The legitimacy of dual citizenship is a controversial and widely debatable issue in Ethiopia and globally as well.
Numerous developed countries such as US, UK, Australia, and Switzerland have no restrictions on holding dual nationality, whereas countries such as Singapore, Austria, India, and Saudi Arabia do not recognize dual citizenship, leading to automatic loss of citizenship upon acquiring other. Some countries such as Austria, Spain may still grant dual citizenship upon certain special circumstances.
The first law governing citizenship issues in Ethiopia was passed in 1930 and has not been amended for a long period of time. Ethiopian citizenship law does not permit dual citizenship. In this regard, various questions and issues of concern are raised by Ethiopians, mainly by the Diaspora, regarding the issue of dual citizenship.
Many people agree that the right to have dual citizenship can pave the way for the Ethiopian Diaspora to fully engage and participate in the social, economic and political lives of the country. The Ethiopian Herald has approached experts to entertain their views regarding the issue.
Professor Alemu Teshome, Legal and Justice Affairs Advisory Council Chairperson tells The Ethiopian Herald that the issue of dual citizenship would only be addressed through amendment of the citizenship law and the constitution. As to him, dual citizenship is an exception in several countries. Various countries across the globe adopted single citizenship while some opted to adopt dual citizenship.
Being citizen of two countries, one is expected to pledge allegiance to serve both countries and their respective interests. This might cause conflict of interest, he stresses, and it has to be seen carefully. But as to him, it would not be a problem if dual citizenship is permitted, yet there has to be exceptions. “The issue of dual citizenship is not only a legal issue; it has also to do with national policy.
Personally, I don’t see any problem if the Ethiopian Diaspora are permitted dual citizenship. Samuel Alemu, International Legal and Business Group (ILBSG) President says that as Ethiopia pursues its economic and political objectives, new questions arise as to whether Ethiopian diasporas could contribute to the socioeconomic and political welfare of their homeland. Countries around the world have learned the advantages of engaging diasporas in political, social and more importantly in the economy.
Many nationals who are currently scattered across the globe want to re-establish their powerful ties with the home country by investing in its economic and political projects, he adds. Dual citizenship has its advantages and drawbacks, Ethiopia should consider granting its nationals dual citizenship to recognize their value and empower them to positively influence the sociopolitical and economic situation, he notes.
Apart from possessing rich financial resources, the Diaspora also possess the knowledge and skills brought from abroad and gained through formal education and experience. This knowledge is the most valuable asset that could turn Ethiopia into a successful country, he stresses. The question is whether dual citizenship can mobilize Ethiopian the Diaspora to contribute towards changing their home country and making it a better place for its people, he points out.
But as to Professor Alemu, amending the citizenship laws is difficult without amending the constitution. Currently, Diasporas are obtaining a special Identification Card devised by government to provide certain economic and investment privileges and enable them to enter without visa or residence permission.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
The Ethiopian Herald, December 6/2018
