What are rules around dual nationality letters granted to South africans who applied for example for UK or American citizenship and have the appropriate letters from home affairs allowing for retention of south african citizenship , how frequently must the person visit south africa to keep citizenship active to keep SA ID and passport ?


South Africa`s regulations regarding dual citizenship and the maintenance of citizenship, ID, and passports are governed by the South African Citizenship Act (1995) and related policies. Below is a detailed breakdown of the rules and requirements:1. Dual Citizenship Permission Legal Basis: Under Section 6(2) of the Citizenship Act, South Africans must apply for permission to retain their citizenship before acquiring another nationality. Failure to do so results in automatic loss of SA citizenship. Retention Letter: Those who obtain foreign citizenship (e.g., UK or U.S.) with prior approval from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) receive a `Letter of Retention of Citizenship`, confirming their dual citizenship status.2. Maintaining Citizenship No Residency or Visit Requirements: There is no legal requirement for dual citizens to visit South Africa periodically to retain citizenship. Once citizenship is legally retained via the DHA letter, it remains valid indefinitely, unless: Citizenship is voluntarily renounced. It is revoked due to fraud, serving in a foreign military hostile to SA, or other exceptional circumstances (rare and specified in law).3. South African ID (Identity Document Validity: The SA ID (green barcoded ID book or smart ID card) does not expire. However, updates may be needed for changes (e.g., address, marital status) or if the ID is lost/damaged. Renewal/Updates: Updates can typically be done at SA embassies/consulates abroad. No need to visit SA unless specific biometric updates (e.g., fingerprints) are required, which may necessitate in-person visits.4. South African Passport Validity: Passports for adults are valid for 10 years. Minors  passports expire after 5 years. Renewal: Can be renewed at any SA embassy/consulate abroad. No requirement to visit SA for renewal, but applicants must submit forms, photos, fees, and the expired passport. Critical Note: Dual citizens must use their SA passport to enter/exit South Africa (per Immigration Act regulations).5. Practical Considerations Avoiding Passport Expiry: While citizenship isnt lost if a passport expires, renewing it ensures ease of travel and access to consular services. Tax and Voting Implications: Residency for tax purposes (not citizenship) may require declarations to SARS. Voting in national elections requires registration in SA, but no residency mandate exists beyond registration. Summary of Key Points Citizenship: No need to visit SA to retain citizenship if dual nationality was approved. ID: No expiration, but updates may require embassy visits. Passport: Renew every 10 years via embassies; use SA passport for entry/exit.