Somalia: Information on the acquisition of Somali nationality by ethnic Somalis born in Kenya
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 March 1991 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | SOM8202 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Somalia: Information on the acquisition of Somali nationality by ethnic Somalis born in Kenya, 1 March 1991, SOM8202, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6abce50.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to the Encyclopedia of the Third World, ethnic Somalis in Kenya constitute about 2.3 per cent of the country's total population (Encyclopedia of the Third World, 1987, 1036 see attached).
According to Somali Citizenship Law, Somali nationality may be acquired by "operation of law" or by "grant" ("Citizenship" in Legal System of Somalia, 301). Somali nationality by operation of law may be acquired by any person:
a) whose father is a Somali national;
b) who lives "beyond the boundaries of the Republic [of Somalia] but belonging by origin, language, or tradition to the Somali nation" and is willing to formally renounce "any foreign citizenship or status as subject of a foreign country" (Ibid., 302).
The Somali Citizenship Law allows for the acquisition of Somali nationality by grant through the establishment of a residence in the territory of the Somali Republic for a period of seven years, good civil and moral conduct and a declaration that the person concerned is willing to renounce any status as citizen or subject of a foreign country ("Citizenship" in Legal System of Somalia, 303 ). According to the Citizenship Law, "the granting of citizenship is made by decree of the President of the Supreme Revolutionary Council, on the proposal of the Secretary of State for Interior" (Ibid.).
Enclosed please find a copy of the Somali Citizenship Law.
Additional information on the subject is currently unavailable to the IRBDC.
Attachments
Encyclopedia of the Third World. 1987. Vol. 2. New York: Facts on File, Inc.; 1033-1037.
"Citizenship" in Legal System of Somalia; 301-306.