Kuwait issues decree amending nationality law

Kuwait's Amiri Diwan on Sunday issued a decree amending certain provisions of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 concerning the Kuwaiti Nationality Law.

Below is the text of the decree, as published by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

"Decree Law No. 79 of 2026 amending some provisions of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 on the Kuwaiti Nationality Law: After reviewing the Constitution, the Amiri Order issued on 2 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1445 AH (May 10, 2024), Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 and its amendments, and upon the proposal of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and after cabinet approval, we have issued the following decree law:

Article One: Clause (4) of Article (14) and Article (19) of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 are replaced with the following texts:

Article (14), Clause (4): "If a person deliberately adds anyone who is not his child or descendant to his own or another's nationality file, and this is proven by an investigation conducted by the Supreme Committee for Kuwaiti Nationality or by a final court ruling, the nationality may also be revoked from any of his children or descendants if it is proven they were aware of the act."

Article (19):

"The Minister of Interior shall grant every Kuwaiti a certificate of Kuwaiti nationality after verifying eligibility in accordance with this law. This certificate will be issued electronically. The minister will issue a decision specifying the technical and procedural requirements for issuing, storing, using, verifying, cancelling, or suspending the electronic certificate."

Article Two: A new paragraph is added to Article (7) of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 as follows:

Article (7), new paragraph: "Anyone who acquires Kuwaiti nationality by naturalization shall not have the right to vote, run for office, or be appointed to any representative body."

Article Three: The electronic certificate stipulated in this decree law shall have the same legal validity and effects as the paper nationality certificate, and shall replace it in the application of all relevant laws, decrees, and regulations.

Article Four: Any provision contrary to this decree law is hereby repealed. Article Five: The Prime Minister and ministers—each within their jurisdiction—shall implement this decree law, which shall be published in the Official Gazette and enter into force from the date of publication.

The decree was issued at Seif Palace on August 23, 2026, and signed by Emir of Kuwait Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah.

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