Liberia: House Removes Restrictive Provisions in Dual Citizen Law
Published: 9/Sep/2024
Source: Liberian Observer
— Unanimously passes amendments to Aliens and Nationality Law of 2022
The House of Representatives has approved amendments to the Liberian Aliens and Nationality Law of 2022, unanimously removing restrictive clauses in the dual citizenship law. The revisions aim to protect the rights of natural-born Liberians who hold citizenship in other countries without renouncing their Liberian citizenship, allowing them to participate in elective positions.
Previously, the dual citizenship provisions, enshrined in the Aliens and Nationality Law of 2022, allowed Liberians to retain their citizenship after acquiring a second nationality but required individuals interested in contesting elective positions to renounce their other nationality at least one year before applying to the National Election Commission (NEC).
The recent amendments eliminate this requirement, acknowledging the circumstances that have led Liberians in the diaspora to acquire dual citizenship and ensuring they are not subjected to discriminatory practices.