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Enhancing the Civil Card Issuance Process in Kuwait

Published

4 months ago

September 11, 2024

Admin

Enhancing the Civil Card Issuance Process in Kuwait. In Kuwait, the issuance of civil cards has recently encountered several challenges, resulting in delays that have affected thousands of Kuwaiti citizens and expatriates. Fortunately, Jaber Al-Kandari, the Deputy Director General for Civil Registration Affairs, has provided valuable insights into this matter. Here are the key developments in this regard:

Implementation of a Prioritization Strategy

To expedite the processing of card applications submitted after May 23, the Public Authority for Civil Information took the strategic step of discontinuing the issuance of cards submitted prior to that date. This measure was implemented to address the issue of numerous individuals not receiving their civil cards due to delayed processing.

Fee Reimbursement for Unissued Cards

Individuals who had paid the 5-dinar fee for a civil card that was not issued will receive a reimbursement, with the fee credited to their account with the Authority. This ensures that the fee remains available for use in the event a card is not issued, sparing individuals from the need to pay the fee again when submitting a new card application.

Fee Exemption for Unissued Cards

For those who previously paid the 5-dinar fee for card issuance but did not receive their cards, there is a significant benefit. These individuals will be exempt from paying the fee when renewing their residency or updating their information, making the civil card issuance process free of charge in such cases.

Emphasis on Timely Card Collection

Al-Kandari stressed the importance of promptly collecting issued cards to prevent them from accumulating in the processing machines. This accumulation can lead to delays in the issuance of new cards, particularly given the existing regular issuance schedule.

Improved Card Issuance Speed

The card issuance process has witnessed significant enhancements, with most cards now being issued within 24 to 48 hours in the majority of cases. This development has alleviated the burden on those who have been anxiously awaiting the issuance of their civil cards.

Conclusion

The Public Authority for Civil Information is taking proactive steps to tackle the challenges faced in the issuance of civil cards in Kuwait. The fee reimbursement and exemption policies provide a fair solution to individuals who have paid for cards that were not issued, ensuring they will not have to incur additional costs when submitting new applications or renewing their residency.

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Kuwaiti Citizenship by Marriage: A Complete Analysis of 56,689 Cases

Published

1 month ago

December 6, 2024

Admin

Kuwaiti Citizenship by Marriage: A Complete Analysis of 56,689 Cases. By the beginning of 2020, 56,689 women from diverse nationalities had acquired Kuwaiti citizenship through marriage under Article 8 of the Nationality Law, according to official statistics reported by Al-Seyassah Daily.

This article delves into the details of this phenomenon, exploring the progression of citizenship grants, legal frameworks, and key government decisions surrounding this topic.

Historical Context and Legal Framework

Under Article 8 of Kuwait’s Nationality Law, foreign women married to Kuwaiti men are eligible for citizenship. This provision aims to integrate spouses into Kuwaiti society while adhering to specific legal requirements.

Data from the former Interior Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hamoud, reveals that 18,184 women were granted Kuwaiti citizenship by 1992. From 1993 onwards, the number saw a significant rise, reaching 38,505 women by early 2020. The surge demonstrates a steady increase in the number of applicants benefiting from this law.

Statistics Breakdown

The timeline of citizenship grants under Article 8 showcases noticeable trends:

Time Period	Number of Women Granted Citizenship

Up to 1992

18,184

1993–1999

10,403

2000–2010

16,305

2011–Early 2020

11,797

The statistics were compiled as part of a parliamentary inquiry by former Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anas Al-Saleh, in response to questions posed by ex-MP Ahmed Al-Fadhel.

The data reflects the evolving nature of Kuwaiti citizenship policies and their impact on demographic trends.

Supreme Committee on Citizenship Investigations

While many women benefit from Article 8, there is also a focus on maintaining the integrity of Kuwait’s citizenship laws. The Supreme Committee for the Investigation of Kuwaiti Nationality, chaired by Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, has taken measures to address irregularities.

As of 2020, the committee decided to withdraw Kuwaiti nationality from 2,162 individuals for violations. This decision underscores Kuwait’s commitment to upholding the legitimacy of its citizenship grants and safeguarding national interests.

Broader Implications

The steady increase in citizenship grants highlights Kuwait’s inclusive approach to integrating foreign spouses. However, the concurrent withdrawals point to a dual strategy of ensuring both inclusivity and integrity.

Conclusion

Kuwait’s approach to citizenship by marriage reflects a balance between embracing foreign spouses and preserving the sanctity of its laws.

With 56,689 women granted citizenship by early 2020, this policy continues to shape the nation’s demographics. As future decisions unfold, the interplay between inclusivity and regulation will remain central to Kuwait’s citizenship policies.