UDF MP presses for dual citizenship

Malawi could develop if it accepts dual citizenship legislation, a United Democratic Front (UDF) lawmaker has said.

Mangochi South Member of Parliament, Lilian Patel argues that if Malawians that are doing well outside the country are allowed ownership of property in Malawi, they could help in the development of this nation.

She says ‘’ With this legislation, Malawians in Diaspora will allowed to own properties here. This could help this nation to develop’. But at the moment, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Samuel Tembenu has disclosed that his Ministry is still working on the paper.

“We should be able to finish work on that one and come up with legislation that addresses that aspect,”.

On why the country lacks dual citizenship legislation, the dual citizineship blog writes ‘The citizenship laws that were enacted in the 1960s served specific functions like that of nation building. When Malawi became an independent nation in 1964, it took a specific, calculated stand on Dual Citizenship.’ This was based on a need and desire to exercise its sovereignty as a newly independent state and post-colonial nation. The Malawian lawmakers that had to decide on Dual Citizenship in 1964 made this decision based on the environment and political economy of that time.

‘’This was an integral part of Malawi’s nation building initiative that worked to make Malawi competitive as a new united nation, free from colonial rule. Although this law did help to build the nation, it was also problematic.’’ The post reads.