HC Deb 04 December 1972 vol 847 c304W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many holders of British passports in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Singapore, respectively, are known to hold other passports.

Mr. Kershaw

This information is not on record, nor available.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the Kenyan Government law which necessitates a British citizen foresaking his British passport on adopting Kenyan citizenship, certain British-born and former British-domiciled persons now living in Kenya are maintaining their British passports in addition to claiming Kenyan citizenship; whether these persons are entitled to renew British citizenship and residence; and on what basis.

Lord Balniel

No. Any former citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies who has renounced that citizenship in order to acquire or retain a citizenship of Kenya is not eligible to hold a United Kingdom passport. If he has not renounced this citizenship he does not under Kenyan law remain a citizen of Kenya. Under the British Nationality Act 1964 any former citizen who has a specified connection with the United Kingdom has an entitlement to reacquire citizenship of the United Kingdom and Colonies. Upon registration as citizens they acquire the right of abode here. Any Commonwealth citizen who was born in the United Kingdom has an unrestricted right of abode here. From 1st January this right will be extended to any Commonwealth citizen who had a parent born here.