While applauding recent improvements in online passport applications, many Cameroonians living abroad have lament over the lingering issue of dual nationality. Despite their significant contributions to the economy through regular remittances and potential investments, they remain caught in a bureaucratic limbo, unrecognized as full citizens due to the absence of formal dual citizenship laws.
“At least the online passport process is smoother now,” acknowledges a Cameroonian residing in the United States, in a recent message to MMI, “but the dual nationality issue still stings. We send money back home every month, supporting families and contributing to the economy. Yet, we aren’t considered full citizens.”
This Cameroonian’s sentiments echo the frustrations of countless others in the diaspora. They yearn for the freedom to travel back and forth without visa hassles, invest in their homeland, and build stronger connections with their families. But murky procedures and concerns about corruption further dampen their enthusiasm.
“Ghana and Senegal,” the anonmymous source points out, “have embraced dual citizenship, and it’s paying off. Their economies are thriving thanks to investments from their diaspora communities who can now move and invest freely. Surely, Cameroon can learn from such models.”
A bill on dual nationality tabled in parliament in 2020 has never been ratified.
Dual citizenship is not allowed in Cameroon. Article 31 of Cameroon’s 1968 National Code stipulates that a Cameroonian of the age of majority who acquires or voluntarily keeps a foreign nationality is subject to the loss of the Cameroon nationality. But Critics of the Biya regime have described this a aquake and descriminatory, calling for reforms.
They argue that the potential benefits of recognizing dual citizenship extend far beyond individual families. A 2019 World Bank report estimates that remittances to Cameroon totaled $562 million, constituting a significant source of foreign income. Granting these “citizen-investors” easier access to invest in businesses, real estate, and infrastructure could create jobs, boost economic growth, and foster development.
However, proponents of the current system raise concerns about potential security risks and dilution of national identity. They argue that a sudden influx of dual citizens could disrupt social and political balances.
Finding a balanced solution requires open dialogue and a nuanced understanding of the complex issues at play. Engaging with the diaspora community, addressing corruption concerns, and establishing clear legal frameworks would be crucial steps towards creating a win-win situation for both the government and its citizens abroad.
As our source concludes, “I hope Cameroonians can also benefit from this very soon.”
The ball is now in the government’s court. Will Cameroon embrace its diaspora and unlock the wealth of potential that lies within, or will it remain locked out, watching as neighbouring countries reap the benefits of a more inclusive approach? The stakes are high, and the choice could not be clearer for a country like Cameroon with an ever-increasing diaspora community.
