Kuwait to restrict passports for ‘bedoons’

Kuwait is to restrict the issuing of temporary passports to a proportion of its stateless residents or ‘bedoons’, according to reports by local media. The interim documents are to be used for travel purposes, and will only be given to those whose family lived in Kuwait in 1965 or children of Kuwaiti women. Individuals will be required to produce official papers proving that their ancestors were in Kuwait when the first census was held, or have Kuwait mothers. Temporary passports will also be issued in cases where stateless residents have severe illnesses and notarized medical certificates can be provided. A scheme to issue ID cards to stateless residents has been put on hold, according to reports, who cited a lack of budget. Kuwait is reported to have around 105,000 stateless individuals living in the country, who claim they have the right to Kuwaiti nationality despite their ancestors not previously applying for citizenship in the nation, which gained independence from the British in 1961. Thousands of individuals have taken to the streets in Kuwait City early this year in protest against their lack of rights, demanding citizenship and access to state services. Kuwait’s news agency KUNA said this week that 1,302 stateless residents had adjusted their residency status in the last four months, reverting back to their original nationalities. This step reportedly entitles individuals to a free residency visa for them and their families for five years, but still excludes them from receiving the benefits given to Kuwaiti nationals.