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Government engages Diaspora on Citizenship Bill

Storyline:National News

The Interior and Federalism minister, together with AMISOM has started consultative forums with Somali Diaspora on Citizenship Bill which is in its drafting stage.

According to an official statement, the purpose of Diaspora engagement is to address basic elements of the draft Citizenship Bill. It aims to explain, listen to all voices, gather perspectives and get Diaspora feedback on who shall be considered a citizen of Somalia Republic, the ways of acquiring Somali citizenship, how citizenship can be lost, meaning of dual citizenship, rights of the citizens as well as obligations and responsibilities of the citizens. This will give Somali communities in Diaspora the opportunity to participate in the drafting of a citizenship law and would in turn encourage them to have a stake in the country’s development.

Abdirishid Mohamed Hidig, state minister for Interior and Federalism is leading he delegation in Sweden where they are meeting with various Somali communities in that country.

Somalia has an estimated 2 million strong diaspora community around the world, most of whom hold dual citizenship, an issue which the bill seeks to adequately address

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