Bahamian Citizenship

Bahamian Citizenship

By Valicia Rolle

​Understanding the criteria for automatic citizenship, as well as eligibility to apply for Bahamian citizenship.

1. ​Outline the criteria for citizenship in The Bahamas

2. Recall what the constitution has put in place for citizenship ​

3. Argue the rights of women and citizenship ​

Objectives

Quick Recap!​

Citizenship defined: A citizen is a person who is a member of a particular country and who has rights because of being born there or because of being given rights, or a person who lives in a particular town or city.

​New term

Naturalization: the admittance of a foreigner to the citizenship of a country.​

What does our constitution say about citizenship?

​Summary of the Constitution

Every person born in the former colony of the Bahamas before July 9, 1973 , and is a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies shall become a citizen of the Bahamas on 10th July 1973.

Every person who, having been born outside the former Colony of the Bahamas Islands, is on 9th July 1973 a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies shall, if his father becomes or would but for his death have become a citizen of The Bahamas, becomes a citizen of The Bahamas on 10th July 1973.

​Every person born in The Bahamas after 9th July 1973 shall become a citizen of The Bahamas at the date of his birth if at that date either of his parents is a citizen of The Bahamas.

A person born in The Bahamas after 9th July 1973 neither of whose parents is a citizen of The Bahamas shall be entitled, upon making application on his attaining the age of eighteen years or within twelve months thereafter in such manner as may be prescribed, to be registered as a citizen of The Bahamas:

Provided that if he is a citizen of some country other than The Bahamas he shall not be entitled to be registered as a citizen of The Bahamas under this Article unless he renounces his citizenship of that other country, takes the oath of allegiance and makes and registers such declaration of his intentions concerning residence as may be prescribed.

​

Multiple Choice

If you were born before July 9, 1973, as a citizen on the Bahamian colony, you become a Bahamian citizen.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

If you're parent was born before July 9, 1973, but has died, and you were born outside of the Bahamas, you cannot become a citizen.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Persons born in the Bahamas after July 9, 1973, with neither parents holding Bahamian citizenship, become automatic citizens.

• True

• False

Eligibility for Citizenship​

Automatic Bahamian citizenship is given to persons who are:

​

• Born in The Bahamas to married parents, with either parents being a Bahamian citizen

• Born to an un-married Bahamian female in or outside of The Bahamas

• Born outside of The Bahamas to a married Bahamian male who was not born outside The Bahamas

• Adopted by a married Bahamian male

• Adopted by a single Bahamian female.

​

Automatic Citizenship

Multiple Select

Automatic Bahamian citizenship is given to persons who are:

• Born in The Bahamas to married parents, with either parents being a Bahamian citizen

• Born outside of The Bahamas to a married Bahamian male who was not born outside The Bahamas

• Adopted by a married Bahamian male

• Adopted by a single Bahamian male

• Adopted by a single Bahamian female.

In order to apply for Bahamian citizenship, persons must be one of the following:

• A legal permanent resident in The Bahamas who has had the legal status for 10 years, including the 12 months immediately preceding the date of application, and who has resided in The Bahamas for a minimum of 6 years preceding the 12 months mentioned above

• A female spouse of a Bahamian citizen

• Born in The Bahamas after 9th July, 1973 to Non-Bahamian parents

• A child (adopted or biological) who has at least one Bahamian parent (Naturalised or otherwise)

• A child born in the Bahamas to non-Bahamian parents

Please note that whilst a male spouse of a Bahamian citizen may not be eligible for natural citizenship, he would be eligible for naturalized citizenship.

​

Applying for Citizenship

Multiple Choice

There is procedures in place for non-Bahamians, both children and adults, to receive citizenship.

• True

• False

Poll

Do you think the Bahamas should allow dual citizenship?

• Yes

• No

• Depends on the countries

• Depends on the citizen