The Zambian High Commission has issued detailed guidelines outlining the procedure for Zambians and their children seeking to obtain or formalise dual citizenship, providing clarity on application requirements, fees and supporting documentation.
Dual citizenship, which allows an individual to hold Zambian nationality alongside that of another country, has become increasingly relevant for members of the diaspora, particularly those residing in South Africa.
The Commission says applicants must follow a structured process to ensure their applications are approved by the Citizenship Board in Lusaka.
According to the guidelines, individuals wishing to bestow or confirm their Zambian citizenship must first complete the prescribed Bestowal of Citizenship Application Form, known as Form VII. The completed form, together with supporting documents, must be submitted to the Mission.
Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of 350 rand at the time of submission. The Mission will then forward the duly completed application to the Passport Office in Lusaka for consideration by the Citizenship Board.
Once the Board grants approval, letters confirming the decision will be sent back to the Mission. Successful applicants will then be invited to take an Oath of Allegiance and pay a further fee of 5,500 rand for the issuance of the Certificate of Bestowal.
The signed oath and proof of payment are subsequently forwarded to the Passport Office in Lusaka, which processes and issues the certificate. The document is then returned to the Mission for collection by the applicant.
The Commission has also clarified provisions affecting children of Zambian parentage. For children below the age of 18 who hold South African citizenship, eligibility to apply for a Zambian passport depends on parental nationality at the time of the child’s birth.
If either one or both parents were Zambian citizens at the time, the child qualifies to apply for a Zambian passport without first undergoing the full registration process required of adults.
However, for children above the age of 18 who hold South African citizenship, the process differs. They are required to apply for Zambian registration before they can proceed with other citizenship documentation. This ensures that adult applicants meet the legal requirements governing nationality status.
In addition to completing the relevant forms and paying prescribed fees, applicants must attach a comprehensive set of supporting documents.
These include copies of the National Registration Card, a Zambian passport where available, and the current foreign passport. Where applicable, a renunciation certificate confirming the applicant’s renunciation of a previous citizenship must also be submitted.
Other required documents include parents’ National Registration Card copies where available, a birth certificate copy, four passport sized photographs and fingerprint clearance obtained from the police.
Proof of payment of the 350 rand application fee, deposited into the Zambia High Commission account, must also accompany the application.
The guidelines are intended to streamline the process and reduce delays caused by incomplete submissions. Officials at the Mission have urged applicants to ensure that all required documents are attached before forwarding applications for processing in Lusaka.
Since Zambia amended its citizenship laws to permit dual nationality, many Zambians living abroad have sought to regularise their status.
The move has been widely viewed as a progressive step aimed at strengthening ties between Zambia and its diaspora community, enabling citizens abroad to maintain legal links with their country of origin while fully participating in the civic and economic life of their country of residence.
Dual citizenship carries both rights and responsibilities. Successful applicants are expected to uphold the laws of Zambia and demonstrate allegiance through the formal oath process.
The Certificate of Bestowal serves as official confirmation of Zambian nationality and can be used to obtain a Zambian passport and other national documentation.
The High Commission has encouraged prospective applicants to consult directly with the Mission for any clarifications before submitting documentation.
By adhering to the outlined procedures, applicants can help ensure smoother processing and timely feedback from authorities in Lusaka.
As cross border mobility increases and families continue to build lives across nations, the clarification of dual citizenship procedures is expected to assist many Zambians in South Africa seeking to secure their legal status while preserving their national identity.
Picture: Zambia High Commission-Pretoria