South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995
The South African Citizenship Act defines the categories of South African citizenship, the requirements for acquisition, and the conditions for loss of citizenship. Enacted in 1995, it provides for citizenship by birth, descent, naturalization, and resumption, and addresses dual citizenship.
Legal area: Law governing the entry, residence, and status of foreign nationals.
Year enacted: 1995
Full text: https://www.gov.za/documents/south-africa-south-african-citizenship-act-88-of-1995
Key Provisions
- Section 2: South African citizenship by birth at the date of the Constitution
- Section 3: Citizenship by descent from a South African citizen parent
- Section 4: Citizenship by naturalization
- Section 6: Loss of citizenship including voluntary acquisition of another citizenship
- Section 7: Resumption of citizenship
- Section 13: Certificate of citizenship
Significance
The South African Citizenship Act defines the legal relationship between South African citizens and the state. The Act’s provisions on loss of citizenship through voluntary acquisition of another citizenship have been subject to judicial interpretation.