Eugene Anangwe among 296 individuals granted Rwandan nationality #rwanda #RwOT

According to an announcement by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, published in the Official Gazette on November 7, individuals from various countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Guinea, Niger, Eritrea, Namibia, Madagascar, and Rwanda (for those whose parents are not originally Rwandan), were granted Rwandan nationality.

The list also includes individuals from the UK, France, the United States, India, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, South Korea, Germany, Canada, Russia, Poland, Pakistan, Ecuador, the Philippines, Italy, Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, and Iraq.

The Organic Law N° 002/2021.OL of 16/07/2021 governing Rwandan nationality identifies two main categories for nationality: by origin and by acquisition.

Rwandan nationality by origin is granted to individuals born to at least one Rwandan parent with ancestral nationality, meaning the parent is a Rwandan by origin and not by acquisition.

To apply for nationality by origin, applicants are required to present one of the following documents; testimony by the applicant or by at least one person and corroborated by evidence, a relative who has Rwandan nationality by origin, or any other proof demonstrating his or her Rwandan origin.

Nationality by acquisition, on the other hand, includes several pathways: birth on Rwandan territory, marriage to a Rwandan national, substantial and sustainable investments, special skills, and statelessness.

For instance, those born on Rwandan soil or married to a Rwandan citizen for at least five years are eligible to apply.

Individuals who contribute significant investments, possess unique skills needed by Rwanda, or are stateless may also qualify, provided they demonstrate good conduct and do not pose security risks.