In a significant ruling, a Kuwaiti court has sentenced three Gulf nationals to 10 years in prison each for forging Kuwaiti citizenship and illegally collecting KD500,000 (approximately Dh5.97 million) in government salaries and benefits.
The three individuals were found guilty of fraudulently claiming to be the children of Kuwaiti men, which allowed them to obtain Kuwaiti citizenship and receive government benefits intended for nationals. The criminal court also mandated that the defendants repay KD1 million to the state treasury, an amount that is double what they wrongfully received while pretending to be Kuwaiti citizens.
This ruling comes as Kuwait intensifies its efforts to combat citizenship fraud in a bid to protect the nation’s identity. The country has witnessed an increase in cases involving forged documents and illegal dual citizenship claims, with hundreds of citizenships revoked since March.
Kuwait, which has a predominantly expatriate population of around 4.9 million, has been reinforcing its position against nationality fraud, which is punishable under strict laws aimed at safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and integrity.
This recent legal action serves as a stern warning to those trying to exploit the system, with authorities demonstrating zero tolerance for such offenses. The nation continues to strengthen its laws and enforcement measures, striving to maintain its national identity and prevent further fraudulent activities.
