On 13 April 2026, Kuwait’s Official Gazette published Decree-Law No. (52) of 2026, which amends provisions of the Kuwaiti Citizenship Law (Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959). The new law, effective upon publication on 13 April 2026, introduces new requirements and procedures concerning naturalization, loss, withdrawal, and revocation of Kuwaiti nationality.1On 13 April 2026, Kuwait’s Official Gazette published Decree-Law No. (52) of 2026, which amends provisions of the Kuwaiti Citizenship Law (Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959). The new law, effective upon publication on 13 April 2026, introduces new requirements and procedures concerning naturalization, loss, withdrawal, and revocation of Kuwaiti nationality.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
These amendments have implications for individuals seeking Kuwaiti nationality, holders of naturalized citizenship, and their families, as well as human resources and global mobility teams managing cross-border assignments in Kuwait.
Stricter renunciation requirements for dual nationals, expanded grounds for withdrawal or revocation, and the explicit exclusion of nationality decisions from judicial review may affect the planning and risk profile for globally mobile employees and their employers.
Key Highlights
- New Article 11 bis requires individuals naturalized as Kuwaiti citizens to renounce any other nationality within three months of naturalization and submit proof to the Ministry of Interior. Failure to comply renders the naturalization null and void from the date it was granted.
- Amended Article 12 allows a Kuwaiti woman who lost her nationality due to marriage to a foreign national to request reinstatement upon termination of the marriage, provided she resides in or returns to Kuwait.
- Articles 13 and 14 bis expand the grounds and procedures for the withdrawal or revocation of nationality acquired by naturalization, subject to approval by the relevant committees and issuance by decree.
- Article 16 provides that any loss, withdrawal, or revocation of nationality under the specified articles results in the loss of all benefits acquired through citizenship.
- Article 20 permits the use of scientific methods, including DNA testing and biometric data, in investigations related to the loss or withdrawal of nationality.
- New Article 21 bis B introduces penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for submitting false information or fraudulent documents during nationality investigations, with stricter penalties for intentional acts.
- Article 22 clarifies that all nationality-related decisions are acts of sovereignty and are not subject to judicial review.
- Article 23 grants the Public Prosecution exclusive jurisdiction over all crimes related to nationality matters.
- The decree also updates references to competent authorities throughout the law and repeals provisions of the 1959 decree and its subsequent amendments that are deemed inconsistent or unnecessary.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the change, the organizations, entities, and individuals might consider the following:
- Organizations could consider reviewing internal policies and employee communications relating to Kuwaiti nationality, particularly the requirement to renounce other citizenships within prescribed timelines and the potential consequences of misrepresentation.
- Organizations could note the increase in penalties for misrepresentation and the introduction of additional verification measures, including DNA testing, when assessing employee eligibility, onboarding controls, and ongoing compliance procedures.
- Human resources and global mobility teams could consider informing affected employees of the revised requirements, expanded investigative powers, and potential penalties, and assess whether existing compliance and risk management frameworks require updates, especially given the limited availability of judicial remedies.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration advisers or with a member of the immigration team with KPMG in Kuwait (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Kuwait Government Online, State of Kuwait, “Kuwait's Official Gazette publishes decree-law amending citizenship law,” published on 12 April 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Kuwait.
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