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I am South African but have also got a foreign passport - have I lost my South African citizenship?
South Africans Dual Nationality Information
There is no easy answer to this one as it is dependent upon the method you obtained your second passport by and also whether you sought permission form home affairs prior to applying for dual citizenship.
South African’s can lose their citizenship if they obtain citizenship of another country by a voluntary and formal act, other than marriage. This can be avoided if they apply for and receive permission to retain their South African citizenship prior to obtaining the citizenship of another country.
Since 2004, South African’s who hold dual nationality may travel without difficulty, provided that they enter and leave South Africa on their South African passports. If a South African holding dual nationality, enters or leaves South Africa on any passport other than their South African passport or makes use of the citizenship or nationality of another country while in South Africa to gain an advantage or avoid responsibility or duty, it is deemed an offence and on conviction can be liable for a fine or even imprisonment.
Many South African nationals have since gained another citizenship, often through naturalisation. This is where most of the complications arise.
The best way to check is via a citizenship check.
How do I get professional help?
Intergate Immigration assists 100’s of returning South Africans and their foreign partners each year. Contact Bjorn here, our immigration practitioner who specialises in immigration and home affairs matters for South Africans.
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