Kuwait: Over $6m in support for foreign spouses stripped of citizenship

Cairo: Kuwait has provided more than KD1.9 million (around $6.1 million) in social support to foreign wives of Kuwaiti men whose citizenships have been revoked, a government official has said.

Kuwaiti Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Affairs, Amthal Al Huwaila, stated that the aid was distributed to 3,391 women in the first three months of this year.

The decision follows directives from the political leadership to ensure the continuity of social support, she told Al Qabas newspaper.

According to official figures, the ministry provided nearly KD412,000 in assistance to 485 women in January. In February, 1,111 beneficiaries received approximately KD595,000, while 1,795 women were granted over KD950,000 in March.

“The ministry is committed to supporting this category in line with approved legal standards to ensure social justice and stability,” Al Huwaila added.

These women are classified under Article 8 of Kuwait’s nationality law, as commonly referenced in Kuwaiti media.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Civil Service Commission, which oversees government employees, has approved the continued provision of job-related perks for female employees whose citizenships were revoked under Article 8.

These benefits include monthly salaries, bonuses, allowances, all types of leave, scholarships, training, and reduced working hours.

Kuwait, a country of about 4.9 million people—most of whom are expatriates—has recently intensified efforts to combat citizenship fraud and dual nationality violations to protect its national identity.

As a result, thousands of individuals have had their Kuwaiti citizenship revoked since early March due to forgery or holding a second nationality, which is prohibited under Kuwaiti law.