DOMINICA

CITIZENSHIP: Dominican nationality law is regulated by the 1978 Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica, as amended; the Citizenship Act, and its revisions; and various British Nationality laws. These laws determine who is, or is eligible to be, a national of Dominica. Dominican nationality is typically obtained either on the principle of jus soli, i.e. by birth in Dominica; or under the rules of jus sanguinis, i.e. by birth abroad to parents with Dominican nationality. It can also be granted to persons with an affiliation to the country, or to a permanent resident who has lived in the country for a given period of time through naturalisation. There is also, currently a program in Dominica for acquiring nationality by investment. Nationality establishes one's international identity as a member of a sovereign nation. Though it is not synonymous with citizenship, for rights granted under domestic law for domestic purposes, the United Kingdom, and thus the commonwealth, have traditionally used the words interchangeably.

BY BIRTH: Persons who are born within the territory, except if the parent has diplomatic immunity or is a national of a country at war with Dominica. Persons who are born abroad to at least one parent who was born Dominica; or Persons born upon aircraft or ships registered in Dominica or unregistered aircraft or ships belonging to the government

BY DESCENT: Child born abroad, in wedlock, whose father is a citizen of Barbados. The child must be registered with the nearest Barbadian diplomatic representative. A child born abroad, out of wedlock, whose mother is a citizen of Barbados. The child must be registered with the nearest Barbadian diplomatic representative.

REGISTRATION: Nationality by registration includes those who have familial or historic relationship affiliations with Dominica. It also includes a scheme to acquire nationality through investment. Persons who acquire nationality by registration include, By affiliation:

1. Persons who were the spouse or widow/er of a national who acquired nationality at the time of independence, or would have acquired nationality except for the death of the spouse;

2. Minor persons who were born to a Dominican father, or a father who would have acquired such nationality had he not died prior to independence, upon three years residency and taking an Oath of Allegiance;

3. Post-independence, the spouse of a national who has been married and living with a national of the territory for a minimum of three years, who can speak English and takes an Oath of Allegiance;

4. Persons who are nationals of a Commonwealth nation, who have become residents of Dominica and resided in the territory or worked for the government for at least five years;

5. Persons who would have become a national at independence but were ineligible solely for having had to renounce British citizenship to acquire another nationality;

6. Minors under age eighteen who are legally adopted by a national or would have been eligible to be registered as an adoptee, while a minor, of a national had the parent not died; or

7. Minor children born after acquisition of nationality to those parents who acquired nationality by investment.

BY NATURALIZATION: Ordinary naturalization in Dominica can be obtained by adult persons of legal capacity, who in the 12 months prior to submitting an application resided in the territory, are of good character, and intend to be a resident of Dominica. Applicants petition the Minister responsible for immigration, who considers whether the applicant has adequate knowledge of the English language and Dominican civics; and has resided within the territory, worked for the government, or has combined residency and government service for seven years. Upon approval applicants must take an Oath of Allegiance

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: Recognized since independence by virtue of the Dominica Modification of Enactments Order 1978.

VOLUNTARY LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP: Nationals may voluntarily renounce their affiliation with Dominica, if the declarant is a legal adult and is able to acquire other nationality, eliminating the prospect of statelessness within twelve months, Renunciation may not be accepted if Dominica is in a war with the proposed new source of nationality.

INVOLUNTARY: Denaturalisation may occur if a person obtained nationality through fraud, false representation, or concealment; if they have committed acts of treason; if they have committed acts of disloyalty or service to a foreign government; if they are found guilty of certain criminal offences; if their spouse or parent loses their nationality; and in the case of nationality by investment for failure to meet requirements of the program.