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Dual citizenship back after 4 years
View(s):Those who wish to apply for dual citizenship would be able to do so once again from tomorrow on a new criterion, Public Order Minister John Amaratunga said yesterday. The facility was suspended four years ago
“More than 300 people had applied under the previous regulations and paid the required fees. Their applications too would be assessed along with the new applicants,” the Minister told the Sunday Times.
The fee for an adult applicant has been brought down to Rs. 250,000 from the previous Rs. 500, 000 while those under 22 years would be charged Rs. 50,000. A new eligibility criterion which would include required qualifications and remittance would be announced tomorrow, Mr. Amaratunga said adding that these requirements and the restructured application form would be available on the official website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Amended laws pertaining to land ownership by dual citizens would also be announced tomorrow the minister said.
The previous government that suspended the awarding of dual citizenships in February 2011, announced in December last year that the process would recommence under new regulations. After the change of government the proposed scheme including the fees was revised several times before it was approved by the cabinet, the minister said.
The minister said however that around 2000 holders of dual citizenship were being investigated for various fraudulent practices and if found guilty their citizenship would be revoked.
Minister Ravi Karunanayake commenting on the reintroduction of the facility said many skilled and qualified people who left the country during the previous regime could now return.
“The country could earn revenue through this,” the minister said.