Is South Africa a Commonwealth country?
South Africa was re-admitted to the Commonwealth in 1994, following its first multiracial elections that year. The transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997 ended the territory’s status as a part of the Commonwealth through the United Kingdom.
Can I have a British and South African passport?
It is perfectly legal to have both UK and South African citizenship. … Those over the age of 18 must apply and be granted approval for dual citizenship. If a South African does not apply for permission, they will automatically lose their citizenship,” says Ryan Rennison, managing director of Move Up.
Does being born in South Africa make you a citizen?
You automatically qualify for South African citizenship if: you are born in South Africa and at least one of your parents is a South African citizen or a SA permanent residency permit holder. if you are adopted by a South African citizen.
What is my nationality if I was born in South Africa?
The following persons are South African citizens by birth: Persons born in South Africa before October 6, 1995. Persons born in or out of wedlock on or after October 6, 1995 if one of his or her parents is either a South African citizen or a permanent resident.
What two countries are in South Africa?
Southern Africa, southernmost region of the African continent, comprising the countries of Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
How many countries make up South Africa?
The UN subregion of Southern Africa consists of five countries in the southernmost part of the continent–Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Does South Africa allow dual nationality?
Yes, it is possible for a South African Citizen to hold dual citizenship (be a citizen of more than one country). However, in order to make this possible a South African Citizen aged 18 years or older must apply to the Department of Home Affairs for the retention of their citizenship.
Can a permanent resident get a South African passport?
As a permanent resident, you have most of the rights and responsibilities of a South African citizen. You will not be able to obtain a South African passport nor be able to vote in South African government elections. … After receiving your permanent residence certificate, you are obliged to apply for a SA Identity Card.
Can a South African citizen hold two passports?
Once a person has been granted dual citizenship, the holder must always enter and depart South Africa on their valid South African passport. In essence legislation provides that a South African dual citizen can use his or her foreign passport/citizenship/nationality freely outside South Africa.
Is Home Affairs open during lockdown?
At the beginning of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, certain Home Affairs services were suspended in order to reduce the number of people who visited our offices. … As the lockdown levels were relaxed, we incrementally reinstated services until 01 October 2020 when we went into lockdown Alert Level 1.
Who is the number one citizen of South Africa?
Mandela: The world’s number one citizen.
Who qualifies for SA citizenship?
Citizenship by naturalisation
You can apply for South African citizenship through naturalisation if you have held a permanent residence permit for at least 5 years if you have married a South African, or you are a minor under 21 years with a permanent residence.
What does nationality mean in South Africa?
Expanding on citizenship in South Africa it says it is obtained by birth, descent or naturalisation. The basic principle of the South African citizenship is that a child follows the citizenship or nationality of his or her parents. If one parent is a South African citizen, the child will be a citizen by birth.
What is proof of permanent residence South Africa?
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) issues all successful permanent resident applicants with a PR certificate as proof of their status within South Africa. … This Proof of PR will take 6 to 12 months to process. Instead of a certificate, you’ll receive a letter issued by the DHA to confirm your PR status.
What happens when a South African marries a foreigner?
As a foreigner married to a South African, it negates the need for work permits or business permits to be applied for. … Spousal Permit – For those who obtain a spousal permit, they now hold permanent residency. Permanent residency means the individual is free to work, study or run/own a business.