Kuwait’s Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Youssef, in an exclusive interview with journalist Ali Al-Olayani on Al-Rai Channel’s “Theatre of Life” program, revealed shocking details about the new citizenship law and the forgery cases revealed by the Supreme Committee for Citizenship, stressing that some facts seem unbelievable.
Neither a “great feat” nor a “bedoon”
The minister explained that the new law does not include so-called “feats”, except in the case of martyrs, and that the bidon file has been completely closed, stressing that some countries have expressed their intention to provide specific quotas to find suitable solutions for their populations.
Full right to return to original citizenship
Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef pointed out that Kuwaiti nationals who have returned to their original nationality enjoy full rights and, in accordance with the directives of the country’s emir, the law guarantees lifelong permanent residence in Kuwait.
33 meetings…and an amazing scam
The minister spoke of the horrors of the forgery cases uncovered by the commission, stressing that some forgers had used fictitious dependents, forged names and polygamy. He described the findings of the investigation as “if only we could turn them into an incredible movie”, noting that although meetings of the Supreme Committee on Civil Rights are continuing and many of the forgers have fled the country, the case will not end anytime soon.
“Article 8” and 60% return
The minister clarified that approximately 60% of those covered by the law have returned to their original nationality, and their rights, including permanent residence and the enjoyment of all benefits they had while holding Kuwaiti citizenship, have been fully restored, and the treatment of Article 8 related to return to their original nationality has been completed.
Continuous tracking of forged files
Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef confirmed that the Committee continues to follow up on the counterfeiting case and that all the details and methods used by the counterfeiters constitute a serious challenge to the law, but that the Government continues to manage the situation in a way that protects the rights of the state and its legitimate citizens.
