Exploring Dual Citizenship Possibilities In Brunei

Brunei, officially known as Brunei Darussalam, is a small absolute monarchy in Southeast Asia with one of the world's highest standards of living, thanks to its sizable oil and gas deposits. While the country gained independence in 1984, it has the world's oldest reigning monarchy, with the current sultan, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, being the 29th ruler in a family line that dates back over 600 years. The country has strict laws concerning citizenship, which do not recognize dual citizenship. However, there is an exception for children born abroad to Bruneian parents, who can hold dual citizenship until the age of majority (18), after which they must choose one citizenship to retain.

Brunei does not recognise dual citizenship

There is an exception to the rule for children. A child born abroad to Bruneian parents can hold dual citizenship until they reach the age of majority (18), at which point they must choose which citizenship to retain.

If you are a dual citizen and intend to travel to Brunei, it is important to be cautious. Some people switch passports when transiting in another country. For example, you could check in at a foreign country with your Bruneian passport, but when you arrive at immigration, show your foreign passport. Then, when you arrive in Brunei, you would show your Bruneian passport at immigration. However, this approach may be risky as it is unclear whether the Bruneian immigration authorities can easily associate your foreign passport with your Bruneian passport.

The laws concerning citizenship in Brunei were created to be in accordance with general Islamic law. Obtaining Bruneian citizenship can be difficult. To become a citizen of Brunei, you must meet the conditions set out in the Bruneian Citizenship Act 1961. This includes being fluent in Malay, passing Malay language board exams, being of good character, and taking a military oath.

Exception: Children of Bruneian parents born abroad can hold dual citizenship until they are 18

Brunei does not recognise dual citizenship. However, there is an exception for children of Bruneian parents born outside of the country. In this case, dual citizenship is permitted until the child reaches the age of majority, which is 18. At this point, the individual must choose which citizenship to retain.

This exception is outlined in the country's citizenship laws, which were created in accordance with general Islamic law. While Brunei gained full sovereignty in 1984, the laws regarding citizenship were established earlier, while the country was still a British protectorate. The primary law relating to citizenship is the Nationality Act of 1962, which was later amended in 1984 and 2002.

The exception for children of Bruneian parents born abroad recognises that these individuals may automatically acquire the citizenship of their birth country. As such, they are permitted to hold dual citizenship until they reach the age of majority. This provision allows these individuals time to decide which citizenship they wish to retain as adults.

It is important to note that this exception is specific to children of Bruneian parents born outside of the country. Other individuals who acquire foreign citizenship will lose their Bruneian citizenship. Additionally, individuals with dual citizenship due to this exception should be mindful of the potential implications when travelling to and from Brunei. It is generally advisable to enter and exit the country using the same passport to avoid potential issues or complications.

Upon turning 18, the person must choose one citizenship

Brunei does not recognise dual citizenship. The only exception to this rule is for children born outside of Brunei to Bruneian parents. In this instance, dual citizenship is permitted until the child reaches the age of majority (18), at which point they must choose one citizenship.

Upon turning 18, a person with dual citizenship in Brunei must choose one citizenship. This is because, under Bruneian law, dual citizenship is only recognised for minors. This means that anyone with dual citizenship in Brunei must ultimately decide which country they want to be a citizen of as an adult.

The decision to choose one citizenship over the other can be complex and depend on various factors. For example, the person's ties to each country, their future plans, and the benefits and drawbacks of each citizenship may all play a role in the decision-making process.

It is important to note that the process of renouncing citizenship can be formal and may require contacting the appropriate embassy. Additionally, losing Bruneian citizenship by acquiring a foreign one is involuntary, whereas renouncing citizenship is considered voluntary.

The benefits of Bruneian citizenship include the right to enlist in the armed forces, buy and own property, enjoy fully subsidised healthcare and tertiary education, and hold a Bruneian passport. On the other hand, some drawbacks of Bruneian citizenship include the country's strict laws and limited personal freedoms, particularly for women and the LGBTQI+ community.

Dual nationals are advised to enter Brunei using the passport they exited their last country of departure with

Brunei does not recognise dual citizenship. The only exception to this rule is for children born abroad to Bruneian parents, who can hold dual citizenship until the age of 18, at which point they must choose which citizenship to retain.

If you are a dual national, it is advisable to enter Brunei using the passport you exited your last country of departure with. This is because your nationality will be deemed to be as shown on the passport you used to enter the country, which may affect the consular assistance you receive while in Brunei.

For example, if you are a dual national of Brunei and Australia, and you exited Australia using your Australian passport, you should enter Brunei using your Australian passport. This is because, if you were to enter Brunei using your Bruneian passport, you would not have an Australian visa, and therefore, no proof of legal entry into Australia.

It is also important to note that, if you are found to be holding two passports of different nationalities, you may be refused entry into Brunei.

To avoid any issues, it is recommended that dual nationals follow the above advice and enter Brunei using the passport they exited their last country of departure with. This will ensure that their travel documents are in order and help to avoid any potential complications.

Dual nationals will be deemed the nationality shown on the passport they used to enter Brunei

Brunei does not recognise dual citizenship. The only exception to this rule is for children born abroad to Bruneian parents, who can hold dual citizenship until the age of 18, after which they must choose one citizenship to retain.

If you are a dual national, it is advisable to enter Brunei using the same passport with which you exited your previous country. While in Brunei, your nationality will be deemed to be that shown on the passport you used to enter the country. This may affect the consular assistance you receive while in Brunei.

If you are found to be holding two passports of different nationalities, you may be refused entry to Brunei. If you are a dual national, it is important to only carry one passport with you when in Brunei.

Some people with dual citizenship choose to switch passports when transiting in another country. For example, when flying from Brunei to Australia, they may produce their Australian passport at the check-in counter to show they are legally allowed to enter Australia. However, this could be risky as RB (the national airline) may ask which passport they used to enter Brunei, especially if there is no Bruneian visa in their Australian passport.

It is unclear whether Bruneian immigration has a way to easily associate a foreign passport with a Bruneian passport. However, some people suspect that RB, as a national airline, may try to find out and secretly notify the authorities.

Frequently asked questions