SA Migration International

News Articles

Got two passports? You could be in danger of losing SA citizenship

Source: News24, 01/01/1970

South Africans choosing to work and live in another country, may be
surprised to discover they're no longer citizens of South Africa
should they choose to acquire the citizenship of their adoptive
country, due to the stricter application of an old Citizenship Act.

According to vague amendments to the South African Citizenship Act 88
of 1995, it states that unless South African expats specifically apply
for written permission (from the Minister of Home Affairs) to keep
their South African citizenship, they will lose it by default.

Between 2011 - 2015 roughly 2000 South Africans citizens living abroad
lost the protection of the South African government, as well as their
right to vote, on acquiring the citizenship of their adoptive country
without getting prior permission from the Minister of Home Affairs.

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