How do I get dual citizenship in South Africa and Lesotho?
The law does not allow for dual citizenship. Considering Lesotho’s geographic location being surrounded by South Africa, and the many Basotho who are migrant workers, the issue of dual citizenship has led to litigation in the Lesotho courts. In 2018, a bill was finally approved in parliament to permit dual citizenship.
Are South African citizens allowed dual citizenship?
Yes, it is possible for a South African Citizen to hold dual citizenship (be a citizen of more than one country). However, in order to make this possible a South African Citizen aged 18 years or older must apply to the Department of Home Affairs for the retention of their citizenship.
How can I get citizenship in Lesotho?
BY NATURALIZATION: Lesothan citizenship is acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions: Person is at least age 21, has resided in Lesotho for five years after October 3, 1966, has renounced previous citizenship, knows the language, is of good character and mental capacity, takes the oath of allegiance, and …
Which countries allow dual citizenship with South Africa?
If you obtain your South African citizenship through this method, you will gain full residency rights. You will be given a new ID number and your voting rights will not be reinstated. Most countries allow dual nationality. Andorra, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belarus, Botswana.
What qualifies you for dual citizenship?
For example, a child born in a foreign country to U.S. national parents may be both a U.S. national and a national of the country of birth. Or, an individual having one nationality at birth may naturalize at a later date in another country and become a dual national.
How long does it take to get dual citizenship in South Africa?
approximately 6 to 12 months
Processing time is approximately 6 to 12 months.
How do I apply for dual citizenship in South Africa?
REQUIREMENTS
- DHA -175 (application form)
- DHA -529 (applicant form)
- Proof of continuous residence 1 year prior to application.
- RSA Police report valid for six (6) months from the date of issue.
- Police clearance from country or countries of present nationalities.
- Letter confirming acceptance of dual nationality.
Can a South African citizen leave South Africa on a foreign passport?
Applicants should note that In terms of section 26(B) of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995, it is a punishable offence for a South African citizen of 18 years and older to leave or enter South Africa on a foreign passport.
Do South African citizens need a visa for Lesotho?
Visa Requirements for South Africans
No visas are required by South African citizens who visit Lesotho for less than three weeks. If the visit extends beyond three weeks a visa can be obtained (free of charge) from the Lesotho High Commission or at the border post on entering Lesotho.
At what age can I apply for dual citizenship?
at least 18 years old
U.S. Dual Citizenship Application Process
You must be at least 18 years old as at the time of applying. Provide evidence of being legally admitted as a lawful permanent resident.
Can you lose your South African citizenship?
Unless you have been granted retention of citizenship before acquiring citizenship of another country, you will lose your SA citizenship automatically. You may apply to have your South African citizenship reinstated if you are a former citizen by birth or descent and you have returned to South Africa permanently.
What is the disadvantage of dual citizenship?
Drawbacks of being a dual citizen include the potential for double taxation, the long and expensive process for obtaining dual citizenship, and the fact that you become bound by the laws of two nations.
Do I need 2 passports for dual citizenship?
U.S. nationals, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign country to use its passport to enter and leave that country.
Do I need to renounce my South African citizenship?
If you live abroad and want to acquire citizenship there, you may have to renounce your citizenship in South Africa, even though South Africa allows dual or multiple citizenship. It is essential to keep in mind that the renunciation of South African citizenship is a very bold move.
Can I use South African rand in Lesotho?
Lesotho. South African Rand (ZAR) is accepted in Lesotho, however you may receive change in the local Lesotho currency, Maloti (M).
Why is Lesotho not part of SA?
History. The area known as Lesotho is completely surrounded by South Africa. Lesotho (then Basutoland, a British protectorate) was annexed to the Cape Colony in 1871, but became separate again (as a crown colony) in 1884. When the Union of South Africa was formed in 1910, there were moves by the UK to include Lesotho.
What problems can happen with dual citizenship?
Can I travel on 2 passports?
As others have noted, it really is not that complicated to use two different passports. While you have to register a passport with the airline, all the airline is concerned with is that you have a right to enter the country you are flying to – otherwise, they will be stuck with the cost of flying you back.
Does South African citizenship expire?
They automatically retain their South African citizenship for life unless, once they have reached the age of 18 years and they then wish to acquire a further foreign citizenship, they will then have to apply for prior permission to retain their South African citizenship.
Why do banks ask if you have dual citizenship?
Many bank compliance officers feel obligated to ask customers about their country of citizenship, particularly in order to collect federally mandated information aimed at assessing potential risks associated with so-called “nonresident alien accounts.”
Can you travel with 2 passports?
Can You Have Two Passports from Different Countries? Yes, many countries allow their citizens to hold more than one nationality. This means travelers can potentially hold a passport for each country they are a citizen of. Some people are automatically considered dual citizens from birth.
Does dual citizenship expire?
Therefore, if there are any modifications in the laws, the citizens get enough time to take the required action to remain the citizens of the country. Hence, dual citizenship never expires.
Can South Africans buy land in Lesotho?
Under the Land Act of 2010, foreign nationals are permitted to buy and hold land provided they have a local partner with at least 20% ownership. Lesotho has no competition law or overall competition regulator.
Which passport should I use if I have dual citizenship?
U.S. passport
U.S. nationals, including dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. Dual nationals may also be required by the foreign country to use its passport to enter and leave that country.
Can you leave South Africa on a foreign passport?
Essentially, the Amendment Act provides that a South African citizen, who has dual citizenship or nationality, can freely use his or her foreign passport outside South Africa. However, they must use their South African passport to depart from or enter South Africa.