Breytenbachs have good news for our South African clients abroad who might have unknowingly lost their SA citizenship.
After a court battle of five years, the Democratic Alliance (DA) achieved a court victory in the SA Supreme Court of Appeal. The court struck down a loss of citizenship law. South Africans who unknowingly lost their SA citizenship will in future be able to regain their SA Citizenship.
We understand that the DA will now apply for Constitutional Court confirmation of the ruling. We also believe that this ruling must first be enacted before it will takes effect.
Breytenbachs Recommendation on Lost SA Citizenship
Breytenbachs still strongly recommend that clients protect their SA citizenship. Until further notice, we recommend that clients still apply to retain their SA citizenship before applying for a second one.
In the meantime, please keep the following in mind. South Africans are allowed to hold more than two nationalities. It is, however, crucial that persons protect their South African citizenship before taking on any other nationality through naturalisation. Should you fail to do so, you will automatically lose your South African citizenship.
We will update clients as more information becomes available in this regard.
Please contact your Breytenbachs consultant for more information on lost SA citizenship.