Wajhat Watani: Nationality... and Human Need

I know that what I am writing does not constitute a fundamental or sustainable solution to any issue, but it may mitigate the difficult impacts and repercussions, at least for a certain period... Information circulating on social media has indicated notifications within the “Sahl” platform regarding the suspension of certain privileges granted by the Council of Ministers to individuals whose citizenship had been revoked, along with a series of decisions affecting them and their dependents. These include categories such as students on government scholarships and recipients of social assistance.

Without delving into extensive background and details, I will address directly the humanitarian aspect concerning these groups. The revocation of their citizenship, regardless of its reasons, has caused a shock that has adversely affected their overall rights and obligations. The decision to extend the status of scholarship students and social assistance recipients can be seen as a measure to alleviate the suffering of expatriates and those in need.

Halting the sponsorship of young men and women in the early stages of their lives, as well as suspending social assistance for the “vulnerable,” is not an easy matter. Canceling studies could lead to difficult circumstances unsuitable for these young people, who embarked on their educational missions based on government decisions and guarantees. Similarly, suspending assistance would have a negative impact on the living conditions of groups for whom even a single dinar makes a significant difference.

I am not here to engage in a lengthy and unproductive debate on issues of citizenship or its implications for employment, commerce, property, and other matters. Rather, I am concerned with calling for the minimum extension of the status previously approved by the Council of Ministers for all categories affected by the revocation of citizenship.

We should bear in mind that Kuwait, known worldwide for its humanitarian aid and charitable work, should not have its executive branch make decisions that adversely affect the situations of students studying abroad or needy recipients of social assistance. The plight of those whose citizenship has been revoked is already difficult; they do not need additional decisions regarding studies or assistance that would further complicate their circumstances.