The Kuwaiti Interior Ministry has issued guidelines for individuals whose citizenship was revoked under the 'commendable acts' clause. They can use Kuwaiti passports for travel for four months from July 2025 to amend their legal status. Benefits include employment and education rights; non-compliance can result in benefit loss. Affected parties must coordinate with embassies to secure their original nationality's passport. The ministry emphasizes fairness and adherence to procedures to maintain legal stability.

The Interior Ministry announced on Thursday the implementation of regulations concerning those whose Kuwaiti citizenship has been revoked under the category of commendable acts. These guidelines encompass procedures, instructions, granted benefits, and conditions that may lead to their suspension, among other details.

The ministry stated in a press release that to ensure efficient processes and continuous access to all entitled benefits, individuals affected can travel with Kuwaiti passports for a period of four months from July 20, 2025. This applies to those impacted by decrees issued before this date, with the grace period starting from the decree issuance for new cases to help them adjust their situations accordingly.

It emphasized the necessity for the concerned individuals to strictly adhere to the instructions, which include coordinating with their embassy to obtain their original passport from the citizenship they held prior to obtaining Kuwaiti nationality under the commendable acts category, or any official passport that grants them legal residency in the country.

Among the stipulations, it highlighted the importance of adhering to the one-year grace period from the decree's issuance and publication in the official gazette to ensure the continuation of benefits.

Beyond this period, benefits will not be accessible unless the legal status is amended within the given timeline. It is crucial for individuals to engage with the embassy to secure a passport and initiate the required procedures within the first three months of the grace period, presenting proof of their efforts. Failure to demonstrate genuine action within this timeframe will result in the loss of benefits.

The Interior Ministry enumerated the benefits available, including continued employment in the public sector or government-affiliated corporations, under contracts issued by the Civil Service Commission or specific contracts from government companies, excluding any leadership or supervisory roles.

Those stripped of their citizenship retain the right to pursue education previously available to them, enabling continuation in all school levels from elementary to high school, and further education at diploma, university, or postgraduate studies initiated before the citizenship withdrawal. They may also proceed with internal or external scholarships granted prior to this action.

Moreover, the ministry noted that individuals may retain a single private residence in Kuwait, except those who already owned multiple homes due to polygamy, allowing them to keep more than one residence for personal housing purposes.

According to the guidelines, those whose citizenship was withdrawn under commendable acts retain housing benefits acquired prior to this action, provided the residential unit is fully constructed and all credit bank payments have been disbursed. Payments must be completed within a year from the citizenship revocation's official publication.

In cases where building permits were used and construction began, individuals must complete these projects at their own expense, settling any amounts received from the credit bank within two years of the decree's publication.

For those who obtained a building license but have yet to begin construction, they can retain the allocated plot, committing to building at their own expense for personal and family use within two years from the decree’s publication.

The ministry also affirmed continued entitlement to domestic worker sponsorship and vehicle ownership as per existing regulations.

However, these individuals will not enjoy the same rights as Kuwaitis concerning public property usage, such as chalets, alfalfa farms, agricultural, industrial, or commercial plots. A five-year period is granted to them for settling these matters through transfer or relinquishment to first-degree relatives who hold Kuwaiti citizenship, without any fees.

Concerning privately owned commercial, investment, industrial properties, and vacant lands, a maximum deadline of five years is provided to transfer ownership through sale, donation, or waiver, and settle matters accordingly.

The benefits will be immediately halted under conditions such as a final judgment in a felony or dishonorable criminal case, committing a state security crime, or offences against deities, prophets, or the Amir.

Additionally, benefits cease if there is non-compliance with adjustment requirements, notably failing to reacquire original nationality or secure an official, residency-valid document in Kuwait within a year of the decree's publication, whichever comes first.

The Interior Ministry reminded involved individuals that legal adjustments do not preclude them from seeking recourse with the Grievance Committee for Revoked, Dropped or Lost Kuwaiti Citizenship, established by Cabinet's Resolution No. 207 of 2025 and its amendments.

Emphasizing the significance of respecting set timelines and consulting relevant authorities to complete necessary steps and update information, the Ministry called on everyone to adhere to issued instructions.

The Ministry reiterated its dedication to enforcing laws with fairness and transparency, while considering humanitarian aspects when dealing with cases under the “commendable acts” category, taking necessary actions to ensure stability in their legal status within the country.