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Resumption of South African citizenship
[Lost before 6 October 1995]
Section 26(4) of the Citizenship legislation, effected on 6 October 1995 (Act 88 of 1995), provides for retrospective resumption of South African citizenship to ex South African citizens who lost their South African citizenship before 6 October 1995 on acquiring the citizenship of another country by a formal or voluntary act.
Processing time is approximately 6 to 12 months.
Requirements
- Application for Exemption in Regard to the Loss of South African Citizenship
(Form BI-1666). - Determination of your Current Status (Form BI-529).
- Original or certified copy of your present citizenship certificate.
- Copies of the following:
- Current/ Expired RSA passport
- RSA identity document
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate, where applicable
- Non-refundable fee of AUD 26.00 AUD each for the Resumption Certificates.
Payment must be in Australian Dollars (AUD) made out to the "South African High Commission" by way of Postal Money Order or Bank Cheque.
Personal cheques or credit cards are NOT accepted. Incorrect payment will not be accepted; in case of incorrect payment the cheque or postal money order will be returned to applicant.
Return Postage:
- For applications originating from within Australia - a Self-addressed Express or Registered Post Envelope (only one envelope per family).
Postal Address:
South African High Commission
State Circle
Yarralumla
ACT
2600
In terms of the South African Citizenship Amendment Act of 2004 (Act 17 of 2004) which came into effect on 15 September 2004, it is now an offence for a South African citizen to enter or depart the Republic of South Africa making use of the passport of another country. Furthermore, it will also be an offence for such a citizen, while in the Republic of South Africa, to use his or her foreign citizenship or nationality to gain an advantage or to avoid a responsibility or duty.
The Act provides that a South African dual citizen can freely use his or her foreign passport / citizenship / nationality outside South Africa. However, they must use their South African passport to enter or depart from South Africa.
Once you have been granted this exemption, you will need to obtain a new Identity Document and South African passport.
For further information, please contact this Mission between 08:30 am and 12:00 pm Eastern Australian Time (AEST), Monday to Friday.
