Issuance of a Law Decree Amending Certain Provisions of the Emir's Decree-Law on Kuwaiti Nationality - Sarmad

(KUNA) — On Sunday, a law decree was issued amending certain provisions of Amir’s Decree No. (15) of 1959 concerning the Kuwaiti Nationality Law. The text of the decree is as follows:

Law Decree No. 79 of 2026 amending certain provisions of Amir’s Decree No. (15) of 1959 concerning the Kuwaiti Nationality Law

Having reviewed the Constitution,

Having reviewed the Amir’s Order issued on 2 Dhu al-Qi’dah 1445 AH, corresponding to 10 May 2024,

Having reviewed Amir’s Decree No. (15) of 1959 concerning the Kuwaiti Nationality Law and its amended laws,

Based on the proposal submitted by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior,

And after approval by the Council of Ministers, we have issued the following Law Decree:

Article One

The following texts shall replace the text of Clause (4) of Article (14) and the text of Article (19) of the aforementioned Amir’s Decree No. (15) of 1959:

Article (14): Clause (4) – “If a person intentionally adds to his own nationality file, or to the nationality file of another person, any individual who is not his son or descendant, and this is established through an investigation conducted by the Supreme Committee for Kuwaiti Nationality Verification, or through a final judicial ruling, the nationality of any of his sons or descendants may be revoked, provided that their knowledge of such act is established.”

Article (19): “The Minister of Interior shall issue a certificate of Kuwaiti nationality to every Kuwaiti after verifying its authenticity in accordance with the provisions of this Law. This certificate shall be issued in electronic form. The Minister shall issue a decision outlining the technical and procedural controls and requirements for issuing, storing, using, verifying the authenticity of, canceling, or suspending the validity of the electronic certificate.”

Article Two

A new paragraph shall be added to the text of Article (7) of the aforementioned Amir’s Decree No. (15) of 1959, reading as follows:

Article (7): New Paragraph – “A person who has acquired Kuwaiti nationality through naturalization shall not have the right to vote, run for office, or be appointed to any legislative body.”

Article Three

The electronic certificate referred to in this Law Decree shall carry the same legal weight and effects as the paper nationality certificate, and shall replace the paper certificate in the application of applicable laws, decrees, and regulations.

Article Four

Any provision contrary to the provisions of this Law Decree is hereby repealed.

Article Five

The Prime Minister and the Ministers – each within their respective competencies – shall implement this Law Decree. It shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall take effect from the date of its publication.

Amir of Kuwait

Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

Prime Minister

Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior

Fahad Yousef Al-Saud

Issued at the Bayt al-Saif Palace on:

10 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448 AH

Corresponding to: 23 August 2026