Syrian nationality law

Syrian Citizenship Act
Parliament of Syria
An Act relating to Syrian citizenship
Enacted by Government of Syria
Status: Current legislation

Syrian nationality law is the law governing the acquisition, transmission and loss of Syrian citizenship. Syrian citizenship is the status of being a citizen of the Republic of Syria and it can be obtained by birth or naturalisation. The Syrian nationality is transmitted by paternity (father) (see Jus sanguinis).[1] Therefore, Syrian nationality is determined solely by the father's nationality, while the place of birth is irrelevant. In other words, birthright citizenship is not recognized since being born in Syria does not grant an automatic right to become a national. In most cases, individuals are deemed to be Syrian nationals regardless of whether they are born inside or outside Syria as long as their father holds Syrian nationality.[2][3][4]

Syrian women cannot pass on their nationality to their children. If a Syrian woman marries a foreign husband, their children will have no claim to being Syrian nationals even if they were born and raised in Syria. The legal ramifications are that these persons face a number of obstacles, one of which is their inability to work in the public sector. It is also harder and more restrictive for foreigners to own real estate in Syria.

While Syrian nationality is mainly derived from one’s father, it is not the only feature of the Nationality Law. In addition to having a Syrian father, there are other instances whereby persons are deemed to be Syrian nationals. Such exceptions include when persons are born in Syria to a Syrian mother but are unable to determine who their father is; when they are born in Syria to unknown parents, or parents with an unknown nationality or who do not in fact possess a nationality; when they are born in Syria and were not at the time of their birth entitled to acquire a foreign nationality from their parents; and when they have Syrian origins but have not acquired another nationality.

The Nationality Law is also distinct in that it does not give Syrians the right to unilaterally abandon their Syrian nationality. Syrians may be permitted to forfeit it if they acquire a foreign nationality but only after obtaining the consent of the government. Furthermore, the state reserves the right to revoke a person’s Syrian nationality under certain justifiable circumstances, such as those involving matters of national security.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.syrianlawjournal.com/
  2. ↑ http://www.syrianlawjournal.com/index.php/main-legislation/nationality-law/#l18-1
  3. ↑ http://www.syrianlawjournal.com/index.php/right-syrian-nationality/
  4. ↑ http://syrianembassy.org.au/forms/english_forms/Dual_Citizenship_en.pdf
  5. ↑ http://www.multiplecitizenship.com/wscl/ws_SYRIA.html
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