The State of Qatar is still granting citizenship to Bahrainis, thus failing to abide by its previous commitments to stop the operations of naturalisation, Interior Ministry Undersecretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs today said.
In a statement today, NPRA Undersecretary underscored the importance for citizens to protect their legal rights, stressing Bahrain’s determination to enforce the law.
The statement was in response to the case of Salah Mohammed Al-Jalahma who was questioned by the Public Prosecution for obtaining Qatari citizenship and illegally giving up his Bahraini nationality.
Al Jalahma was released after he submitted a written apology, in which he vowed to correct his legal status to comply with the Nationality Law.
"Obtaining the nationality of another country would require a pre-approval from the Minister of Interior", he said, adding that concerned citizens would remain Bahraini nationals even if granted pre-approval or permission.
The NPRA Undersecretary pointed out that any revocation of Bahraini citizenship would only be made through the tools specified by the law.
He called upon concerned citizens to regulate their legal situation, warning that any violation of the law on citizens would incur legal penalties.
He pointed out that concerned citizens who fail to secure prior approval or permission from the Interior Minister or those who fail to regulate their legal situation within the fixed deadline would be sued by the law.
"The issue of national citizenship is a cornerstone of Bahrain’s sovereignty", he said, stressing Bahrain’s inalienable right to take necessary legal and administrative measures in this regard.