Duality for unity?

Monday, 28 February 2011 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

THE government has decided that in order for people to obtain dual citizenship the person concerned must make a tangible contribution to the economy. With this in mind they have tightened the process and are evaluating the merits of the applicants on tougher guidelines that are yet to be finalised.

Weekend media reported that the Department of Immigration had decided that the existing dual citizenship scheme had not benefited the country. In some instances, people holding dual citizenship as Sri Lankans had returned to Sri Lanka only to buy properties and avoid paying higher taxes. Foreign nationals are required to pay tax to the value of the property they acquire. It has also come to light that several persons who had left Sri Lanka years ago and sought asylum in foreign countries had become dual Sri Lankan citizens.

The new criteria will ensure that those seeking dual Sri Lankan citizenship make a contribution to the country’s economy. However the exact details as to how officials would ensure this is under discussion. The criteria are likely to be adopted only after it gets a presidential nod. The points of qualification are a delicate matter.

At present, a person seeking dual citizenship in Sri Lanka is required to hold a university degree or at least a two-year diploma. They are required to have a deposit of Rs 2.5 million for over a year in a bank account in Sri Lanka. In the alternative, they are required to adduce proof of wealth including land in Sri Lanka valued at Rs 2.5 million. Holders of Non Resident Foreign Currency (NRFC) accounts with US $ 25,000 also qualify. Another category who are granted dual Sri Lankan citizenship are persons of stature, like for example, the late Arthur C. Clarke. The main applicant, according to the scheme now suspended, is required to pay Rs. 200,000. The spouse and children under 18 years are required to pay Rs. 50,000 each, the report stated. The monetary margins are likely to be increased if the goals of development contributions are to be realised. But the authorities must be careful to ensure that they do not swath the process with too much red tape or too many monetary regulations because there is a sentimental side to wanting to be a dual citizen as well. People might feel unwelcomed by a process that is too strict or too focused on money, plus not all who wish to be Sri Lanka citizens are affluent, and this should not only be a privilege afforded to the rich.

Development is important but it does not come solely from money. It can come from a professional who might wish to make a contribution with his knowledge, a volunteer or someone who wants to start a charity programme. Perhaps these people do not have the millions that the government might wish for but if their intention is to help the people it can be done in numerous ways. Shutting the door on them would lose the country a chance to gain from different ideas, services and knowledge.

Therefore it is important for the government to understand the multitude of ways that people can contribute and keep an open mind when processing applications. Touching base with their country of origin should not be based on forking out cash. Rendering assistance to Sri Lanka can be done emotionally as well as monetarily. It is motivating them to do so that will be the challenge.