Abstract
The paper aims to explore and critically inquire the sense of belonging between the non-citizen (expatriate population) in Kuwait. It will examine the subjectivity of the topic discussed such as the personal experience of belonging, what it means, while also look at the ill-balanced exercise of power in the socio-economic context when it comes to Kuwaitis versus non-Kuwaitis. These differences can become more complex when we include factors such as ethnicity and gender. Thus, this paper is going to examine these different groups and the dynamic claim to authenticity, voice, as well as their sense of belonging in Kuwait.
Since the enactment of the Nationality Law in 1959; the population of Kuwait was roughly divided into three categories: Kuwaiti [provided that they prove their residency in Kuwait prior to 1920], Resident [non-Kuwaiti], and Stateless [those who failed to prove their affiliation with other nations nor Kuwait]. Therefore, the sense of belonging in Kuwait is relatively new in terms of ‘belonging to a nation’. Furthermore, it got more complicated with the Kafala system (sponsorship) that was implemented in order for a resident to live and work in Kuwait they have to be sponsored by a Kuwaiti.
In order to capture this sense of belonging, the methodology used is a series of relaxed and in-depth interviews to reflectively inquire about the meaning of belonging in Kuwait. Along with personal observation and secondary research, this paper aims to provide a doorway on this matter. In addition, the paper intends to co-create with the interviewees a new meaning for belonging beyond the Kuwaiti citizenship. In conclusion, the paper’s goal is to critically inquire and collect the multiple realities around us in Kuwait.
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