TANZANIA: WISDOM NEEDED IN DUAL CITIZENSHIP ENDORSEMENT

Debate on dual citizenship is still raging in the Constituent Assembly (CA). It has been reported that most committees have supported the idea of granting "special status" as opposed to dual-citizenship to people of Tanzanian origin who have willingly obtained citizenship in foreign countries.

The second draft constitution compiled by the now defunct Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) proposes special privileges to the ex-citizens to distinguish them with foreigners.

This has, however, been contested by Tanzanians in the Diaspora who have been craving to be granted dual-citizenship. Dual citizenship laws are very stringent, and each country has its own unique set of standards and criteria for granting citizenship to individuals.

This law has often invoked big debates, controversies, and disagreement amongst various governments. The US is known for allowing naturalised citizens to maintain their original nationality, but a former president, Theodore Roosevelt once denounced this law and termed it as "hyphenated Americans".

There are indeed many benefits and disadvantages in allowing dual citizenship. One of the disadvantages include the possibility of increased immigration of outsiders, high crime rates, less employment opportunities for locals, and a general socio-cultural imbalance in the society.

On the other hand, other countries promote dual citizenship as they feel it increases the competency level of their citizens. This opens the doors for free and liberal trade, thereby increasing job opportunities and helping the country to make a global impact. Dual citizenship exists and is very successful in many countries, especially the liberalized economies.

But we are fragile states, to blindly allow dual citizenship not only poses challenges, but it also poses serious threats. There is danger that dual citizenship may threaten the political identity of the country. National security may be threatened if terrorists or similar organisations or their members use dual citizenship as an easy path to cross borders.

Another basic question that arises is, which country will the "dual" citizen be loyal to? People whose loyalties are either divided or elsewhere, may be a threat to the nation's security.

Tanzania has reintroduced mandatory military training through national service. At times of conflict, God forbid, what job should a dual citizen be assigned to?

Such an individual may voluntarily choose to go to the other country, and return when things are better. If such breach of national security is done, then what? Let us tread our ground carefully on this one.

Daily News