Deprivation of Nationality in the Gulf: Stories from Kuwait and Bahrain
Nationality revocation is being used as a political tool in Gulf states, leaving thousands stateless and deprived of essential rights.
Kuwait has revoked citizenship for over 42,000 individuals since 2024, while Bahrain has historically utilized mass trials and denaturalization to suppress political dissent.
Discriminatory nationality laws that deny women the right to pass citizenship to their children are a primary driver of statelessness in the region.
Stateless individuals face severe marginalization, including exclusion from education, employment, healthcare, and freedom of movement.
The Crisis in Kuwait
2025 amendments to the Nationality Law simplified the process for revoking citizenship, leading to an unprecedented escalation in revocations.
The Supreme Committee for Verifying Kuwaiti Nationality has targeted naturalized citizens, dual nationals, and those accused of fraudulent acquisition.
Women who gained citizenship through marriage under the now-repealed Article 8 have been disproportionately affected.
The long-standing Bidoon population remains excluded from basic services, a reality impacting families for generations.
Political Use of Denaturalization in Bahrain
Between 2012 and 2020, over 1,000 people were stripped of their nationality, often as retaliation for political activities.
Despite a 2019 royal pardon for 551 people, approximately 435 cases remain unresolved due to ongoing political and security considerations.
Historically, the government has managed nationality files to preserve demographic and sectarian balances, particularly regarding residents of Iranian or Iraqi origin.
Gender Discrimination and Statelessness
Most Gulf states do not grant women equal rights to confer nationality to their children, forcing many to navigate precarious legal landscapes regarding marriage and residency.
Thomas McGee of the MENA Statelessness Network emphasizes that denying women the right to pass on nationality is a clear violation of international law.
Children born to national mothers and foreign fathers, particularly where the father is stateless, are often left without legal status.
Impact and Recommendations
Stateless individuals endure constant barriers to professional and academic advancement, often living in fear of deportation despite deep local ties.
Experts urge Gulf states to adopt transparent legal processes, reform discriminatory nationality laws, and fulfill international human rights obligations to foster national stability.