Kuwaiti Women Get Travel Relief Despite Revoked Citizenship

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has announced a new measure allowing women who lost their citizenship under Article 8 of the nationality law to temporarily travel using their old Kuwaiti passports. The move, effective from June 1 to September 30, 2025, aims to ease the transition for women navigating legal uncertainties after their nationality was revoked.

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Temporary Travel with Old Passports

Under the policy, affected women will be permitted to use their former Kuwaiti passports for international travel during the four-month window. The decision is part of a broader effort to help these women regularize their legal status and obtain valid documentation, either from their country of origin or another passport that allows legal residency in Kuwait.

While the travel window lasts four months, the full legal adjustment period spans one year, ending on May 31, 2026.

Conditions and Deadlines Apply

The Ministry made it clear: no exceptions will be granted. Individuals must follow all procedures strictly to maintain eligibility for any remaining benefits or support. That includes:

• Starting the legal adjustment process within the first three months (by August 31, 2025)
• Submitting proof of intent, such as a passport application or an official request to an embassy
• Avoiding delays, as failure to act will result in loss of access to support

Legal Appeals Still Possible

Despite the citizenship revocations, women still have the right to file grievances. Appeals can be submitted to the Grievance Committee for Withdrawal, Forfeiture, and Loss of Kuwaiti Citizenship, as outlined in Cabinet Resolutions No. 207 and 493 of 2025.

Updated Civil IDs Will Reflect New Status

Once a person’s legal status is finalized, they’ll receive a new civil ID. This ID will show their updated nationality and include a note specifying that they are to be treated as a “Kuwaiti individual in accordance with established regulations.”

Supporting a Fair Transition

The Ministry says this policy is meant to “simplify the transition process” and ensure that affected women have fair access to whatever legal protections or benefits they may still qualify for.

While the situation remains sensitive, this new measure gives many women a chance to sort out their legal identity, and travel during the process, with a clear, time-bound plan in place.