New citizenship law: Pakistan expands dual nationality to 22 additional countries

Dubai: Pakistan has officially established new dual citizenship agreements with 22 countries under the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024, according to media reports.

This landmark decision will allow overseas Pakistanis to maintain their Pakistani nationality even after obtaining citizenship in these designated nations.

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Interior has approved this significant bill, which aims to resolve the long-standing challenges faced by Pakistanis residing abroad who were previously required to renounce their Pakistani citizenship when acquiring citizenship in countries without such dual nationality arrangements.

The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, a sub-department of the Ministry of Interior, has confirmed, as per news reports, that Pakistani citizens who become citizens of these 22 countries will no longer need to give up their Pakistani nationality.

"The Law Ministry stated, as per media reports, 'We are introducing amendments to restore Pakistani citizenship for those who had to give it up after acquiring foreign nationalities.'"

Addressing long-standing issue

Chaired by Khurram Nawaz, the committee was informed that the amendment addresses a long-standing issue affecting many overseas Pakistanis.

Previously, dual nationality arrangements were limited to a handful of countries, creating legal complications for Pakistanis seeking citizenship elsewhere.

The Ministry of Law clarified that many countries require proof of renunciation before granting new citizenship, and the amendment aims to resolve these hurdles for affected individuals.

Countries included under the new law

Director General of Passports and Immigration Mustafa Jamal Qazi confirmed that formal dual nationality agreements are now in place with countries across Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Oceania.

The 22 countries now included are:

• United Kingdom

• United States

• Canada

• Australia

• France

• Italy

• Belgium

• Iceland

• New Zealand

• Finland

• Egypt

• Jordan

• Syria

• Switzerland

• Netherlands

• Sweden

• Ireland

• Bahrain

• Denmark

• Germany

• Norway

• Luxembourg

The UK, US, Canada, and Australia were already part of existing dual nationality agreements with Pakistan, while the others represent new additions.

More agreements in progress

According to the reports, Pakistan has also initiated work toward a similar dual citizenship arrangement with Turkey. A draft proposal is under review by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior following Turkiye’s suggestion for mutual dual citizenship rights.

Chairman Khurram Nawaz welcomed the move, stating that overseas Pakistanis should not be forced to choose between their homeland and their adopted country.