In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the Gulf region, Kuwait has undertaken a mass citizenship revocation campaign, stripping over 12,000 individuals of their nationality in just three months. The crackdown, which is still ongoing, is based on allegations of various infractions, ranging from fraudulent applications to possession of alternative passports and even terrorism-related charges. What makes this situation even more concerning is the involvement of a "snitch hotline," where fellow citizens can anonymously report on each other, leading to severe consequences such as loss of citizenship.
Neighboring UAE has also been embroiled in similar controversies regarding citizenship. During the Arab Spring, pro-democracy activists from the Al-Islah movement were denaturalized and imprisoned for advocating for greater civic engagement. The UAE’s leadership has been accused of using "collective punishment," not only targeting activists but also their families, in a bid to deter dissent and maintain the status quo.
Unlike other Gulf states, the UAE has been actively working to enhance the value of its nationality in recent years. Emiratis, who were accustomed to preferential treatment abroad, faced challenges post-9/11, prompting the government to launch the "Passport Force initiative" to improve mobility privileges. This initiative aimed to not only facilitate travel but also to discourage dissent by highlighting the benefits of holding what is now considered one of the world’s most powerful passports.
However, the UAE’s approach to citizenship has raised concerns about its heavy reliance on non-citizens, who make up around 90% of the population, for various essential roles in the country. This has led to issues such as skilled expatriates leaving after their tenures end and a selective approach to naturalization that favors high-profile individuals over long-term residents.
Moreover, the UAE’s treatment of marginalized communities like the Bidoon, who face statelessness and lack essential rights, has drawn criticism. Instead of addressing their plight directly, the government struck a deal with the Comoros Islands to naturalize them en masse, raising questions about the country’s commitment to inclusivity and human rights.
The UAE’s complex dynamics around citizenship, dissent, and governance reflect a broader trend in the region where authorities leverage citizenship as a tool for control and compliance. As these events unfold, they underscore the challenges and controversies surrounding citizenship rights and statelessness in the Gulf region, raising important questions about the balance between security concerns and human rights protections.