Dual nationality

Although international human rights law leaves it to the discretion of states whether to permit a person with the nationality of that state also to hold the nationality of another state, there is an increasing trend internationally and in Africa for states to permit dual (or multiple) nationality.  A clear majority of African states now allow dual nationality both for citizens from birth and for those who naturalise. In some countries, such as South Africa, government permission must be obtained.

Key Resources

• Bronwen Manby, “Citizenship Law in Africa: A Comparative Study,” 3rd edition 2016
• African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, “The Right to Nationality in Africa,” 2014
• Beth Elise Whitaker, The Politics of Home: Dual Citizenship and the African Diaspora, International Migration Review, 2011
• Okechukwu Iheduru, African States, Global Migration, and Transformations in Citizenship Politics. Citizenship Studies, 2011