuwaiti Nationality Law

Based on its commitment to preserving national identity, the Council of Ministers approved a draft decree-law amending certain provisions of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 regarding the Kuwaiti Nationality Law. This amendment stipulates that a foreigner obtaining Kuwaiti nationality does not automatically grant citizenship to his wife, nor does a foreign woman marry a Kuwaiti automatically confer Kuwaiti nationality upon her.

Additionally, the draft decree-law authorizes the withdrawal of Kuwaiti nationality from individuals who obtained it under specific circumstances, such as fraud or forgery in granting citizenship. It also applies if the individual has been convicted of a crime against honor or honesty, state security, or divine matters, including offenses against prophets or princely dignity. Furthermore, withdrawal may occur if a person is dismissed from a government position for reasons related to honor or honesty, if national interest or external security is at stake, or if serious crimes are committed.

On the other hand, the Council of Ministers adopted the minutes of the Supreme Committee for the Allegation of Kuwaiti Nationality, which includes cases of loss and withdrawal of Kuwaiti nationality from individuals who obtained it through fraud and forgery, in accordance with the provisions of Decree-Law No. (15) of 1959 regarding Kuwaiti nationality and its amendments.

Dissolving associations

In line with the Ministry of Social Affairs’ commitment to its supervisory role over public benefit associations, charitable associations, and charity organizations, Al-Huwailah, briefed the Council of Ministers on the ministry’s preparation of a study regarding the status of several public benefit associations. The study revealed that these associations are ineffective and violate the articles of Law No. (24) of 1962 concerning public benefit clubs and associations, in preparation for a decision to dissolve and liquidate them.

Dr. Al-Huwailah also pointed out that the ministry has prepared another study on the violations committed by some charitable associations, highlighting numerous infractions of regulations, in preparation for a decision to dissolve and liquidate these charitable organizations.

Performance follow-up

On the other hand, the Council of Ministers reviewed a visual presentation provided by the Chairman of the Government Performance Follow-up Authority, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Mushaal, along with several leaders and officials from the Authority.

The presentation included a report on the construction of the government performance management system, aimed at reducing the observations noted in reports from supervisory bodies regarding government agencies. It also focused on achieving the financial sustainability of the state through the adoption of financial policies, the development of incentive, accounting, and evaluation mechanisms for all employees, and preparing government entities for strategies related to the vision of the State of Kuwait.

Additionally, it emphasized improving Kuwait’s international indicators, enhancing citizens’ confidence in government performance, achieving high levels of satisfaction with the services provided, and establishing indicators to measure the performance of government entities to create a conducive work environment for the government performance management system.

Council of Ministers lauds impactful speech from Kuwait’s Crown Prince at United Nations

At the beginning of its meeting, the Council of Ministers praised the speech of the State of Kuwait delivered by the representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh MeshalAl-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah at the Future Summit at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

In his address, His Highness renewed the appeal for everyone to abide by international law and treaties, stressing the importance of applying standards uniformly and denouncing the genocide occurring in Palestine, where more than 41,000 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children, have been affected.

He noted that the Security Council’s inability to stop this aggression is a clear and regrettable example of the double standards in the application of international law.

In his speech, the representative of the Amir emphasized Kuwait’s commitment, since its independence in 1961, to establishing the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

He highlighted the importance of strengthening the development foundations of many developing and least developed countries, noting that since 1961, the fund has provided concessional financing through 1,073 loans and grants from the State of Kuwait for the implementation of various development projects in 105 countries.

Kuwait extends heartfelt congratulations to Saudi Arabia on 94th National Day

On the occasion of the 94th anniversary of the National Day of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which fell last Monday, the Council of Ministers expressed its sincere congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The council also extended its best wishes to the Saudi people, expressing hopes for further progress and prosperity for the Kingdom under their wise leadership. They also wished to perpetuate the blessings of security, stability, and welfare in the brotherly Kingdom, praising its remarkable renaissance and significant role in serving Islam and Muslims.

Construction rules and specifications to facilitate movement for people in need

The Council of Ministers listened to an explanation from Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah, and Abdullatif Al-Mashari, the Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs, regarding Ministerial Decision No. (696) of 2024. This decision amends some provisions of Ministerial Decision No. (206) of 2009 concerning the organization of construction works and its annexed schedules.

The first article of the new decision outlines the requirements and specifications for facilitating the movement and use of people with special needs in and around all buildings across Kuwait.

The second article mandates the application of the Kuwait Code for accessibility, according to the general design approved by the General Authority for Disability Affairs based on the specific use of the building.

Kuwait’s financial situation

The Council of Ministers reviewed a visual presentation by the Minister of Finance, the Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Acting Minister of Oil Nora Al-Fassam, and several leaders from the ministry and the Kuwait Investment Authority regarding the state’s financial situation as of March 31, 2024, in accordance with Article 150 of the Constitution.

Kuwait’s solidarity with Lebanon

The Council of Ministers strongly condemned and denounced the air raids and military operations launched by the Israeli occupation forces against the brotherly Lebanese Republic, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries. This action constitutes a flagrant violation of international norms and laws, including international law and humanitarian law, and poses a serious threat to the security and stability of the region.

The council emphasized Kuwait’s solidarity with the brotherly Lebanese Republic and its commitment to rejecting any actions that would undermine its sovereignty and stability.

Risk of a wider war

The cabinet renewed its warning against the escalating conflict, which exposes the countries in the region to the risk of a wider war resulting from the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza. This situation is compounded by the Israeli occupation forces’ disregard for international appeals and relevant Security Council resolutions, necessitating a serious and strict response to the crimes committed against innocent civilians.