A list of 296 people – including popular Kenyan journalist Eugene Kenneth Anangwe – who were granted Rwandan nationality was published in the Official Gazette on November 7. According to a related announcement by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, the Rwandan nationality recipients were born in different countries including those from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. ALSO READ: Over 290 people granted Rwandan nationality The power to grant Rwandan nationality by acquisition on grounds of honour is vested in the President of the Republic, while that to grant Rwandan nationality by acquisition is vested in Cabinet, and the power to grant Rwandan nationality by origin is vested in the organ in charge of Rwandan nationality, according to the 2021 organic law governing Rwandan nationality. Nationality by acquisition is any mode of becoming a national; by birth or at any time after birth, automatic or non-automatic, based on attribution, declaration, option or application. Here is what you need to know about what it takes to obtain Rwandan nationality, according to the organic law and a related 2022 ministerial: Common application requirements A person who wants a Rwandan nationality – as part of her application – submits a birth certificate; their personal profile; a copy of residence permit, if the foreigner resides in Rwanda; and proof of payment of an application fee. An applicant must not pose a threat to national security. He or she must be a person of integrity and good conduct. Abandoned infant Granting Rwandan nationality by acquisition to a foundling – an infant without comprehensive information pertaining to the identity of its parents or its origin – is done under four conditions. They include being found on the territory of Rwanda; and being found in an area that is not subject to the sovereignty of any State. Other conditions are: being found on board a Rwandan registered vessel, and being found on board a Rwandan registered aircraft. But the latter provisions only apply where refusal to grant Rwandan nationality by acquisition to the foundling would result in it being stateless. ALSO READ: Over 900 got Rwandan nationality since 2009 Nationality by acquisition on grounds of marriage The law provides that the applicant must be legally married to a Rwandan national; to have been married for at least five years on the date of application; to still live in a marital union with his or her spouse; to be a person of integrity and good conduct; to have knowledge and respect for Rwandan culture and traditions; to have knowledge of civic values; and to demonstrate social integration. Nationality by acquisition on grounds of national interest The law stipulates that conditions include the existence of a national interest in connection with the applicant. According to the 2022 ministerial order, a foreigner who applies for Rwandan nationality on grounds of national interest also submits to the organ in charge a letter from a relevant entity addressed to the organ, describing the national interest that justifies the granting of Rwandan nationality to the applicant. ALSO READ: Why Rwanda amended law on nationality Special skills or talent As regards conditions for applying for Rwandan nationality by acquisition on special skills or talent grounds, the law stipulates that the applicant must possess skills that are needed in Rwanda and there must be a document that a relevant institution addresses to the organ in charge of Rwandan nationality, describing why the applicant’s special skills or talent are needed. As per the 2022 ministerial order, the applicant also has to submit a commitment letter that affirms that the applicant shall use the special skills or talent in the interest of Rwanda. Sustainable investment or activities matter On conditions for applying for Rwandan nationality by acquisition on grounds of substantial and sustainable investment or activities, the law provides that the applicant must have such investments or activities in Rwanda. As per the ministerial order of 2022, the applicant must submit a proof of properties owned; proof of registration as an investor in Rwanda; and proof of sustainable activities in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Getting Rwandan nationality came with a sense of responsibility – Yann Gwet Residence in Rwanda To get this type of nationality, the applicant must to have legally resided and physically lived on the territory of Rwanda for at least 15 years on the date of application, have knowledge and respect for Rwandan culture and traditions, and have knowledge of civic values. The applicant must also demonstrate good social relations within the Rwandan society, have sufficient means, and not pose a threat to national security. Honour For granting Rwandan nationality by acquisition on grounds of honour, conditions are a recognition of one’s distinguished character, recognition of one’s distinguished achievements, and other such other condition as may be determined. Immigrants For an immigrant to get Rwandan nationality, they must have immigrated to Rwanda for social, political or economic reasons, be a descendent of a person who migrated to Rwanda for the same reasons, or have been residing and physically living on the territory of Rwanda at least for 25 years and have lost connection to his or her country of origin. They also need to have knowledge and respect for Rwandan culture and traditions, have knowledge of civic values, demonstrate social integration, and to have sufficient means.
