Move to amend 1959 citizenship law

Non-Muslims could be granted nationality if two proposals approved by panel are backed by parliament and government

Non-Muslims could be granted Kuwaiti citizenship if two proposals approved by the parliamentary legal and legislative committee are supported by the parliament and the government.

The proposals call for amending the 1959 citizenship law to allow granting citizenship to applicants who are not Muslims.

The law stipulates under Item 5 of Article 4 that Kuwaiti nationality may be granted by decree upon the recommendation of the Minister of Interior, to any person who is an original Muslim by birth, or has converted to Islam. In this case, he or she would be entitled to apply for citizenship after five years.

The other four requirements are having resided in Kuwait for at least 20 consecutive years or for at least 15 consecutive years if he or she is an Arab; has lawful means of earning a living; is of good character and has not been convicted of an honour-related crime; has knowledge of the Arabic language; and possesses qualifications or renders services needed in Kuwait.

The overwhelming majority of Kuwaiti citizens are Muslims, but around 250 Kuwaitis are Christians who were granted citizenship before the article restricting naturalisation to Muslims was introduced. They hail mainly from Lebanon, Iraq and Palestine.