Kuwait is one of the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries
located in the Middle East known for its oil wealth and benefits bestowed upon
the citizens. But tucked away in the northern part of the country – 60
kilometers from the men in Bugattis and women carrying Balenciaga — are the
Bedouin. Also known as the bedoun jinsiya… Arabic for “without
citizenship.”

The population of Kuwait is approximately 3.2 million, with
Kuwaiti citizens making up only a fraction of that at barely over 1 million.
The expats living and working in Kuwait account for roughly 2 million. And then
the Bedouin – approximately 120,000-150,000.

There are critics who claim the Bedouin arrived in Kuwait
once the economy begun to flourish in hopes of acquiring citizenship. Yet the
facts show otherwise. There are a number of Bedouins who have the “jinsiya
paper” issued in the 1960s to all persons eligible for citizenship – yet
they didn’t register, and many are now told their documents are forged. Kuwait
had been their home for generations. Their grandmothers and grandfathers had
lived on that land and died there as well. What was a paper going to do for
them? Sadly they were unaware of the benefits which would eventually come along
with being a “Kuwaiti.” And now, those who know no other home than
Kuwait are virtually invisible – living without even their basic human rights.

To some this seems like a situation which could be easily
fixed – give them all citizenship and be done. Unfortunately it’s just not that
simple. Kuwait is fully aware of this issue and openly recognizes it. They’re
always working towards a reasonable solution. Unfortunately this isn’t enough.

Many Bedouin are still unable to obtain a passport, get
marriage certificates, death certificates, or even a birth certificate for
their children. Without proper birth certification a child can’t be registered
in school. This leads to numerous children without the right to an education…
the right to a future… the right to a dream. Though Bedouin are allowed to work
it’s difficult for them to find a job. Few even have proper identification and
certainly don’t have the required employment visas to work in Kuwait as they’ve
never been required to have them before. Many Bedouin were once employed as
police officers, served in the Kuwait military, and even fought against Iraq
during the 1991 invasion. Yet these same people are now told they’re
“illegal in Kuwait” and no longer eligible for this type of
employment.

Though education is provided at no cost to Kuwaiti citizens
(even university), Bedouin are not offered the same benefit. Bedouin are required
to pay for their school from day one. Although not very expensive –
approximately $700 per year per child – it’s far more than most can afford as
the average Bedouin makes less than $300 per month. If a Bedouin does manage to
attend school and graduate from high school he/she is still required to pay for
university if they choose to further their education. Yet upon graduation if
he’s offered the same job as a Kuwaiti his wages will be less than half what
his colleagues are making. They will not be provided the same paid vacation
days, sick leave, and maternity leave of all other company employees, though
the Kuwait labor law clearly states everyone should. Recently, Dr. Sayer of the
Ministry of Health in Kuwait said all employees – Kuwaiti, Bedouin, and
otherwise – will be treated the same and given the same benefits in accordance
with the labor law. So far no other government agencies have followed suit.

Over the years I’ve come to know numerous Bedouin and their
families. I’ve seen children slowly lose sight of hopes and dreams. And
communities of people give up on the idea they will ever be recognized or
treated fairly. I’ve seen young men choose not to marry… knowing they have
nothing to offer a wife or children. It’s not uncommon to find several adult
brothers still living at home with their parents searching for odd jobs in
hopes of at least maintaining a roof over their head and a meal on the table.
Many Bedouin will resort to selling vegetables on the side of the road, hawking
bootleg DVDs, or even crime. Their options are limited. If these men are caught
doing any of the above jobs they’re often threatened with arrest and jail time.
To meet even their most basic needs is a risk.

The living conditions of most Bedouin are substandard at
best. Both Jahra and Sulabiya Kuwait are highly populated with Bedouin living
in small concrete and aluminum structures, barely resembling a home.
Furnishings are limited, and many families sleep in one room on mats on the
floor.

Finally, of all the Bedouin I know, not once has one ever
said they are seeking Kuwaiti citizenship or all the benefits which come with
that. They simply want their basic human rights met. The right to travel. The
right to proper identification. Education. Birth and death certificates. The
right to a job where they can provide properly for a family and live as a
normal person.

The right to a dream and the right to pursue it.

The writer is an American woman who is currently living and
working in the Persian Gulf.