KUWAIT (Reuters) - More than 1,000 stateless Arabs demonstrated in Kuwait on Friday demanding citizenship, and dozens were arrested by police, witnesses said.
The protest in Jahra, northwest of Kuwait City, was the first in the oil-producing Gulf Arab state since a wave of unrest began sweeping across the Middle East in December.
Security forces dispersed the demonstration, using smoke bombs and water cannon after protesters refused warnings to leave. There were no reports of casualties.
The stateless Arabs, longtime residents of Kuwait known as Bedouin from the Arabic "bedoun jinsiyya" (without nationality), were demanding citizenship, free education, free healthcare and jobs, benefits available to Kuwaiti nationals.
The Interior Ministry could not be reached for comment.
Many of Kuwait's stateless people are descended from desert nomads denied citizenship under the emirate's strict nationality laws. Citizenship in Kuwait entitles holders to generous welfare benefits.
The turmoil in the region and worries about its possible effects on Middle East oil producers has pushed up oil prices. Brent crude hit a 28-month high of $104 a barrel on Thursday.
(Reporting by Kuwait newsroom; Writing by Martina Fuchs; Editing by Alistair Lyon)
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