Times Kuwait, 7 May 2026: Kuwaiti banks have resumed accepting personal loan applications from individuals whose citizenships were withdrawn, following a comprehensive review of lending risks and credit policies, while maintaining permanent exclusion for cases involving forgery or security violations.
According to banking sources, the reopening applies to categories including individuals formerly holding citizenship under Article 8 relating to wives of Kuwaiti nationals, Article 5 relating to exceptional services, and children of Kuwaiti women. However, persons whose citizenships were revoked on security or fraud grounds remain excluded from banking facilities and financing services.
Banks reportedly introduced 10 principal eligibility conditions governing loan approvals and debt restructuring for affected applicants. The conditions require applicants to regularise their residency status, regain their original nationality, and obtain valid residency and identification documents before accessing financing products. Applicants must also comply with standard lending requirements, including verified salary transfers and documented income sources.
The revised lending standards additionally require proof of stable employment and satisfactory credit histories. Applicants must not appear on the Central Bank-linked “CiNet” blacklist for defaults or delayed payments. In accordance with Central Bank of Kuwait lending regulations, monthly loan instalments must not exceed 40% of the borrower’s salary.
Banks will also apply differentiated credit assessments depending on the borrower’s previous citizenship category and current nationality. Individuals previously classified under “exceptional services” categories may face stricter conditions and lower credit ratings because of heightened risk assessments. Financing ceilings will vary depending on nationality, salary levels, guarantees, and each bank’s internal credit policy.
The framework further allows banks to require debt restructuring where residency or salary changes cause borrowers to exceed permitted regulatory debt ratios. Financial guarantees, including end-of-service benefits, deposits, investment portfolios, and shares, may also be considered when assessing eligibility and financing limits.