DEFINITION

An application for exemption from loss of RSA citizenship is made by all applicants who acquired foreign citizenship before October 05, 1995.  The applicants in question are allowed to reinstate the loss of their RSA citizenship retrospectively.  For instance: An applicant who acquired UK nationality on December 01, 1992 would have automatically lost his or her RSA citizenship.  However, in terms of the Section 26(4) of SA Citizenship Act of 1995 such an applicant will reinstate his or her citizenship retrospectively.  Upon approval it would have been as if the client had remained a South African Citizen when he/she acquired foreign citizenship.

REQUIREMENTS

• Completed BI 1666 form;
• Completed BI 529 form.  All South African Citizens who are abroad at the time of lodging a passport application form must fully complete this form. The purpose of the form is to establish that as a South African Citizen you have not lost your Citizenship.  PLEASE MARK N/A TO QUESTIONS THAT ARE INAPLICABLE.  It is worth noting that questions 9 – 11 MUST be answered;
• Certified photo page of the passport.  Applicants who will be applying in person will be assisted by the Consular staff with the certification of their document;
• Certified copy of naturalization certificate.  Applicants who will be applying in person will be assisted by the Consular staff with the certification of their document;
• Self addressed special delivery post;
• Processing fee of GBP 10.  Payment must be in the form of postal order payable to SA High Commission;

TURN AROUND TIME

• 15 Working Days