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Tanzania/Nicaragua: Possibility of holding dual Nicaraguan and Tanzanian citizenship

According to a representative of the High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania in Ottawa, dual citizenship is not allowed for Tanzanian citizens; the individual, whether a citizen by naturalisation or birth, would be forced to renounce foreign citizenship or else lose Tanzanian citizenship (5 Feb. 2002).

According to the consular affairs officer of the Embassy of Nicaragua in Washington, Nicaragua now recognizes dual citizenship (6 Feb. 2002). Nicaragua partially amended its Constitution to allow for dual citizenship on 19 January 2000 by enacting Law 330 (Inter-American Commission on Human Rights 5 Mar. 2001). Article 20 of Law 330 stipulates that: "No national may be deprived of his nationality. Nicaraguan nationality shall not be lost upon acquisition of another nationality" (ibid.). Prior to this amendment, Nicaraguan citizenship was regulated by Article 21 of the Constitution of 1974, which stated that: "Nicaraguan nationality is lost: (1) By voluntary naturalization in a foreign country that is not a nation of Central America. Natural citizens of Nicaragua who thus lose their Nicaraguan nationality shall recuperate the same if at any time they return to Nicaragua" (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Embassy of Nicaragua, Washington. 6 February 2002. Telephone interview with the consular affairs officer.

High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania, Ottawa. 5 February 2002. Telephone interview with a representative.

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. 5 March 2001. Report No.25/01: Case 12.144 Alvaro José Robelo González, Nicaragua. <http://www.cidh.oas.org/annualrep/2000eng/ChapterIII/Inadmissible/Nicaragua12.144.htm> [Accessed 6 Feb. 2002]

Additional Sources Consulted

Internet sites including:

Defense Security Service