New administrative procedures for granting dual citizenship

Minister of Public Order, Disaster Management and Christian Affairs John Amaratunga ata  media briefing today  said the new administrative procedure for the granting of dual citizenships will be reintroduced from today. The granting of Dual Citizenship has been reintroduced following a Cabinet decision to grant the Dual Citizenship which had been temporarily suspended during the end of 2011. Formerly the process was to grant a five year Permanent Residency Visa and thereafter grant the Dual Citizenship but upon request from expatriate Sri Lankans from the President, the government has decided to grant the Dual Citizenship straightaway.   Citizens of the following countries could apply for dual citizenship United Kingdom Canada USA Australia New Zealand Italy Sweden Switzerland France   Among the eligibility criteria include - applicants who have fixed deposits of Rs 2.5million or above for a period of three years in any of the Commercial Banks approved by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, an applicant who has invested  USD 25,000/- or above for a 3 year period under the NRFC/RFCSFIDA accounts, in any of the Commerical Banks approved by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka, an applicant who has invested USD 25000 above for 3 years under treasury bonds or security investment accounts (SIA) - are some of the eligibility criteria The main applicant fee is to be Rs 250,000, a spousal applicant would be Rs 50,000 and unmarried children below 22 years would be Rs 50,000 according to a statement released today by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.